Hatice Tunca

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Tunca serves at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sakarya University, Turkey. With over 15 peer-reviewed publications in Q1-Q4 journals, her research focuses on algal physiology, aquatic toxicology, and environmental monitoring using diatom indices.

• Current courses: Algal Culture Techniques, Advanced Phycology, Scientific Research Methods
• Editorial roles: Peer reviewer for African Journal of Aquatic Science, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and others
• Scientific awards: Erasmus Staff Mobility Grant, Best MSc Poster & Oral Presentation Awards

Her work examines phytoplankton community responses to environmental stressors like pesticides and heavy metals, with particular emphasis on Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris. She investigates diatom-based water quality assessment across Turkish river basins and contributes to cyanotoxin distribution patterns in European lakes under climate change scenarios.

Key publications include studies on:

• Synthetic metal phthalocyanines' algaecidal effects
• Temperature-toxin relationships in cyanobacteria
• Salinity impacts on algal communities
• New algal species records for Turkey
• Antioxidant enzyme responses to pollutants

She has mentored students like Tuğba Ongun Sevindik and serves as investigator in national projects on water quality monitoring.