Why Did Lake Boyukshor Turn Green? The RESULTS of the Investigation

The Cause of Lake Boyukshor Turning Green Has Been Identified

Water samples were collected from Lake Boyukshor and analyzed to determine the cause of the lake’s water turning green.

According to the analysis, the sample was found to be a thick, difficult-to-settle substance with a strong odor and a green color.

Microscopic examination revealed an excessive presence of blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria. These groups of algae can cause water to appear green and, in some cases, brownish-green.

The rise in temperature associated with the season, along with increased levels of nutrients in the water—particularly total nitrogen and phosphorus—accelerated biochemical processes in the lake. This created optimal conditions for a sharp increase in the population density of potentially toxic cyanobacteria.

Recent observations have also reported green masses in parts of Lake Boyukshor, with warm temperatures, sunlight, nitrogen and phosphorus identified as factors that can promote the rapid growth of algae and cyanobacteria.