bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the saline water intrusion zone and its contamination with ground water in the Dibddiba aquifer using vertical electrical sounding technique at Basrah Governorate, southern Iraq
Authors: Al-Musawi W.M. , Khorshid S.Z.
Published: March 2023

Thirty Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) measuring points (Schlumberger array) were carried out in order to determine the number of the underlying layers, depths and their thicknesses, as well as ground water table and its influence by the saline water coming from the sea or even underlying layer. These points were distributed within five profiles, 500 m spacing between points. The length of each profile is 3 km and the distance between profiles is 2 km. These points were chosen at Basrah Governorate, southern Al-Zubair district. Qualitative interpretation was applied to study the type of the electrical field curves, which were classified to HKQQ, KQQ, KQQQ, QQQ and QQ. Five apparent resistivity sections and eight isoresistivity contour maps were drawn. Quantitative interpretation was carried out using five geoelectrical sections which were drawn along the selected profiles. Number of the underlying layers, depths, thicknesses and depth of ground water table were determined for each VES point along the investigated profiles. Also, decreasing of the apparent resistivity values with depth was noticed especially at the groundwater bearing intervals. This is because of the increasing of salinity in ground water at these intervals especially at the mid-way of all considered profiles. The rise of saline water belong to the lower part of the Dibddiba aquifer towards the brackish or fresh water existed in the upper profile due to the unprogramm able pumping processes which may cause mixture between them and make the resultant water more saline. Large reduction in the apparent resistivity values was also observed at the eastern parts of the study area near Khor Al-Zubair boundaries which indicate high electrical conductivity values. This is led to the increasing of saline water that probably comes from the sea. This fact is certainly approved by the interpretation of the is oresistivity contour map plotted for the upper part of aquifer and by comparing hydrochemical analysis for ten wells with the above result.
Total dissolved solids modeling in the Shatt Al-Basrah canal, using Mike 11
Authors: Lafta A.A. , Al-Aeaswi Q.M.F. , Al-Taei S.A.R.
Published: March 2023

The application of one dimensional model is presented to simulate the distribution of total dissolved solids in the Shatt Al-Basrah canal using Mike11. The model was being run for 22 days with time step ∆t=60 sec and ∆x=200m. The hydrodynamic behavior and TDS distribution were studied for two time periods, the first period was represented the high flow period due to drying of the marshes and the second period was the period after opening the Nasiriyah drainage pump station in Dhi-Qar province. The model was calibrated in two site of the canal, the first locate before Al-Basrah high way bridge and the second locate near Al-Zubair bridge. The result of the model was in a good agreement with the field data of water level and TDS distribution.
Serum proteins and leucocytes differential count in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) infested with ectoparasites
Authors: Ahmed S.M. , Ali A.H.
Published: March 2023

A total of 48 Pond reared common carp C. carpio ranged between 2.5-11.8 cm in total length were obtained from University of Basrah's fish farm during May-June 2011. It was investigated for parasites, and it was infested with four different groups of ectoparasites, including Ciliophora (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Trichodina sp.), Monogenoidea (Dactylogyrus spp. and Gyrodactylus sp.), Trematoda (Ascocotyle coleostoma metacercariae) and Crustacea (Dermoergasilus sp. and Lernaea sp. copepodid larval stage). Differential count of leucocytes, total protein level, albumin and globulin in blood serum were determined in healthy (non-infested) and infested fish. No significant differences (p>0.05) have been reported between infested and non-infested fish in all blood parameters except in monocyte counts of the third group (infested with two species of Ciliophora) and sixth group (double infestation between A. coleostoma and Dermoergasilus sp.). This study showed that common carp can withstand different light and mild infestation of ectoparasites. We can considered common carp among a fish category having very good resistibility towards ectoparasites.
Uses of reflector amplitude of seismic acoustic impedance logs as an aid in deducing lithological content of the geological formations
Authors: Almayahi A.Z.
Published: March 2023

Seismic data of two across lines have been processed. The processing sequence implied a suggested parameters that have least effects on original wavelet attributes (e.g., the amplitude and shape). This processing procedure is a legitimate enough for studying the lithological consists of geological formations as well as hydrocarbon contents. A total of 47 wiggle traces (i.e., 19 wiggle traces from line one and 28 wiggle traces from line two) have been aligned side by side according to their CDP number. The data were limited to time window of 1000-2000 m sec. Reflector amplitudes were manually picked/estimated along the all seismic wiggle traces. The picked amplitude values were plotted as contour maps. Contour maps provided preliminary indications of lithological variation from soft to hard physical properties within the formation where seismic line crosses. A number of contour lines closures in line one were noticed. These closures may be an indication of variation in the lithological consistent and hydrocarbon trap. More contour lines closures were existed in the second line. Some of them were new and the other were extension to the closure in the first line. These closures/features can be a horizontal extension to the same facies.
Isolation and identification of Edwardsiellatardafrom the middle intestine of the(Asian catfish)Silurustriostegus(Heckel,1843
Authors: Mansoer A.J. , Mahdi S.Sh. , Raesan Sh.J.
Published: March 2023

