Experts Warn of Environmental Crisis in Thrace as Industrial Pollution Escalates

Türkiye's Thrace region, once a hub of agricultural prosperity, is facing severe environmental and economic challenges due to rapid industrialization, experts warn. Despite existing measures, pollution remains a growing threat, putting farmers at a disadvantage against the expanding industrial sector.

Thrace, located in Türkiye’s European territory, has long been known for its diverse agricultural production, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, tobacco, sunflower seeds, and wine. The region plays a crucial role in both domestic markets and exports. However, despite covering just 3% of Türkiye’s land, it is densely populated and serves as an industrial hub, with numerous factories concentrated around the Sea of Marmara.

One of the most alarming issues is the pollution of the Ergene River, once a key water source for farming, but now rendered unsuitable for irrigation due to industrial waste. In response, a deep-sea discharge system was introduced in 2020 to release treated wastewater from the Ergene River Basin into the Sea of Marmara. The system extends 4.5 km offshore, with wastewater being discharged at a depth of 47 meters.

However, experts argue that these efforts have fallen short. "Farmers and producers here cannot compete with the industrial sector. Every day, we are losing ground," said Halim Orta, a professor of agriculture at Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University. He pointed out that in Tekirdağ alone, 3,280 factories contribute significantly to pollution, further straining agricultural land already affected by climate change.

Orta also expressed concerns over the discharge system, stating that completely eliminating industrial waste is nearly impossible. "Harmful substances such as heavy metals and carcinogens remain in the water," he warned.

Murat Kapıkıran, head of the Istanbul Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, stressed the urgency of the situation, advocating for the establishment of advanced biological treatment plants in all polluting industries. He also emphasized the need to transition to organic farming to reduce chemical contamination of groundwater.

"Without scientific research and stricter regulations, harmful chemicals will continue to infiltrate groundwater, posing risks to public health and agricultural sustainability," Kapıkıran cautioned.