Ecotoxicological Risks in a Brackish Lake Ecosystem During Climate Change Scenarios: A Comprehensive Review on Lake Tudakul

Authors

  • Nasibakhon M. Naraliyeva

    Department of Ecology and Botany, Andijan State University, Andijan City 170100, Uzbekistan
  • Ferah Sayim

    Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Türkiye
  • Esra Ersoy Omeroglu

    Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Türkiye
  • Alperen Ertaş

    Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Türkiye
  • Dilfuza Nurmanova

    Department of Ecology and Botany, Andijan State University, Andijan City 170100, Uzbekistan
  • Nodirbek Sidikjanov

    Department of Ecology and Botany, Andijan State University, Andijan City 170100, Uzbekistan
  • Dilora Nabieva

    Department of Ecology and Botany, Andijan State University, Andijan City 170100, Uzbekistan
  • Tolibjon Madumarov

    Department of Ecology and Botany, Andijan State University, Andijan City 170100, Uzbekistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i4.9875
Received: 5 May 2025 | Revised: 23 May 2025 | Accepted: 12 June 2025 | Published Online: 29 October 2025

Abstract

Climate change and anthropogenic pressures increasingly threaten the ecological integrity of inland water bodies, particularly saline lakes due to their unique hydrological and biological features. This review focuses on Lake Tudakul, one of Uzbekistan’s largest saline lakes and a Ramsar-listed wetland, assessing its vulnerability under future climate scenarios. The study integrates climate scenario modeling (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) with standardized ecotoxicological bioassays—Microtox®, MARA, algal growth inhibition, Lemna minor, and Daphnia magna toxicity tests—to evaluate combined effects of rising temperatures (2.0 °C and 4.5 °C) and chemical pollutants. Results reveal increased biological sensitivity to contaminants under elevated temperatures, suggesting potential synergistic impacts that may disrupt lake ecosystem structure and function. Lake Tudakul, a regional biodiversity hotspot, is exposed to agrochemical runoff, increasing salinity, and microplastic pollution, threatening aquatic organisms and ecological services. The accumulation and trophic transfer of pollutants—such as heavy metals, persistent organic compounds, and micro(nano)plastics—pose risks to food webs, public health, and water safety. These stressors may also increase the likelihood of harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxin outbreaks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for early-warning systems, adaptive management, and transboundary cooperation to mitigate ecological risks. Lake Tudakul exemplifies the vulnerability of semi-arid lakes under compounding climate and human pressures, highlighting the importance of integrative, ecosystem-based strategies to safeguard biodiversity and freshwater resources.

Keywords:

Lake Tudakul; Climate Change; Ecotoxicology; Central Asia; RCP Scenarios

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How to Cite

Naraliyeva, N. M., Sayim, F., Omeroglu, E. E., Ertaş, A., Nurmanova, D., Sidikjanov, N., Nabieva, D., & Madumarov, T. (2025). Ecotoxicological Risks in a Brackish Lake Ecosystem During Climate Change Scenarios: A Comprehensive Review on Lake Tudakul. Research in Ecology, 7(4), 280–291. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i4.9875

Issue

Vol. 7, Iss. 4 (October 2025)(in progress)

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Nasibakhon M. Naraliyeva, Ferah Sayim, Esra Ersoy Omeroglu, Alperen Ertaş, Dilfuza Nurmanova, Nodirbek Sidikjanov, Dilora Nabieva, Tolibjon Madumarov

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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