The present study represent a first record of the bacterium Edwardsiellatarda, Enterobacteriaceafrom the middle intestine of the Asian catfish, Silurustriostegus on native studies in Iraq.Twenty five fish were collected during December 2006 from the Garmat Ali River, Basrah City, using seine nets. Sampled fish ranged between 350-750g and250-650 mm. Tenisolates of were bacteriaEdwardsiellatardait is belong to.
Characteristics of sub-bottom profile acquired in Shatt Al-Arab River, Basrah-Iraq
Authors: Alaamer H.A.
Published: March 2023

A single sub bottom profile, nearly 1.0 km long, was acquired in Shatt Al-Arab River, at the river’s portion next to the downtown of Basrah city, 2010. The profile characterized by predominant ripple-marked features. Beneath the bottom, signal penetration was relatively low attributed to the existence of thick layer identified in the sub-bottom and interpreted as the main load bearing layer in the area. Riverbed multiple showed a strong presence and occupied the profile’s bottom. Interpretation beyond the riverbed multiple was not possible. Water bottom was flat, except for a buried object of undetermined type lying within the sediments of the bottom.
Study of soil erosion risk in the basin of Northern Al-Kabeer river at Lattakia-Syria using remote sensing and GIS techniques
Authors: Barakat M. , Mahfoud I. , Kwyes A.A.
Published: March 2023

Soil erosion is the most importantchallenge foragriculturepresently onthe Syrian coast, especially in areas close to rivers and lakes.This study is to produce a soil erosion risk map based on the COoRdination of Information on the Environment (CORINE) model for the Northern Al-Kabeer River, Lattakia Province.To achieve this objective, the first phase of the study evaluated the soil erosion potential, by estimating soil texture, soil depth and granulometry. Soil was classified according to its erosion potential. A soil erosion potential map was obtained from data on soil erodibility, erosivity and slope.A land cover map of the study area was produced and classified into two classes according to soil protection. A risk map of soil erosion was prepared from information on land cover and potential risk erosion classes obtained previously.The results showed that 2.47% of the study area is in high risk soil erosion areas, 22.18% in moderate risk areas, and 75.35% in low risk areas. The high risk erosion areas were mainly located in the center and northern location within the study area. This study also confirms that land cover is the highest determinant of soil erosion.Land cover accounted for 60.93% of the erosion risk.
Diversity and seasonal changes of zooplankton communities in the Shatt Al-Arab River, Basrah, Iraq, with a special reference to Cladocera
Authors: Abbas M.F. , Salman S.D. , Al-Mayahy S.H.
Published: March 2023

Zooplankton abundance and distribution were studied at four stations in the northern sector of Shatt Al-Arab from September 2008 to August 2009. Monthly zooplankton samples were collected.Oblique hauls were taken at each stationusing a 0.120 mm mesh-sized net with 40 cm mouth opening. Air and water temperatures, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, total suspended solids and total soluble solids were measured at each station and at each sampling event and were correlated with the density of Cladocera. Like Shannon index, Jaccardʼs similarity index,measures of richness and evenness were calculated. Water temperature ranged from 10 to 28 ºC. Salinity values changed from 0.7 to 4.1 psu with a decline in the summer and an increase in the autumn. pH values were >7, dissolved oxygen varied from 4.9 in the summer to 12.3 mg/l in the winter. Chlorophyll-a values fluctuated between 2.3 in the autumn and winter and 21.4 mg/m3 in Summer.Zooplankton density was the least at station 1 (79-10074 ind/m3) and the most at station 2 (174-65170 ind/m3).Cirripede larvae dominated the zooplankton community at all the stations. Cladocera was second in number, followed by Copepoda.The maximum diversity index (2.11), richness (64.45) and evenness (0.47) were obtained at station 1. The highest similarity was obtained between stations 3 and 4 and the lowest between stations 1 and 2.
Checklists of nematodes of freshwater and marine fishes of Basrah Province, Iraq
Authors: Ali A.H. , Mhaisen F.T. , Khamees N.R.
Published: March 2023

Reviewing the literature on all the nematodes parasitizing 45 species of freshwater and marine fishes of Basrah province (eight elasmobranchs and 37 teleosts) indicated the presence of 48 nematode taxa. Thirty-five of such nematodes were recorded from marine localities against eight taxa from freshwater localities and two taxa from both marine and freshwater localities. These nematodes belong to two classes, three orders and eight families. All such nematodes belong to the class Secernentea except two taxa which belong to the class Adenophorea. Orders Ascaridida and Spirurida are represented with 22 and 24 taxa, respectively, while order Enoplida has only two taxa. The total number of nematode species recorded for each fish host species fluctuated from a minimum of one nematode species in 17 fish hosts to a maximum of eight nematode taxa in Cynoglossus arel only. Number of fish hosts reported for these nematodes fluctuated from one host in case of 31 taxa to a maximum of 20 hosts in case of Contracaecum sp. 1 larva.
Biometric characteristic of the common goldfish Carassius auratus auratus (Linneaus, 1758) in Basra freshwater systems
Authors: Habbeb F.Sh.
Published: March 2023

About 110 specimens of the goldfish Carassius auratus auratus (Linneaus, 1758) were obtained from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Laboratory College of Agriculture and the Marine Sciences Center, University of Basrah. Morphometric and merestics characteristics were measured, total and standard length ranged between 90-150 mm and between 70-110 mm, respectively. Number of scales in the lateral line ranged from 25 to 27. Number of dorsal branched rays ranged from 14 to 15, gill rakers from 42 to 44. Total vertebrae fin count was 25-27. There were five rays with the branchuiostegal rays.
Groundwater quality and origin within Dibdibba aquifer, near Jabel Sanam area southern of Basrah Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Al-Tememi M.K.
Published: March 2023

