Pelin Saliha CIFTCI TURETKEN

Scopus Publications

Pigment-Producing Bacteria Isolated from the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye: Isolation, Identification, and Characterization
Nurten Tetik, Muhammet Arıcı, Sabriye Sel, Gulsen Altug, Pelin Saliha Ciftci Turetken
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2026
Assessing the cultured bacterial flora of Nematodes Panagrellus redivivus and Radopholus similis as live feed for larval fish
Deniz D. Tosun, Pelin Saliha Çiftçi Türetken, Remziye Eda Yardımcı
Aquatic Research, 2026
Using live organisms as feed is essential for successful larval breeding in aquaculture, especially during early developmental stages when digestive capabilities are at their initial stages. While rotifers and Artemia are commonly used, alternative organisms, such as free-living nematodes, have gained interest due to their ease of culture, small size, and low production costs. It is well known that live feeds harbour dense microbial communities. Some of these may include opportunistic or pathogenic bacteria, which can pose risks to larval health. This study aimed to assess the cultured bacterial flora associated with two nematode species, Panagrellus redivivus (microworms) and Radopholus similis (bananaworms), which are commonly considered to be live feed alternatives in aquaculture. Both nematode species were cultured in an oatmeal-yeast-water medium under identical conditions. Total viable counts (TVC) were determined from disinfected nematode samples, and bacterial isolates were identified to the genus level through morphological, biochemical, and phenotypic assays, complemented by genus and limited species-level verification using the VITEK 2 Compact identification system. Both species primarily had Gram-negative bacteria (75%), with Aeromonas and Pseudomonas being the most common types found. Additional isolates included Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Proteus, Staphylococcus, and Vagococcus. The range of nematodes compares favourably to high-load cultures of traditional live feeds. Species-level characterisation suggested the presence of potential fish or human pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp pneumoniae, Serratia rubidaea and Enterococcus faecalis. The findings suggest that while nematodes offer a promising alternative to traditional live feeds, their associated bacterial communities include potential pathogens that require careful consideration. Further studies focusing on bacterial virulence, larval interaction, and microbial management strategies (such as light treatment) are essential to ensure the safe application of nematodes in larval rearing systems.
Investigation of multiple resistance frequencies (antibiotic and heavy metal) of bacteria isolated from Gökçeada Island coastal marine sediment
Pelin Saliha Çiftçi Türetken, Samet Kalkan, Gülşen Altuğ
Aquatic Research, 2025
Marine sediments are important reservoirs for antibiotics and heavy metals. Bacteria play a key role in polluted sedimentary habitats. This study aimed to identify heavy metal and antibiotic resistance in marine sediment bacteria isolated from Gökçeada Island in Turkiye. The samples were collected seasonally from 10 different sampling stations in 2015. Ninety isolates determined by VITEK 2 were tested against seven antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration values were measured against four heavy metal salts. The antibiotic resistance frequency rates were ordered as sulphonamides compound (93.3%), cefotaxime (78.9), ampicillin (77.8%), oxacillin (67.8%), rifampicin (57.8%), imipenem (1.1%), and oxytetracycline (0%). The heavy metal resistance ratios against ZnCl2, CuSO4, Pb(CH3COO)2, and HgCl2 were measured as 100%, 100%, 96.7%, and 73.3% respectively. The multiple heavy metal resistance index values were ranged from 0.75 (22.2%) to 1.0 (77.8%). The results show significant heavy metal and antibiotic contamination in the sediments of the Gökçeada Island. It is recommended that measures be taken against antibiotics and heavy metal pollution, as well as identifying and monitoring critical control points.
Frequency of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria isolated from the Kınalıada Coastal Areas of the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye
Selma Karaman Baş, Gülşen Altuğ, Pelin Çiftçi Türetken
Aquatic Sciences and Engineering, 2024
In the process of global climate change, the negative effects of anthropogenic activities on microbial interactions have become more visible in coastal areas. Because island coastal ecosystems are fragile ecosystems that are open to dynamic environmental variables, it is important to determine bacteriological signals in these regions. The frequency of bacterial antibiotic resistance in aquatic ecosystems is a micro-marker of human activity. The frequency of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was investigated in surface water samples collected from the coastal areas of Kınalıada Island in the Sea of Marmara between 2018 and 2019. The bacteria isolated from the sea water were screened against: spectinomycin (SC300), nitrofurantoin (F50), Rifampicin (Rd2), tetracycline (TE30), ampicillin (AMP10), and oxytetracycline (OT30) using the disk diffusion technique. The frequencies of antibiotic-resistant faecal coliform, total coliform, intestinal enterococcus, and heterotrophic aerobic bacteria were evaluated according to the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The antibiotics to which all bacterial isolates showed the highest resistance were tetracycline and oxytetracycline (98.7% The frequency of resistant heterotrophic aerobic bacteria was recorded at 100% against all tested antibiotics. All bacterial isolates showed resistance to more than three antibiotic derivatives, and the Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index was determined to be in the range of 0.67–1. The findings of this study provide regional evidence of the influence of anthropogenic pollution on the spread of antibiotic resistance. The detection of high levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria indicated that the coastal areas of Kınalıada are at potential risk for the global spread of resistant bacteria, human health, and ecosystem function.
