Spatial distribution and population density of submerged aquatic vegetation in Shatt Al-Arab River

Abstract

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is an integral component of aquatic ecosystems and provides essential habitats and ecosystem services. This study investigated the distribution and abundance of SAV in the Shatt Al-Arab River, located in Southern Iraq, and examined its relationship with changing environmental factors. Monthly surveys were conducted at three stations from October 2015 to September 2016 to assess the percentage cover of vegetation, biomass, and the physicochemical properties of water and sediment. Three SAV species belonging to the Potamogetonaceae family have been recorded. Canonical correspondence analysis showed a negative relationship between Potamogeton perfoliatus and depth/reactive phosphorus. The abundance of plants in this area was significantly lower than that reported in previous studies. Species richness and abundance were analyzed at all stations during the same period using biodiversity indices. The analysis revealed differences in species richness between the stations. This decline in abundance was likely due to increased salinity, nutrients, and anthropogenic pressures. This study demonstrates the impact of environmental changes on ecologically important SAV and emphasizes the necessity of implementing conservation and management strategies.

Full text

*Corresponding author: Dunya A. Al-Abbawy
Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0.
Spatial distribution and population density of submerged aquatic vegetation in Shatt
Al-Arab River
Dunya A. Al-Abbawy * and Sama A. Al-Zaidi
Department of Ecology, College of Science, University of Basrah, Iraq.
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
Publication history: Received on 07 September 2023; revised on 01 November 2023; accepted on 04 November 2023
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2023.25.2.0431
Abstract
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is an integral component of aquatic ecosystems and provides essential habitats
and ecosystem services. This study investigated the distribution and abundance of SAV in the Shatt Al-Arab River,
located in Southern Iraq, and examined its relationship with changing environmental factors. Monthly surveys were
conducted at three stations from October 2015 to September 2016 to assess the percentage cover of vegetation,
biomass, and the physicochemical properties of water and sediment. Three SAV species belonging to the
Potamogetonaceae family have been recorded. Canonical correspondence analysis showed a negative relationship
between Potamogeton perfoliatus and depth/reactive phosphorus. The abundance of plants in this area was significantly
lower than that reported in previous studies. Species richness and abundance were analyzed at all stations during the
same period using biodiversity indices. The analysis revealed differences in species richness between the stations. This
decline in abundance was likely due to increased salinity, nutrients, and anthropogenic pressures. This study
demonstrates the impact of environmental changes on ecologically important SAV and emphasizes the necessity of
implementing conservation and management strategies.
Keywords: Submerged aquatic plants; Distribution; Shatt Al-Arab River; Iraq
1. Introduction
Aquatic ecosystems are intricate networks of biotic and abiotic components that feature a rich diversity of plants and
animals. Submerged aquatic plants constitute critical components of these systems and play both structural and
functional roles. They act as foundational species, creating habitats that are essential for the sustenance of myriad
aquatic organisms, including fishes, invertebrates, and birds. Beyond offering shelter and food resources, these plants
are integral to maintaining ecological balance through processes such as nutrient cycling and sediment stabilization.
They also serve as substrates for plankton, thereby playing a vital role in the primary productivity and food web
dynamics [1] [2].
The role of submerged aquatic plants extends beyond habitat provision. Recent studies have highlighted the potential
for phytoremediation. For instance, certain species have shown wastewater pretreatment capabilities, and their
metabolic activities contribute to the reduction of pollutants in aquatic systems, while several studies focused on some
algae as phytoremediator [3]. This adds an extra dimension to their ecological significance as they can be leveraged for
environmental restoration projects aimed at mitigating pollution.
Despite their ecological importance, aquatic ecosystems are facing mounting threats that are largely attributable to
human activities. The encroachment of human development into natural habitats and increased agriculture have led to
a surge in nutrient loading and sedimentation. Anthropogenic changes in water chemistry, particularly elevated salinity,