The study aims at assessing the groundwater quality and identifying its origin within the Dibdibba aquifer (Jabel Snam area) south of Basrah. Twenty wells were selected from the studied area and subjected to comprehensive physical and chemical analyses involving major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+), anions (HCO3-, Cl- and SO42-) and trace elements (Zn, Cd, Ni and Pb) besides general parameters (pH, EC, TDS and total hardness). The spatial distribution of parameters were drawin using geostatistic, interpolation technique, namely, ordinag Kriging in Arc GIS 10.2.2. Based on the results, the groundwater quality was classified to chloride group-sodium family-type (Na+ >Ca2+ >Mg2+). On the other hand, the groundwater origin investigated by Sullin diagram which showed old meteoric origin for all the studied wells.
Morphological and taxonomic study of eggs of some fish families with a reference to their abundance in the North West of Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al-Okailee M.T.K.
Published: March 2023

Sampling of eggs of fish was conducted at two stations in the northwestern part of Arabian Gulf (Shatt Al-Arab estuary (A1) and Khor Amaya (A2)), during April 2012 to March 2013. A total of 2902 fish eggs were collected using conical plankton net (mesh size 330µm). Six families (Sciaenidae, Clupeidae, Soleidae, Polynemidae, Engraulidae and Ariidae) of fish eggs were identified. Sciaenid fish egg comprised 45.6 % of all eggs collected and peak of abundance (1680.3 egg/10m²) at station A2 was occurred in May. Water temperature was ranged from 13-34ºC and salinity was 32-42 ‰. Water temperature seems to be the most  vital factor in determining the onset of the spawning of fish in the Arabian Gulf. This study showed the importance of the northwestern part of the Arabian Gulf as a spawning and nursery site for the Sciaenidae, Clupeidae, Soleidae, Polynemidae, Engraulidae and the Ariidae.
The salinity effect and sedimentary types for the fauna distribution during the Holocene in Southern Iraq
Authors: Shareef N.F. , Khalifa U.Q. , Shubar I.Y.
Published: March 2023

In the present study, abundance and distribution of fauna in the sub surface sediments of the eight stations, Abo Flos, Ras Al-Besha, Khor Al-Umaya, Khor Shitana, Umm Qaser, Khor Al-Zubair, Kutaiban and Al-Faw were investigated. The stations selected for the present study were located at the southern region of Mesopotamia plain in Iraq. A reconnaissance survey in the study area showed the distribution of many marine species in the coastal areas (Khor Shitana, Umm Qaser, Khor Al-Zubair and Al-Faw). They were affected by the marine water areas with few effects of tidal flat and current waves. The affinities of the studied species are coming from the Indian Ocean towards the Red sea and the Arabian Gulf. The salinity and texture of sediment are the main factors that control the ecology and distribution of recent fauna. The soil texture for eight stations are sandy silt, clayey silt, silt, sandy silt and mud respectively.
Basic physical and chemical properties of some coastal Mediterranean lagoons
Authors: Al-Asadi M.K.K.
Published: March 2023

In the present study, the physical and chemical properties of some coastal lagoons which include water temperature, salinity pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia were evaluated to study their environmental status. The water temperature was high in summer and it reached about 28.07 °C at Kalige Um-Alshawsh inlet and then it was drop to 14.39 °C at the Gulf of Bomba. Salinity was found to be high (41.95 ppt) in Autumn at the Gulf of Bomba and less salinity value (38.20 ppt) was recorded in Summer at Marsa El-Katayta. The highest concentration of dissolved oxygen was recorded as 9.59 ppm in Winter at Um Alshawsh inlet and a lower concentration recorded was 5.69 ppm in Summer and was measured at the same station. Highest pH value (8.62) was recorded in Summer at Um Alshawsh inlet while the lower value was observed as 7.84 in Winter at the Gulf of Bomba. Higher value of phosphate was recorded as 2.152 µg-at.P-PO43-.l-1 in Summer at the Gulf of Bomba and a lower concentration of phosphate was recorded as 0.369 µg-at.P-PO43-.l-1. Higher value of nitrate was observed as 4.795 µg-at.N-NO3-.l-1 in Summer at Marsa El-Katayta and the lower value was recorded as 0.577 µg-at.N-NO3-.l-1 in winter at port Bordia, while the higher value for nitrite was recorded as 0.741 µg-at.N-NO2-.l-1in Summer at Um El-Shows inlet and the lower value was observed as 0.242 µg-at.N-NO2-.l-1at the same station. Higher ammonia value (1.044 µg-at.N.l-1) was noticed in the Autumn season at the Gulf of Bomba where non detectable level had been noticed in Summer season at Marsa El-Katayta. The results of the present research exhibited the basic addition to understand these environmental conditions for future activities such as the possibility to exploit, develop and to predict the environmental variables.
Morphological and histochemical studies on the olfactory rosette of bagrid catfish, Rita kuturnee (Sykes, 1839)
Authors: Ghosh S.K. , Chakrabarti P.
Published: March 2023