Bio-indicator Bacteria Levels in Riva Stream, an Important Stream in İstanbul, Türkiye
Pelin Çiftçi Türetken, Gülşen Altuğ, Meryem Öztaş, Selma Karaman Baş, Serap Koşal Şahin
Aquatic Sciences and Engineering, 2024
Bacterial pollution is the presence of harmful bacteria in aquatic ecosystems, which can cause health problems if ingested. These bacteria originate from a variety of sources, including human and animal waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. This study aimed to assess the levels of bioindicator bacteria and their associations with various environmental parameters in surface water samples. The samples were collected seasonally from five stations along Riva Stream between March 2018 and January 2019. Indicator bacterial levels were determined using membrane filtration. Temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity values of the stations were measured in situ during sampling using a multiparameter (YSI). As a result of the sampling, maximum total coliform, fecal coliform, and intestinal enterococci levels were recorded as 24 x 103 CFU/100ml, 18 x 103 CFU/100ml and 24 x 102 CFU/100 ml, respectively. During sampling, the indicator bacterial levels were above the limit at all stations. When the FC/IE ratios were analyzed, the maximum FC/IE ratio was recorded as 52.10 during the winter sampling period at the station. The detection of bioindicator bacteria levels above the standard limit throughout the sampling period (especially during the summer period) was associated with a high level of domestic waste in the region. The results showed that more frequent and detailed monitoring studies should be conducted in this region.
The Distribution and Antibacterial Activity of Marine Sponge-Associated Bacteria in the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, Turkey
Gülşen Altuğ, Pelin S. Çiftçi Türetken, Samet Kalkan, Bülent Topaloğlu
Current Microbiology, 2021
Environment variables, composition and metabolic characteristics of culturable sediment bacteria isolated around Gökçeada Island, Aegean Sea, Turkey
Pelin S. Çi̇ftçi̇ Türetken
Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2021
Antibiotic and heavy metal resistant bacteria isolated from aegean sea water and sediment in Güllük Bay, Turkey Quantifying the resistance of identified bacteria species with potential for environmental remediation applications
Gülşen Altuğ, Mine Çardak, Pelin Saliha Çiftçi Türetken, Samet Kalkan, Sevan Gürün
Johnson Matthey Technology Review, 2020
Heavy metal and antibiotic-resistant bacteria have potential for environmental bioremediation applications. Resistant bacteria were investigated in sediment and seawater samples taken from the Aegean Sea, Turkey, between 2011 and 2013. Bioindicator bacteria in seawater samples were tested using the membrane filtration technique. The spread plate technique and VITEK®2 Compact 30 micro identification system were used for heterotrophic aerobic bacteria in the samples. The minimum inhibition concentration method was used for heavy metal-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were tested using the disk diffusion method. All bacteria isolated from sediment samples showed 100% resistance to rifampicin, sulfonamide, tetracycline and ampicillin. 98% of isolates were resistant against nitrofurantoin and oxytetracycline. Higher antibiotic and heavy metal resistance was recorded in bacteria isolated from sediment than seawater samples. The highest levels of bacterial metal resistance were recorded against copper (58.3%), zinc (33.8%), lead (32.1%), chromium (31%) and iron (25.2%). The results show that antibiotic and heavy metal resistance in bacteria from sediment and seawater can be observed as responses to environmental influences including pollution in marine areas.
