Ecotoxicological Risks in a Brackish Lake Ecosystem During Climate Change Scenarios: A Comprehensive Review on Lake Tudakul

Climate change and anthropogenic pressures increasingly threaten the ecological integrity of inland water bodies, particularly saline lakes due to their unique hydrological and biological features. This review focuses on Lake Tudakul, one of Uzbekistan’s largest saline lakes and a Ramsar-listed wetland, assessing its vulnerability under future climate scenarios. The study integrates climate scenario modeling (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) with standardized ecotoxicological bioassays—Microtox®, MARA, algal growth inhibition, Lemna minor, and Daphnia magna toxicity tests—to evaluate combined effects of rising temperatures (2.0 °C and 4.5 °C) and chemical pollutants. Results reveal increased biological sensitivity to contaminants under elevated temperatures, suggesting potential synergistic impacts that may disrupt lake ecosystem structure and function. Lake Tudakul, a regional biodiversity hotspot, is exposed to agrochemical runoff, increasing salinity, and microplastic pollution, threatening aquatic organisms and ecological services. The accumulation and trophic transfer of pollutants—such as heavy metals, persistent organic compounds, and micro(nano)plastics—pose risks to food webs, public health, and water safety. These stressors may also increase the likelihood of harmful algal blooms and cyanotoxin outbreaks. The study emphasizes the urgent need for early-warning systems, adaptive management, and transboundary cooperation to mitigate ecological risks. Lake Tudakul exemplifies the vulnerability of semi-arid lakes under compounding climate and human pressures, highlighting the importance of integrative, ecosystem-based strategies to safeguard biodiversity and freshwater resources.