In the present study, the functional anatomy, histological features and histochemical localization of two enzymes viz., alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) of the olfactory epithelium in Rita kuturnee were described. The structural organization of the olfactory epithelium was studied by using the histological and histochemical techniques. The morpho-anatomical study revealed that the paired olfactory chambers were situated at the dorsal-lateral sides of the snout, which was communicated outside by an anterior and posterior nasal openings. The elongated olfactory rosette lied at the bottom of chamber and supported with 54-56 lamellae on either side of the central narrow raphe. The histological analysis characterized the olfactory epithelium of lamellae which was made up of receptor, flagellated supporting, non-flagellated supporting, labyrinth, mucous and basal cells. Intense alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase activity were evidenced in the receptor cells, supporting cells, basal cells and also in blood cells of the central core. Various cells lining the olfactory epithelium were correlated with the functional significance of the fish was concerned.
Checklists of Protozoans and Myxozoans of Freshwater and Marine Fishes of Basrah Province, Iraq
Authors: Mhaisen F.T. , Ali A.H. , Khamees N.R.
Published: March 2023

Reviewing the literature on all the protozoans and myxozoans parasitizing freshwater and marine fishes of Basrah Province, Iraq indicated the presence of 25 protozoans (one sarcodinid, six mastigophorans, one opalinid, four epicomplexans and 13 ciliophorans) as well as ten myxozoans. Some of these parasites infect skin, fins and gills of their hosts while others are internal parasites of fish muscles, body cavity and different body viscera. Apart from one taxon which was recorded from a marine locality, the remaining taxa were recorded from freshwater localities. The total number of protozoan and myxozoan species recorded for each fish host species fluctuated from a minimum of one parasite species in 11 fish hosts to a maximum of 15 parasite species in Silurus triostegus. Number of fish hosts reported for these parasites fluctuated from one host in case of 21 parasite species to a maximum of 19 host species in case of the ciliophoran Trichodina domerguei.
Effect of Different Concentration of Salinity on the Survival and Feeding of fingerling, Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) (Valenciennes, 1844)
Authors: Abdullah S.A.G.
Published: March 2023

In the present study, different concentration of salinity (4, 6, 8, 12 and 14 ppt) was studied for 21 days during December 2015, and compared with 1.4 ppt to investigate its effects on growth, nutrition and survival percentage rate of Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). The average of water temperature was 18.17 °C±1.3, dissolved oxygen was 7.9±0.60 (mg/l), hydrogen ion (8.13±0.327). The study showed that the mortality percentage for fish exposed to 14 ppt of salinity was 100 % after 24 hours, while the others was exposed  to different concentration of salinity (4, 6, 8 and 12 ppt) were 0, 0, 0 and 25 % respectively after 21 days comparing with control (1.4 ppt) was 0 %. Inversely relationship was seen between food intake percentage and various concentration of salinity, the highest percentage of food intake 6.11 % in treatment of control (1.4 ppt) and the lowest 1.99 % in concentration 12 ppt. Statistic analysis was demonstrated that there significant differences (P<0.05) in rate of food intake ratio between treatments 1.4, 4, 6, 8 and 12 ppt.
Distribution and abundance of Hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha larvae in the Shatt Al-Arab River and East Al-Hammar Marsh
Authors: Al-Okailee M.T.K. , Mutlak F.M. , Younis K.H.
Published: March 2023

The larvae of Tenualosa ilisha were surveyed in the present research at four stations in the Shatt Al-Arab River and East Al-Hammar marsh. The study was conducted from April 2013 to March 2014. Water temperature was ranged from 12°C in December to 38 °C in July at all stations. Salinity was changed from 9.35‰ in October to 36 ‰ in August at station A, while salinity changed was from 1.03 ‰ - 3.5 ‰ at stations B, C and D. A total of 185 T. ilisha larvae (5.0-20 mm TL.) were collected. Higher number of T. ilisha larvae was recorded at station C (88), comprised 47.56 % of the total fishes larvae collected, and the lowest number (23) was from station A, comprised 12.43 % of the total fishes larvae collected. T. ilisha larvae were found in the study region during eighth month of the year, from March to October. The highest abundance of larvae at station C in March was 3.28 larvae/10 m², and lowest was 0.14 larvae/10 m² at station D in April. Water temperature showed a significant positive correlations with abundance of T. ilisha larvae at stations A, B, C and D (r = 0.833, o.692, 0.890, 0.616 p < 0.05 respectively). While, the salinity showed negative correlations with abundance of T. ilisha larvae at stations A (r = -0.700, p < 0.05), and a weak negative correlations with stations B, C and D (r = -0.523, -0.455, -0.470 p < 0.05 respectively). The results sh0wed that Shatt Al-Arab river and East Al-Hammar marsh play a vital role in T. ilisha reproduction, may urgent plan need to it protect the spawning and nursery ground for larvae of this species.
Assessment of some toxic elements levels in Iraqi marine water
Authors: Abdulnabi Z.A.
Published: March 2023