The Levels of Plastic-associated Heterotrophic Bacteria on Three Different Types of Plastics
Pelin Saliha Çiftçi Türetken, Gülşen Altuğ, Turgay Öksüzoğlu
Aquatic Sciences and Engineering, 2020
<p class="ql-align-justify">Plastic pollution in marine ecosystems is one of the most important study topics in recent years. The toxicity, mobility and long-term persistence characteristics of plastics create risk in ecosystems, biota and human health. In this study, the levels of heterotrophic bacteria attached to the surfaces of commonly used plastic types; polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) were tested in a mechanical experimental system prepared with seawater under controlled conditions in laboratory. The seawater, which was used in the experimental system, was taken under aseptic conditions from the Golden Horn Estuary, located in the Istanbul region of Turkey. Three different types of plastic (PVC, PE and PP), in two different (glass slide (76x26 cm) and virgin micro pellets (5mm diameter) size, were placed in the experiment setup filled with seawater and incubated for 28 days at ambient temperature. At the end of 28 days, the counts of heterotrophic bacteria were tested using the spread plate technique on Marine Agar (Difco), in both plastic surfaces and surrounding seawater. The levels of heterotrophic bacteria were recorded to be lower in the seawater surrounding the micropellets and lam-size plastic samples. The seawater sample bacterial levels were recorded as 12x109 CFU/ml, at the start of the experiment. At the end of the 28th days, it was recorded to be 83x109 CFU/ml. The highest levels of heterotrophic bacteria were recorded as 41x1010 CFU /cm-2 and 61x1010 CFU /cm-2 on the lam-size surfaces and the micropellet surface of the polypropylene samples, respectively. In the experiments, the PP plastic type has been recorded as a more preferred plastic derivative by heterotrophic bacteria according to the PVC and PE plastic types, but there has been no significant difference in the bacterial adhesion rates on the surfaces. The study contributed increasing knowledge on the bacterial approach to microplastics types. However, there is a need for long term studies related to the mechanism of bacteria attached to microplastics.
One of the most invasive alien species, Penaeus aztecus ives, 1891 reached the black sea coasts
Onur Gönülal, Pelin Türetken
Bioinvasions Records, 2019
Five specimens of Penaeus aztecus was caught from the Turkish waters of the Aegean Sea and one specimen was caught from the Turkish waters of the Middle Black Sea, Turkey. The current paper reports a new location for the Aegean Sea. Within approximately eight years, the species has been recorded from the southeastern Levant to the Gulf of Lion, the Aegean Sea, and finally from the Black Sea. This is the first report of the species from the Black Sea. Presumably, the species migrated to the Black Sea by swimming through the Turkish Strait System.
Bacteriological quality, heavy metal and antibiotic resistance in Sapanca Lake, Turkey
Pelin S. Çiftçi Türetken, Gülşen Altuğ, Mine Çardak, Kemal Güneş
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2019
Bacterial profiles of the mud formations observed from a remotely operated vehicle (rov) in the deep of the canakkale strait (dardanelles), Turkey
Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 2019
Bacterial pollution, activity and heterotrophic diversity of the northern part of the Aegean Sea, Turkey
Pelin S. Çiftçi Türetken, Gülşen Altuğ
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2016
Variations of culturable and metabolically active bacteria in a stratified water column: The example of Istanbul and Çanakkale straits, Turkey
International Journal of Environmental Research, 2015

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Pigment-Producing Bacteria Isolated from the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye: Isolation, Identification, and Characterization
N Tetik, M Arıcı, S Sel, G Altug, PSC Turetken
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology 57 (1), 59 , 2026
2026
Assessing the cultured bacterial flora of Nematodes Panagrellus redivivus and Radopholus similis as live feed for larval fish
DD Tosun, PSÇ Türetken, RE Yardımcı
Aquatic Research 9 (1), 1-7 , 2026
2026
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in the Surface Waters of the Golden Horn Estuary
T Gemci, PS Çiftçi Türetken
Turkish Journal of Bioscience and Collections 10 (1), 9-15 , 2026
2026
Plankton Community Structure Under Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) Blooms in the Anthropogenically Stressed Coastal Waters of the Sea of Marmara
M İşinibilir, HA Uçan, FS Karakulak, G Altuğ, N Çağlar, Y Aktan, ...
