معرفی
Özgür FIRAT is a Professor of Biology at Adıyaman University's Faculty of Science and Letters. He holds a PhD in Biology from Çukurova University (2007) and has served as an Associate Professor from 2012 to 2021, and Assistant Professor from 2007 to 2012. His research focuses on Animal Physiology-Ecophysiology, Metal Toxicology, and Nanotoxicology. He has been actively involved in evaluating the toxic effects of heavy metals and nanoparticles on aquatic organisms, particularly fish species like Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio, using biochemical and physiological parameters. His work also explores protective agents such as selenium and zeolite against metal toxicity.
Education:
- Bachelor of Biology (Çukurova University, 2001)
- Master of Science in Biology (Çukurova University, 2004)
- PhD in Biology (Çukurova University, 2007)
- Associate Professorship (Interuniversity Board, 2012)
Research Interests:
Dr. FIRAT’s expertise lies in understanding how environmental pollutants disrupt physiological systems in animals, with a specialization in ecotoxicology and metal-induced stress responses. He investigates the bioaccumulation of toxic metals like cadmium, zinc, copper, and mercury in fish tissues and their impacts on antioxidant systems, hematology, and overall organism health. His work extends to nanomaterial toxicity, assessing how nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide affect fish and mammalian models. He also develops biomarkers and explores natural compounds as detoxification agents in polluted ecosystems.
Publications Trends:
His articles (15 most recent) demonstrate a strong focus on heavy metal and nanoparticle toxicity in aquatic organisms, particularly Nile tilapia and common carp. He consistently examines antioxidant enzyme activities (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase), lipid peroxidation, and hematological parameters as key indicators of toxic stress. Recent work highlights the mitigation potential of selenium and olive leaf extracts against mercury and cadmium toxicity, while earlier studies established baseline data on metal distribution in Mediterranean shrimp and fish populations.
Scientific Awards:
- TÜBİTAK Yayın Teşvik Ödülleri (Publication Incentive Awards)
Advising & Grants:
Dr. FIRAT has supervised seven completed master’s theses and one ongoing doctoral thesis. His research projects include assessing pollution in Atatürk Dam Lake, improving laboratory infrastructure, and evaluating the effects of pesticides and metal mixtures on fish physiology. He has led or participated in over 18 research projects funded by institutions like Adıyaman University and the Ministry of Environment (TAGEM project).
Labs & Teams:
He is involved in the Biology Department’s research laboratories at Adıyaman University, focusing on ecotoxicology and heavy metal analysis. His team collaborates with international agencies and local institutions to address environmental issues, such as pollution mitigation in dam lakes and nanomaterial safety assessments.