Two methods were used for the determination of four toxic elements (mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead) in the Iraqi marine waters. Water samples were collected from eight stations along the Iraqi marine waters. Three stations were selected from nearby zone of the Fao city in southern of Iraq towards Khor Abdullah, these regions  were considered as an important navigation line on one hand between Iraq and Iran and on the other hand between Iraq and Kuwait. The other five stations were extended between Umm Qasr port towards Khor Al-Zubair port while the last station was selected from the nearby zone for confluence zone between Khor Al-Zubair port and Shatt Al-Basra canal. All the samples were collected during low tide at depth of 10 cm from surface water. Mercury and arsenic were analyzed by ICP instrument while lead and cadmium were determined through using Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The recorded data of the total concentration for all the elements have shown the average of concentration as follows: 0.0060 mg/l, 0.0765 mg/l, 0.0518 mg/l and 0.9229 mg/l for metals mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead respectively. Moreover, some physico-chemical properties of water were recorded in these stations
Microbial mats covering recent sediments in the tidal flats of Khor Al-Zubair South of Iraq, NW Arabian Gulf
Authors: Albadran B.N. , Al-Kaaby L.F.
Published: March 2023

This present study was deal with the microbial sedimentary structures which are mainly induced by the cyanobacteria in the tidal flats of Khor Al-Zubair, North west of the Arabian Gulf. There are three types of sedimentary structures in the area; (i) physical genetics, (ii) biological genetics and (iii) bio-physical genetics. The last one represents the microbial induced sedimentary structure appeared in ten forms, which led to increasing of tidal flats resistance to erosion process and concentrating the coarse grain sizes that accompanied with these structures. The identification of cyanobacteria shows five genera, four of them are filamentous; Microcoleus sp., Lyngbya spp., Oscillatoria spp., and Schizothrix sp., while the other is coccoid Aphanothece sp.
Physiographic study of Shatt Al-Arab Delta South of Iraq by Application of Remote Sensing Technique
Authors: Albadran B.N. , Al-Mulla S.T. , Abd-Alqader M.M.
Published: March 2023

The Shatt Al-Arab River is formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers near Qurna 75 km, Basrah Governorate, approximately 75 km north of the city of Basrah, southern of Iraq. Satellite images of Landsat 7 ETM+ for years 2000, 2002 and 2006 were processed with ERDAS Imagine 8.4 and ArcGIS 9.3. They were used to interpret the geomorphology of Shatt Al-Arab delta. Shuttle Topographic Radar Mission. Geomorphologic structures, suspended load distribution and lateral movement of the main channel are interpreted and three lobes are distinguished at the formative delta front, confirming lateral channel movement as the prime factor in the delta’s formation. A westward deviation in the main channel of the Shatt Al-Arab River could divert into Abdullah Creek within a few years.
Accumulation of some heavy metals in Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) collected from Shatt Al-Arab River
Authors: Al-Najare G.A. , Jaber A.A. , Hantoush A.A. , Talal A.H
Published: March 2023

In the present study, the concentrations of various heavy metals including copper, nickel, lead, cadmium, iron and manganese were investigated in several organs (muscles of head, muscles of trunks, muscles of tails, liver, gills, gonads and intestine) of Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) which was collected from Shatt Al-Arab river during the period between February 2013 and September 2013. Heavy metal concentrations were measured by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results of the heavy metals during study period showed that the highest concentration was 41.910 µg/g (dry weight) for iron between February and March, whereas the least concentration was 0.036 µg/g (dry weight) for lead between June and July. Also, they showed that the highest concentration was 27.470 µg/g (dry weight) for iron in liver, whereas the least concentration was 0.003 µg/g (dry weight) for lead in muscles of tails.
Assessment of water quality using Canadian Water Quality Index and GIS in Himreen Dam Lake, Iraq
Authors: Lazem L.F.
Published: March 2023

The Canadian versions of Water Quality Index (WQI) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) were applied in this study to assess the water quality of Himreen Dam Lake. Water samples were taken seasonally during the period from summer 2014 to spring 2015. A total of 10 parameters were measured in this work, and were considered in calculating the water quality index (WQI), namely: potential hydrogen ion (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca+2), magnesium (Mg+2), chloride (Cl-), sulphate (SO4-2), nitrate (NO3) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). The results showed that the pH was ranged from 7.1-7.9, EC was varied from 558-864 µS/cm and TDS was ranged between 322-522 mg/l. The ranges of sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, nitrate and sodium adsorption ratio were 13-34 mg/l, 32.27-86.34 mg/l, 35.0-67.8 mg/l, 29-88 mg/l, 129-254 mg/l, 0.9-3.6 µg N-NO3/l and 1.62-4.99 meq/l respectively. The values for the water quality index (WQI) were varied from 72.14 to 72.36 that categorized within category three (fair). The lowest value was recorded at station 2 while the highest was encountered from station 1. The results revealed that the quality of Himreen Lake water was suitable for irrigation.
Status of oil pollution in water and sediment from Shatt Al-Arab Estuary and North-West Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al-Saad H.T. , Al-Timari A.A.K. , Douabul A.A.Z. , Hantoush A.A. , Nasir A.M. , Saleh S.M.
Published: March 2023