Aquatic Sciences and Engineering 41 (1), 1-23 , 2026
2026
Investigation of multiple resistance frequencies (antibiotic and heavy metal) of bacteria isolated from Gökçeada Island coastal marine sediment
PSÇ Türetken, S Kalkan, G Altuğ
Aquatic Research 8 (1), 1-11 , 2025
2025
Citations: 2
Frequency of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria isolated from the Kınalıada Coastal Areas of the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye
SDK Baş, G Altuğ, PSÇ Türetken
Aquatic Sciences and Engineering 39 (4), 216-221 , 2024
2024
Citations: 1
Bio-indicator Bacteria Levels in Riva Stream, an Important Stream in İstanbul, Türkiye
PSÇ Türetken, G Altuğ, M Öztaş, SDK Baş, SK Şahin
Aquatic Sciences and Engineering 39 (2), 88-94 , 2024
2024
Citations: 1
Assessing total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) levels in sea water and sediment samples of Karaburun-Ildır Bay Special Environmental Protected Area on the Aegean coast of Türkiye
PSÇ Türetken
Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 29 (2), 185-198 , 2023
2023
Citations: 3
The distribution and antibacterial activity of marine sponge-associated bacteria in the Aegean sea and the sea of Marmara, Turkey
G Altuğ, PS Çiftçi Türetken, S Kalkan, B Topaloğlu
Current Microbiology 78 (6), 2275-2290 , 2021
2021
Citations: 10
Environment variables, composition and metabolic characteristics of culturable sediment bacteria isolated around Gökçeada Island, Aegean Sea, Turkey
PSÇ Türetken
Regional Studies in Marine Science 42, 101613 , 2021
2021
Citations: 5
Environment variables, composition and metabolic characteristics of culturable sediment bacteria isolated around Gokceada Island, Aegean Sea, Turkey
PSC Turetken
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE 42 , 2021
2021
Citations: 1
Deniz Ekosisteminde Bakteriyel Roller; Türkiye Denizleri Bakterileri Örneği
G Altuğ, M Çardak, PSÇ Türetken, S Gürün, S Kalkan
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi 6 (2 … , 2020
2020
Citations: 2
Antibiotic and heavy metal resistant bacteria isolated from Aegean Sea water and sediment in Güllük Bay, Turkey: Quantifying the resistance of identified bacteria species with …
G Altuğ, M Çardak, PSÇ Türetken, S Kalkan, S Gürün
Johnson Matthey Technology Review 64 (4), 507-525 , 2020
2020
Citations: 16
The levels of plastic-associated heterotrophic bacteria on three different types of plastics
PSÇ Türetken, G Altuğ, T Öksüzoğlu
Aquatic Sciences and Engineering 35 (2), 31-35 , 2020
2020
Citations: 4
Sapanca Gölü Yüzey Sularında Toplam Petrol Hidrokarbon (TPH) Düzeyleri
PSÇ Türetken, G Altuğ, EB Balcıoğlu
Journal of Anatolian Environmental and Animal Sciences 4 (3), 325-331 , 2019
2019
Bacteriological quality, heavy metal and antibiotic resistance in Sapanca Lake, Turkey
PS Çiftçi Türetken, G Altuğ, M Çardak, K Güneş
Environmental monitoring and assessment 191 (7), 469 , 2019
2019
Citations: 16
Bölüm 9: Mikrobiyal Kirletici İzleme Kılavuzu
G Altuğ, Z Uysal, A Kaçar, N Yücel, S Zeki, M Çardak, P Çiftçi Türetken, ...
TÜBİTAK MAM Matbaası Gebze/Kocaeli , 2019
2019
DENİZ İZLEME KILAVUZLARI
G Altuğ, Z Uysal, A Kaçar, N Yücel, S Zeki, M Çardak, PS Çiftçi Türetken, ...
null , 2019
2019
One of the most invasive alien species, Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 reached the Black Sea coasts
O Gonulal, PS Türetken Çiftçi
Bioinvasions Records 8 (4), 871-875 , 2019
2019
Citations: 14
Bacterial profiles of the mud formations observed from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the deep of The Canakkale Strait (Dardanelles), Turkey
G Altug, PSC Turetken, S Gurun, S Kalkan, YE Tasova, M Ozyalvac
FEB-FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN, 6389 , 2019
2019
Citations: 2

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Mucilage event associated with diatoms and dinoflagellates in Sea of Marmara, Turkey
Y Aktan, A Dede, PS Çiftçi
Harmful Algae News , 2008
2008
Citations: 147
The occurrence of pathogenic bacteria in some ships' ballast water incoming from various marine regions to the Sea of Marmara, Turkey
G Altug, S Gurun, M Cardak, PS Ciftci, S Kalkan
Marine Environmental Research 81, 35-42 , 2012
2012
Citations: 125
Biodiversity of the northern Aegean Sea and southern part of the Sea of Marmara, Turkey
G Altuğ, Y Aktan, M Oral, B Topaloğlu, A Dede, Ç Keskin, M Işinibilir, ...