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
205
pose challenges for the long-term sustainability of these systems. These stressors have a cascading effect that disrupts
the intricate equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems and threatens their biodiversity and functional integrity [4].
The spatial distribution and overall health of SAV are influenced by the complex interplay between environmental
factors. These range from physical factors, such as temperature regimes, light availability, and water movement patterns
to chemical factors, such as nutrient concentrations, salinity levels, and pH values. Biological factors, including grazing
pressure, interspecies competition, and human intervention also play pivotal roles. One study emphasized the
competition between submerged plants and algae, particularly in light-limited environments, and showed that biotic
interactions can significantly affect plant distribution and abundance [5].
In the wake of these ecological challenges and complexities, this study aimed to investigate the impact of environmental
variables on submerged aquatic plants in selected locations along the Shatt Al-Arab River. By examining how these
myriad factors collectively shape the spatial distribution and health of these plants, we aimed to provide valuable
insights that could guide future conservation and management strategies for aquatic ecosystems.
2. Material and methods
2.1. The study area
The Shatt Al-Arab River consists of the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Qurna, north of Basra city, and
then flows in a southeastern direction to pour into the Arabian Gulf. Today, it is an extension of the Tigris River after
the Euphrates are closed. The Shatt Al-Arab River is 200 km long with an average depth of 3-15 m. The Shatt Al-Arab
River is characterized by the presence of tides that occur twice a day and whose source is the Arabian Gulf.
Three stations in the Shatt Al-Arab River were selected from November 2015 to September 2016 (Fig.1): the first station
(30.345350 N, 47.461260 E) is called Al-Jazeera Al-Muhammadiyah, the second (N30.502609, 47.861353 E) is called
Al-Salihiya, and the third (30.466939 N, 47.925735 E).
Figure 1 Map of study station in Shatt Al-Arab
2.2. Environmental variables
A simple thermometer was used to measure the air and water temperatures, and the water pH was measured using a
Wissenschaftlich Technische Werkstatten (WTW) model 3110. Electrical conductivity was measured using a
Wissenschaftlich Technische Werkstatten (WTW) 3310. Dissolved oxygen was measured using Wissenschaftlich
Technische Werkstatten (WTW) model 3205.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
206
A Turbi direct meter was used to measure turbidity and a Secchi disk with a diameter of (30 cm) was used to measure
light penetration. The water depth was measured using a long stick and measuring tape. Reactive phosphorus was
measured using a Spectrophotometer type UV-VIS / T80 at a wavelength of 885 nm [6]. Nitrate was measured using a
UV-VIS/T 80 spectrophotometer at 220 and 275 nm [7].
The sediment samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus content, and organic matter
content.
Plant samples were measured for their presence, biomass, vegetation cover, and biodiversity indices (Simpson’s
diversity index, Shannon's diversity index, Jaccard coefficient, and Berger-Burker index).
 Simpsons diversity Index (D) = ∑ni(ni-1)/N (N-1)
o ni: Number of individuals of each plant species
o N: The total number of individuals counted
 Shannon's diversity Index (H) = -∑pi lnpi
o Pi: The ratio of the number of individuals of a plant species to the number of all species
o Ln: Natural logarithm
 J= (a/a+b+c)*100
o J: Jaccard coefficient
o a: Number of species present in both communities studied.
o bNumber of species present in the first community but not in the second community.
o c: The number of species present in the second community that are not present in the first community.
 Berger-Parker = n/N
o n: Number of individuals of the dominant species
o N: The total number of individuals in the sample
2.3. Statistical Analysis
Descriptive statistics provided insights into environmental variables, while correlation and ANOVA analyses identified
significant relationships and station-specific variations using the SPSS software. Canonical Correspondence Analysis
(CCA) was used to assess the connection between environmental factors and plant species. Biodiversity indices were
statistically analyzed to detect differences in species diversity.
3. Results
Table 1 shows the seasonal changes in the water temperature, which ranged from 15.2-31.2 °C. The highest EC value of
8.3 mS/cm was recorded during autumn at the third station, whereas the lowest value of 4 mS/cm was recorded at the
first and second stations. The pH ranged from 7.7. - 8.3, The value of dissolved oxygen was 4.5 mg/L in the summer in
the third station while the highest value was 8.6 mg/L in the winter in the second and third stations. The water ranged
from 73.3-166 cm. The seasonal turbidity and transparency were also measured, with the lowest value of 17.9 NTU and
27.7 cm respectively, while the highest values were recorded at 51.9 NTU and 70 cm in winter and summer, respectively.
Seasonal changes in nutrient concentrations NO3- and PO4-3 have recorded low values of 117.9 ug/l and 5.5 ug/l in the
winter and spring respectively, while their highest value of 430 ug/l and 7.8 ug/l in the autumn.
Table 2 shows the seasonal changes in pH of sediment ranging from 7.8-8.1 and EC of sediment ranged from 1.1-1.8
mS/cm, Seasonal changes in reactive phosphorus were recorded ranging from 8.8-39.1 ug/L, changes in organic matter
ranged between 6.4-13.4%.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
207
Table 1 Seasonal variation of water parameter in the Shatt Al-Arab stations during study period
3
2
1
Season
Unit
Measurement
18.6
18.2
15.2
Winter
C
WT
25.4
25
23.7
Spring
31.2
31
30
Summer
28.6
27.6
24
Autumn
8.6
8.6
7.8
Winter
mg/L
DO
5.6
6.6
5.2
Spring
4.5
5.1
5
Summer
8
7.7
7.6
Autumn
6.7
6.2
7.9
Winter
mS/cm
EC
4.1
4
5
Spring
4.6
4.7
4
Summer
8.3
7.9
8
Autumn
8.3
8.2
7.9
Winter
_
pH
8
8.1
8
Spring
8
8
7.7
Summer
8.2
7.8
8
Autumn
7
6.8
6
Winter
µg/l
PO4 -3
6.7
6.4
5.5
Spring
7.8
7.1
6.8
Summer
7.8
7.4
6.7
Autumn
119.4
117.9
119
Winter
µg/l
NO3
128.4
128.5
124
Spring
151.5
151
151.6
Summer
361.9
335.2
430
Autumn
56.6
83.3
73.3
Winter
cm
Depth
47.6
103.3
86.6
Spring
63.3
136.6
113
Summer
53.3
166
113.3
Autumn
47.5
50
48.3
Winter
cm
Transparency
27.7
58.3
46.6
Spring
36.8
70
63.3
Summer
42.7
50
58.3
Autumn
120
51.9
42
Winter
NTU
Turbidity
123.3
17.9
23.5
Spring