In the present study, an attempt was made to study the levels of petroleum hydrocarbon residues in Water and Sediment samples collected from ten stations at the region of Shatt Al-Arab Estuary and North-West of the Arabian Gulf. The water and sediment samples were analyzed by utilizing the spectrofluorometry technique. The results of the present research obviously indicated a degree of oil pollution, however, still lower in magnitude when compared with status in some other regional sites. The obtained levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in water was ranged from (3.09 µg/l) at station 7 to (30.87 µg/l) at station 9 while in sediment ranged from (19.43 µg/g) dry weight  at station 4 to (49.09 µg/g) dry weight at station 9. In order to give a better evaluation of the petroleum hydrocarbon levels in the sediments, the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) percentage and grain size analyses were done by granulometry technique on selected slips of the bulk sediments obtained for this purpose. The mean percent TOC estimations ranged from 0.1 at Station 4 to 1.34 at Station 9. The mean values obtained in this study indicated that the petroleum hydrocarbon levels in the sediment samples are lower than the levels in sediment samples obtained with similar methodology and analyses in some of the Gulf States and countries in close vicinity of the region. The major pollution sources may involve tanker and boat discharges and activities, municipal sewage and rural runoff from land. Also, discharges and effluents from oil refineries, electricity generating station and industrial activities into the Basrah city are obvious.
Polyculture of Machrobracium nipponense (De Haan, 1849) with Ctenopharyngodon idella Val., 1844 in laboratory conditions
Authors: Al-Maliky T.H.Y.
Published: March 2023

The laboratory test on effect of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) at different densities in polyculture with oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) was the aim of this study. The experiment includes three treatments, prawn and 6 grass carp m-² (T1), prawn and 8 grass carp m-² (T2) and prawn and 10 garss carp m-² (T3), with three replicates in each. The prawn stocking density was the same in all treatments (10 juvenile m-²). Feeds were applied twice daily for prawn. Feeding rates were gradually reduced to 10 - 7% of body weight from the beginning to the last month. Water quality parameters (temperature, pH, salinity and DO) did not vary significantly (P>0.05).The mean of juvenile weight in the final weights and the increasing weight and daily growth were differed significantly (P<0.05) between the treatment T1 as well as of the two treatments T2 and T3, Which had not significant differences (P>0.05). While not significant differences (P>0.05) in both survival and relative growth rates in all transactions. It was found that the addition of different grass carp did not affect on rates of both survival and relative growth of prawns, evidence favorable to store fish with prawn. It can be concluded that the treatments T3 was the best for prawn-fish polyculture.
Heavy metals released from sewage sludge of Basrah city, Iraq using chemical method
Authors: Ibrahim F.H.
Published: March 2023

Samples of anaerobically digested sludge were obtained from the anaerobic unit of a waste water plant in Abo Al-Kaseeb (Basrah, Iraq) during 2012. The removal of heavy metals (Pb, Cu and Zn) were studied using sulphuric acid as a chelating agent by using A.A. Spectrophotometry. Metal removal was found to be depending on pH, solid concentration, specific types of metals and period of acidification. The rate of removal efficiency and solubilisation increased with time, low pH and low solid concentration. Limitation in solubilisation were existed, regardless of the period of acidification dependent on pH, and solid concentrations of the metal. The pattern of metals solubilisation with respect to time was similar. It increased to reach a maximum solubilisation in a relatively short period of time, and then remained the same for the duration of the 24 hrs. acidification period. This is a leading work which may open a future studies in the treatment of sewage sludge in Basrah city
Bioaccumulation test of cadmium and magnesium in the liver of Oreochromis niloticus via Scanning electron microscope
Authors: Aldoghachi M.A.
Published: March 2023

In this present study, the bioaccumulation of heavy metal, cadmium (Cd) and major element magnesium (Mg), in the liver tissues of Oreochromis niloticus, was investigated after exposing the fish over 96 h period to Cd LC50 (0.8 mg/l) and Mg LC50 (3.03 mg/l). These tissues were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopic X-ray microanalysis of fish liver exposed to Cd or Mg confirmed that these metals were accumulated in liver tissues.
Diversity, abundance and community structure of fishes in the lower part of the Euphrates River Southern Iraq
Authors: Abdullah A.H.J.
Published: March 2023

Diversity, abundance and community structure of fish species in the lower part of the Euphrates River was investigated during May 2016 to April 2017. Three stations were selected to conduct the work. Monthly variance of water temperature ranged from 11ºC in January and February to 31ºC in August, turbidity differs from 2.31 in June to 24.10 NTU in November. The overall values of hydrogen-ion differ from 7.52 in April to 8.27 in November and December. The overall values of salinity in the work area were 0.91 ‰ in October to 1.52 ‰ in May. Several fishing methods were used to collect the samples of fishes. A total of 4380 specimens' of fish were collected included 23 fish species belonging to 23 genera and 11 families, ten of them represented native fish species, eight alien fish species and five marine species. Oreochroims aureus was the most abundance species formed 34.27 % of the total number then Liza abu (24.66 %) of the total number of species and Carassius gibelo (14.36 %). Values of three dominate species (D3) was 73.29 %. The mean values of diversity index (H) in the study area ranged from 1.11 to 1.92, evenness index (J) from 0.53 to 0.90 and richness index (D) from 1.15 to 2.33. The study showed the dominance of small species of exotic and native fish in the study area and the scarcity of large economic species due to the overfishing.
Study of Sawa lake fauna, Holocene deposits, Al-Muthanna Province, Southern Iraq
Authors: Mahdi M.M. , Khaleefa U.Q. , Shareef N.F.
Published: March 2023