Marine Biodiversity Records 4 (1) , 2011
2011
Citations: 105
First records and microgeographical variations of culturable heterotrophic bacteria in an inner sea (the Sea of Marmara) between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, Turkey
G Altuğ, M Cardak, PS Ciftci, S GÜRÜN
Turkish Journal of Biology 37 (2), 184-190 , 2013
2013
Citations: 38
Bacterial pollution, activity and heterotrophic diversity of the northern part of the Aegean Sea, Turkey
PS Türetken Çiftçi, G Altug
Environmental Monitoring and Assesment 188 (127), 1-12 , 2016
2016
Citations: 32
Antibiotic and heavy metal resistant bacteria isolated from Aegean Sea water and sediment in Güllük Bay, Turkey: Quantifying the resistance of identified bacteria species with …
G Altuğ, M Çardak, PSÇ Türetken, S Kalkan, S Gürün
Johnson Matthey Technology Review 64 (4), 507-525 , 2020
2020
Citations: 16
Bacteriological quality, heavy metal and antibiotic resistance in Sapanca Lake, Turkey
PS Çiftçi Türetken, G Altuğ, M Çardak, K Güneş
Environmental monitoring and assessment 191 (7), 469 , 2019
2019
Citations: 16
Oil pollution in surface water of the Turkish side of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean Seas
B Öztürk, G Altuğ, M Çardak, PS Çiftçi
Journal of Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 13 (3), 207-214 , 2007
2007
Citations: 16
One of the most invasive alien species, Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 reached the Black Sea coasts
O Gonulal, PS Türetken Çiftçi
Bioinvasions Records 8 (4), 871-875 , 2019
2019
Citations: 14
The application of viable count procedures for measuring viable cells in the various marine environments
G Altug, M Cardak, PS Ciftci, S Gurun
Journal of applied microbiology 108 (1), 88-95 , 2010
2010
Citations: 14
Indicator and other bacteria in striped venus (Ca, L.) and wedge clam (Donax trunculus) from the Northern Coast of the Sea of Marmara, Turkey
G Altug, M Cardak, PS Ciftci
Journal of Shellfish Research 27 (4), 783-788 , 2008
2008
Citations: 14
Biodiversity of culturable aerobic heterotrophic bacteria in the coastal areas of Syria, Lebanon and the offshore areas of the Northern Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean
G Altuğ, M Çardak, S Gürün, PS Çiftçi, AA Saad, A Ibrahim, M Fakhri
International conference on Biodiversity of the Aquatic Environment, 115-124 , 2010
2010
Citations: 12
Distribution and antibiotic resistance of heterotrophic and indicator bacteria in the coastal areas of Turkey, Syria and Lebanon
G Altug, M Cardak, PS Ciftci, S Gurun, AA Saad, A Ibrahim, M Fakhri
Rapp Comm Int mer Medit 39, 333 , 2010
2010
Citations: 11
An important water route between Mediterranean and Black seas and bacterial pollution (Canakkale and Istanbul Straits, Turkey)
G Altug, M Cardak, PS Ciftci, S Gurun
Proceedings of the 3rd WSEAS Internatinoal Conference on Waste Management … , 2009
2009
Citations: 11
Evaluation of biological diversity related to physical, chemical and biological data of the Northern Aegean Sea and Southern Marmara Sea
G Altuğ, Y Aktan, M Oral, B Topaloglu, A Dede, C Keskin, M Isinibilir, ...
The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey 105Y039 Technique Report , 2007
2007
Citations: 11
The distribution and antibacterial activity of marine sponge-associated bacteria in the Aegean sea and the sea of Marmara, Turkey
G Altuğ, PS Çiftçi Türetken, S Kalkan, B Topaloğlu
Current Microbiology 78 (6), 2275-2290 , 2021
2021
Citations: 10
Variations of Culturable and Metabolically Active Bacteria in a Stratified Water Column: The Example of Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits, Turkey
M Cardak, G Altug, PS Turetken Ciftci
International Journal of Environmental Research 9 (4), 1333-1340 , 2015
2015
Citations: 10
Screening of potential anti-bacterial activity of marine sponge extracts from Gökçeada Island, Aegean Sea, Turkey
G Altuğ, PS Çiftçi-Türetken, S Gürün, S Kalkan, B Topaloğlu
First National Workshop on Marine Biotechnology and Genomics, 39-53 , 2012
2012
Citations: 9
Kültür balıkçılığı ve turistik faaliyetlerin besin tuzları ve bakteriyolojik kirlilik dağılımına Etkisi
G Altuğ, M Çardak, PS Ciftci
Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 22 (23), 39-54 , 2007
2007
Citations: 8
Seasonal Variations of The Levels of Total and Culturable Heterotrophic Bacteria Around Gökçeada Island (The Northern Aegean Sea), Turkey
PS Çiftçi-Türetken, G Altuğ
Rapp. Comm. int. Mer Médit 40 , 2013
2013
Citations: 7