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
208
128.3
21.3
27.9
Summer
140
22.3
29.4
Autumn
Table 2 Spatial and temporal variation of sediment parameter in Shatt Al-Arab River during the study period
Average
3
2
1
Season
Measurement
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.6
Winter
EC
1.6
2
1.6
1.4
Spring
1.3
1.4
1.6
1.1
Summer
1.7
1.6
1.8
1.7
Autumn
7.9
7.9
7.8
8
Winter
pH
7.9
8
8
7.8
Spring
8
8
7.9
8.1
Summer
8
7.9
8.1
8
Autumn
12.3
10.3
13.4
13.3
Winter
TOC
9.2
9.1
9.5
9
Spring
9.3
11.1
10.4
6.4
Summer
10.5
10.6
10.5
10.5
Autumn
12.3
10.6
12.1
14.4
Winter
PO4 -3
33.2
33.4
32.2
34
Spring
32.8
39.1
28.4
31
Summer
12.2
18.1
8.8
9.9
Autumn
Table 3 Comparison of some physical and chemical properties of water in the study stations with previous studies
Previous
studies
PO4 -3
(µg/l)
Nitrates
(µg/l)
DO
(Mg/l)
pH
EC
(mS/cm)
Turbidity
NTU
Light
penetration
(cm)
Depth
(cm)
Temperature
(°C)
[8]
2.12-
0.01
88.50-
7.90
11.5-
5.8
8.57-
7.26
18.45-
1.46
39.3-9.8
___
___
___
[9]
0.1-
0.03
13.5-0.3
10.3-7
3.7-2.8
___
___
254-
150
31-15
[10]
0.35
620
5.8
7.3
4.1
___
___
___
28.5
[11]
5.78-
0.43
110.12-
3.54
___
8.65-
7.10
2.85-1.33
97-2
___
___
___
[12]
6.9-2
3871-
550
9.3-3.8
8.3-
7.4
10.5-3.2
30-10
140-68
___
29-14
[13]
2.91-
0.24
0.86-
0.26
11.5-
5.9
8.2-
7.6
6.1-2.9
___
___
___
33.6-10.2
current
study
9.13-
4.93
569.42-
106.17
9.7-4.5
8.51-
7.5
12.4-2.8
68.3-12.8
90-23
200-
60
32.3-14.2

