Pollution of water sources with heavy metals, pesticides or industrial waste poses a serious
risk to human health, contributing to problems such as chronic diseases, endocrine
disorders, infertility and cancers. In this study, we analyze the role of the native aquatic
plants Nuphar lutea and Nymphaea alba as bioindicators of pollution in the Lura Lakes,
through measuring stomatal density (mouths) and morphological characteristics of leaves.
The findings suggest possible links between changes in these parameters and the presence
of potentially hazardous pollutants to human health. Given that these lakes serve as
indirect sources for drinking water, fishing, and nature tourism, monitoring through “nature
technologies” offers an efficient, affordable, and sustainable method for preventing human
exposure to toxic pollutants. This approach lays the foundation for the development of
early models of environmental biosecurity, which serve to protect public health, especially in
rural communities with limited access to modern technologies.
Keywords: Human health, water pollution, heavy metals, plant bioindicators, Nuphar lutea,
Nymphaea alba, chronic exposure