Sawa Lake is an abnormal lake in Iraq. It was characterized by the high degree of salinity among the Iraqi marshes. It is a euhyline water body of no inflow and outflow. The lake is an elongated closed basin with no channel of surface water available to it. The results of the present study are showed three types of fauna, the biggest numbers of fauna belong to Ostracods. The other fauna are represented in type of algae (Charophyta) and one genus of Gastropods. The SEM analysis indicated that the organisms are affected with water lake chemistry, the element S exists in the wall of Charophyta and Ostracoda, while the gastropods does not contain this element. They concluded that these organisms were affected with the salinity except gastropods genus which transport by bird feet from Caspian Sea. There are many fauna that occurred in Sawa Lake, these are reflect of fresh water sources enter to the lake.
The low discharge simulation of the Shatt Al-Arab River and its influence on water quality
Authors: Al-Fartusi A.J.M.
Published: March 2023

In the present research, a numerical model was developed using the software package Mike 11 to study the water quality of the Shatt Al-Arab river (TDS, DO, TSS). Three stations were selected at the upstream of River (Qurnah) in the middle (Ma,aqal) and downstream (FAO). A value of (50 m3/sec) discharge was used in chain age (0.0 m) and time series file for heights of tides in chain age (240932.0 m) which was the implementation of the programme for one year after calibration and verification between field measurements and the programme outputs, they show that there is a good compatibility. On using the value (250 m3/sec) to explore the impact of high discharge of river on water quality, this study shows that the discharge of the river plays the role of reverse with increase and decrease in these characteristics as well as the location of measuring stations on the estuary, in which all the values of variables are increased has an obvious effect. If the measurement station became closer to estuary that’s lead to increase in the value for variables, because of the tidal river were the values for variables in some stations in flood case larger than of ebb case. The programme represents a first step towards preparing a programme containing more water quality variables. After the success of the programme, made it possible to calculate any of the three variables after knowing the value of the discharge of the river and enter the time series of tidal heights.
Mapping the distribution and occurrence of four newly recorded species of seagrasses in the North-West Arabian Gulf
Authors: Ibrahim F.H.
Published: March 2023

For a long time the Iraqi regional waters of north-west Arabian Gulf were classified as free of seagrasses due to the absence of the information concerning these important angiosperms. During the survey carried out by scientist of the Marine Science Center and German divers in 2013-2014 to study the Coral reefs distribution and occurrence in this area, the divers with the help of underwater camera caught photos indicates the existence of seagrass meadows in different places of the north-west Arabian Gulf, so the efforts were made to examine this issue and a work were carried out in April 2017 to study the existence, species composition, occurrences and distribution of seagrass species in the Iraqi marine waters of the north-west Arabian Gulf for the first time. Six sites were chosen distributed along the north-west of Arabian Gulf where the depth was ranging from 0.5 to 15.0 m. Six meadows of seagrass were identified, classified, mapped and seagrass diversity and abundance were investigated. Four species of seagrass namely Halophila stipulacea (Forsskal) Ascherson, Halophila ovalis (R. Brown) Hooker f., Halophila decipiens Ostenfeld and Halodule uninervis (Forsskal) were recorded for the first time in Iraq. Halophila decipiens Ostenfeld was recorded as a new to the whole area of the Arabian Gulf and the Iraqi marine waters and found at a depth of 12-15 m. Halodule uninervis was found to be the most dominant species at all the studied sites followed by Halophila stipulacea. The total seagrass area estimated at all the stations was about 678 hectare fluctuated at different stations. Higher Seagrass total coverage area (240 ha) was found at shallower waters (0.5-3.0 m) compared with 60 ha at deeper waters (12-15 m). The exposed locations showed low seagrass coverage of 35 % comparing with sheltered sites (65 %). The relationship between depth and total coverage of seagrass was significant, while it was not significant with sites. Highest richness value was found in the Alkheran area (Khor Al-Zubair) at a depth of 0.5 m. The relative evenness of the seagrasses species, with different depths showed that the depth 0-3 m has the highest value. The distribution of seagrasses in Khor Al-Zubair and Khor Abdullah down to the open area of Khor Al-Omaya was mapped by using the GIS and Arc Map version 10.5 applications.
Evaluation of marine pollution by mercury from petrochemical hot spot, west of Libya
Authors: Al-Asadi M.K.K.
Published: March 2023

Elemental mercury is associated with industrial wastes discharged through the main effluent pipe of the chlorine-Alkali plant at Abo-Kamash area west of Libya. The minimal mercury value of 0.1 ppm dry weight is assumed to be the background level for the uncontaminated sediments in the area. Mercury level ranged from 0.193 to 0.310 ppm in the sediments from the polluted area beyond the plant. The concentration of total mercury in fish muscle ranged from 0.176 and 3.586 μg/g wet wt. The Chlorine-Alkali plant is obviously the major source of mercury pollution.
First record of the moon crab Ashtoret lunaris (Forskål, 1775) from Syrian coasts
Authors: Ammar I. , Arabia I.
Published: March 2023