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
209
Three plant species of submerged aquatic species were recorded (Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton pectinatus, and
Potamogeton perfoliatus) in some seasons belonging to one family, and the percentage of their vegetation cover was
calculated as the highest proportion of P. perfoliatus (38%), followed by P. crispus (35%), while P. pectinatus had the
lowest ratio (27%) (Fig. 2). The highest biomass of P. crispus was recorded at the second station, whereas the lowest
biomass of P. perfoliatus was recorded at the same station (Fig. 3).
The relationships between environmental variables and species were statistically calculated using CCA. A negative
relationship was observed between P. perfoliatus and the water depth. A negative relationship was also observed
between P. perfoliatus and reactive phosphorus, a negative relationship between dissolved oxygen and temperature,
and a positive relationship between NO3 and EC (Fig. 4).
Table 4 shows the values of biodiversity indices at the study stations. The third station was the least diverse, while it
was the most equal to the first and second stations, and the second station was the most dominant. The number of
recorded species was lower than that recorded in historical data (Table 5).
Figure 2 Percentage of vegetation cover of Aquatic plants in Shatt Al-Arab River
Figure 3 Biomass of Aquatic plants in Shatt Al-Arab River

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
210
Table 4 Values of biodiversity indices of Submerged plants in Shatt Al-Arab River
Stations
biodiversity indices
St.3
St.2
St.1
Index
0.678
0.803
0.885
Shannon H'
0.978
0.731
0.806
Shannon E
1.966
1.952
2.097
Simpson 1/D
1.708
1.517
7.1
Berger-Parker 1/d
Figure 4 Relationship between aquatic plant species and biological environmental characteristics determined using
CCA
Table 5 Comparison of the presence of submersed aquatic plants in the study stations with previous studies
present study
[9]
[16]
[15]
[14]
Plant species
+
+
+
+
Ceratophyllum demersum
Chara vulgaris
+
+
Hydrilla verticillata
Myriophyllun spicatum
Najas marina
Najas minor
+
+
+
+
+
Potamogeton crispus
+
+
+
+
Potamogeton pectinatus
+
+
+
+
Potamogeton perfoliatus
+
+
+
+
Vallisneria spiralis
3
5
6
5
4
Number of species
+ mean presence

