Pollution of water resources results in the degradation of aquatic ecosystems and poses a threat to the global Blue Economy. Water pollutants, especially in water source like oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes where aquaculture is prevalent, can lead to species alterations, reduced food quality, decreased tourism opportunities in coastal areas, reduced employment in the sector, and declining incomes. This study aims to capture the impact of municipal wastewater and carbon dioxide on income in Türkiye between 1994 and 2022 using the ARDL approach. It examines the relationship between municipal wastewater and carbon dioxide discharged into rivers, lakes, and seas, and the income generated from aquatic resources, with the objective of guiding Blue Economy policy actions. The results of the ARDL long-term estimates indicate that (i) wastewater discharged by municipalities and (ii) carbon dioxide have adverse effects on income derived from aquatic resources. In the long-term forecast, carbon dioxide is expected to cause supply shortages due to increasing pollution in seas and rivers, while in the short term, it affects resources in lakes. The findings also suggest a long-term decrease in product quantities due to wastewater in water sources. Based on these results, the study recommends changes in policies addressing factors that disrupt the aquatic ecosystem, and suggests that municipalities develop new methods to combat wastewater discharge.
Read full abstract