The number of aliens crustaceans is constantly increasing within the Syrian marine waters with the increasing of the interest in the marine biodiversity which allowed the discovery of many new species and various unrecorded species. The moon crab Ashtoret lunaris (Forskål, 1775) is recorded for the first time from the Syrian coast in the eastern Mediterranean. Two specimens of the Lessepsian crab A. lunaris were collected from Al-shokaifat area (at the north of Jableh). The specimens were collected by hand from the sandy shore on 7 August 2017.
Early embryonic developmental stages of the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata (Leach, 1814) from Lattakia coast, Syria
Authors: Hassan N. , Mansour C. , Saker F.
Published: March 2023

Matured brood stock of Pinctada radiata were collected from Afamia region in Lattakia coast. Three sets of spawning and larval rearing experiments were conducted during the period from July - October 2016 and the pearl oysters were successfully spawned at average temperature 31.5 ± 0.26 °C. After about 60 min, oocytes presented no germinal vesicle, rounded and measured 47.5-55 μm with an average of 50 ± 3.95 μm in diameter. Early stages of embryonic development were recorded and the polar body was observed 15 min after fertilization, trefoil stage at 1 h and 30 min, morula at 3 h and 30 min, blastula at 4 h and 50 min, gastrula at 6 h, trochophore larva at 8 h and veliger larva at 20 h. Veliger larva dimensions were 61.88 ± 3.82 μm for average length along the antero-posterior axis and 51.26 ± 5.14 μm for height along the dorso-ventral axis.
A survey of the availability of fish species in the landing centers of Dhi-Qar Province, Iraq, during the period from 2005 to 2016
Authors: Nasir N.A. , Sultan Q.M.
Published: March 2023

The current study was designed to evaluate the landing and distribution pathways of fish in DhiQar during the period from 2005 to 2016. This investigation was carried out to overview the location of the fish landing/entering centers, the source of supply and availability of fisheries organisms in DhiQar Province. Gill net, seine net, cast net and electro-fishing gears were used mainly for catching the freshwater fish. The total fish landing in the province during the above mentioned period was about 37427 tons. The maximum landed was about 4245 tons during 2016 which accounted for about 11% of the total catch. Out of thirteen freshwater fish species, 3 were marine fish species, the total landed fish was dominated by the less economically fish such as Palaniza abu which accounted for about 44 % of the total catch. Alternatively, the highly economically fish were landed in a less amount throughout the time studied. Seven native fish species were recorded during the study which made up of 67 % of the total catch. The alien species were 3 and made about 21 % of the total fish landed. Migratory species were occurred at the lowest level and formed about 12 % of the total catch. It could be concluded that most quantities of fish landings in the fish markets has always come from the captured fisheries, the rest were coming from aquaculture production.
Effects of dietary protein levels on the growth of Luciobarbus xanthopterus juveniles (Heckel, 1843)
Authors: Jabir A.A.
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of four fish dietary protein levels (30%, 35%, 40% and 45%) on the growth of Luciobarbus xanthopterus juveniles. About 240 fish of average weight of 18.4 g were kept in eight small letter tanks for 8 weeks at the Marine Science Center aquaculture room. Two replicates for each treatment with 30 fish for each replicate were used. A number of growth parameters were estimated during the experiment. The environmental factors measured were; water temperature, DO, salinity and pH. The highest average weight gained was 21.14 g ± 0.33 with the 40% dietary protein level, while the lowest average weight was 19.68 g ± 0.50. The highest weight gained was recorded at 40% dietary protein level. The highest weight gain and weight increase were significantly different (p<0.05) at 40% dietary protein level. Their values were 21.14 g ± 0.33 and 2.11 ± 0.06, respectively. The lowest weight gain and weight increase were at 45% protein level, with values of 19.68 g ± 0.50 and 1.09 ± 0.05, respectively. The weight increase was 2.11 ± 0.06. Significant differences (p<0.05) have been noticed in this protein level, however, the other dietary levels showed no significant increase. The highest rate of daily weight increase were recorded at the 30%, 35% and 40% levels and the significant differences (p<0.05) among these levels were in apparent. However, the weight increase rate of 2.12 was dropped at 45% level to 1.41 ± 0.033. The highest rate of specific growth was recorded at the 35% protein level with value of 0.31 g/day with no significant differences (p<0.05) between the various levels. Finally, it could be concluded from this study that the lowest specific growth 5.64% was recorded at the 45% protein level and the highest relative growth 11.06% was recorded at the dietary protein level of 35%.
A comparison of sedimentological, environmental and fauna between two regions, NW of the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al-Humaidan Z.A. , Al-Jaberi M.H. , Al-Ali R.A.
Published: March 2023

Marine environment is considered one of the richest environments in fauna of benthic marine micropaleontology because of the suitable conditions for living requirements like food, oxygen, sediment texture and salinity. In the current study, a fauna and their distribution were studied according to the depths of subsurface marine sediments from two regions at the NW Arabian Gulf, the first region at Khor Shytanah (Core 1) at the north of the study area representing a sever environment with high currents, and contain more than 95% sand grains, it is of light color, large size, rounded to sub-rounded grains and clean due to the continuous washing and water movement, whereas the second region was near the oil Basrah Port (Core 2) at the south of the study area, where the quite environment with weak currents and fine sand of dark color due to the activity of non-anaerobic bacteria , the region has angular to sub-angular grains. The type of sediment texture was determined at each depth and consisted of silt, sand silt, sand and silty sand. On the other hand, the percentage of calcium carbonate was determined in the sediments to correlates that with the size and density of fauna that live in this area.