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
211
4. Discussion
The change in the Iraqi aquatic environment is evident through the variation in water quality from one period to
another, which is reflected in the presence, vegetation coverage, and biomass of submerged aquatic plants as well as
the role of biological and human activities that may affect the presence and distribution of submerged aquatic plants.
Temperature is an important environmental factor that plays a role in the distribution of submerged aquatic plants and
affects the chemical and physical properties of water [17]. The results of this study showed that there were differences
in temperature values due to the different seasons during the year and the length of the day as well as the difference in
water movement in the tides and ebbs.
The pH values showed an alkaline trend owing to the alkaline nature of Iraqi water, which is a distinctive characteristic
of Iraqi water owing to the nature of the land in Mesopotamia [18]. The slight variation in pH values is due to the
buffering of water resulting from its high carbonate and bicarbonate content [19].
The values of electrical conductivity led to a decrease in the growth and diversity of aquatic plants in freshwater [20],
and the seasonal difference in the values of conductivity was due to the arrival of the Karun River to the Shatt Al-Arab
River, which drains agricultural land from the Iranian side. The difference between precipitation and evaporation leads
to an increase or decrease in salinity [21] [22].
Seasonal differences in depth values were a result of low discharge from the Tigris River and semi-closure of the Karun
River.
Light penetration is an important characteristic of the water surface as it directly affects the growth and distribution of
submerged aquatic plants [23]. The variation in light pentation values during the seasons was due to the variations in
turbidity and increase in pollutants which in turn helps the growth of plankton and thus reduces light pentation, in
addition to the Shatt Al-Arab containing large amounts of sediment [24] [25]
Turbidity is affected by the number of suspended and dissolved particles, light intensity, water movement, and
prevailing weather conditions [26]. The variation in turbidity values during the seasons was due to the lack of SAV,
movement of boats, and rainfall.
This difference in dissolved oxygen concentration may be due to changes in the water level and other environmental
factors, as well as vital processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, along with the presence of sufficient
concentrations of dissolved oxygen due to tidal movement, which allows the oxygen present in the atmosphere to
dissolve during gas exchange [27].
Nitrates are present in large quantities in nitrogen fertilizers and introduced into the water surface through animal and
human waste [28]. The variation in nitrate values is due to several factors, including rainfall and its consumption by
aquatic plants and phytoplankton [29].
The concentration of active phosphorus in a water body depends on the nature of the land surrounding the water body,
population density, and agricultural waste [30]. The seasonal variation in the values of active phosphorus is due to
water-draining agricultural lands laden with phosphate fertilizers, as well as rainfall.
Three species of submerged aquatic plants have been recorded in the study area. The reason for the small number of
recorded plant species may be the continuous changes that occur in aquatic environments, such as sudden increases in
salinity and nutrient levels. The diversity among the Shatt Al-Arab River stations was higher at station one, which
explains why it was less affected by changes in water quality in addition to human activities.
The salts found in sediments affect the osmotic efficiency of plants, which plays a role in nutrient uptake, and thus affects
their presence and distribution [31]. The difference in the electrical conductivity values of the sediments was due to the
difference in the water discharge.
The pH of the sediment was within the alkaline range during the study period because of the nature of Mesopotamia
[18]. The difference in the values of active phosphorus in the sediments may be due to the presence of a population
around the study area and the increase in human waste, or it may be due to the discharge of water from the agricultural
lands surrounding the area, which is loaded with phosphate fertilizers.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
212
Organic matter (OM) is an important source of nutrients for plants and plays an important role in improving the
physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. It is also considered a major factor in soil productivity and
fertility by providing nutrients to the soil and increasing its ability to retain water [32]. The results of this study showed
variations in organic matter values, which may be due to the difference in temperature during the seasons and their
relationship with the activity of microorganisms.
Comparing the results of this study with those of previous studies, there were some compatible results, such as
temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, although the study recorded high values for electrical conductivity and
nutrients. (Table 3).
The lack of species recorded during the study period might have been due to continuous changes in the aquatic
environment, such as a sudden rise in salinity values and nutrients.
This study showed that the percentage of vegetation cover for P. crispus and P. pectinatus was higher than that recorded
in previous studies, which may be attributed to the recent improvement in salinity of the Shatt Al-Arab River.
This study showed a difference in the biomass values of plant species, which may be due to high salinity, sediment
conditions, and lighting, which are important factors affecting the biomass of submersible aquatic plants [33] [34].
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, our study on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the Shatt Al-Arab River revealed significant
fluctuations in environmental variables and highlighted the influence of high salinity levels on SAV distribution. Despite
recording only three SAV species, our findings align with the historical data for some variables. However, increased
electrical conductivity and nutrient levels indicate ongoing environmental changes. This study underscores the urgency
of implementing conservation measures to protect these vital aquatic plants and maintain the ecological equilibrium of
the Shatt Al-Arab River ecosystem.
Compliance with ethical standards
Acknowledgments
We would like to express our gratitude to the Head of the Department of Ecology at the University of Basrah for her
invaluable support, guidance, and encouragement throughout this research.
Disclosure of conflict of interest
No conflict of interest to be disclosed.
References
[1] Warfe DM, Barmuta LA. Habitat structural complexity mediates food web dynamics in a freshwater macrophyte
community. Oecologia. 2006; 150:141-154.
[2] Havel JE, Kovalenko KE, Thomaz SM, Amalfitano S, Kats LB. Aquatic invasive species: Challenges for the future.
Hydrobiologia. 2015;750(1):147-170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-014-2166-0.
[3] Abdulredha DS, AlMousawi NJ, Azeez NM. Using Blue-Green Algae Hapalosiphon Sp. & Green Algae Scenedesmus
Spp. In Reducing Organic Pollutants from Wastewater. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology.
2021;25(6):8647-8653.
[4] Neale PJ, Williamson CE, Banaszak AT, et al. The Response of Aquatic Ecosystems to the Interactive Effects of
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, UV Radiation, and Climate Change. Photochemistry and Photobiology Sciences.
2023; 22:1093-1127.
[5] Istvanovics V, Honti M, Kovacs A, Osztoics A. Distribution of submerged macrophytes along environmental
gradients in large, shallow Lake Balaton (Hungary). Aquatic Botany. 2008;88(4):317-330.
[6] Strickland JDH, Parsons TR. A practical handbook of seawater analysis. Journal of Fish Research Board of Canada.
1972; 167:311 pp.

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
213
[7] American Public Health Association. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. 21st ed.
Washington, D.C; 2005.
[8] Moyle, Muhammad Salem. (2010). Evaluation of the water quality of the northern part of the Shatt Al-Arab using
Water Quality Guide (Canadian Model). Master’s thesis, College of Science, University of Basrah. 100 pages.
[9] Al-Asadi, W. M. (2014). Study of the effect of some environmental variables on the abundance and distribution of
submersible aquatic plants in East Hammar and Shatt Al-Arab River. Basra Journal of Science (B), College of
Science, University of Basrah, 32(1) 20- 42.
[10] Bayan AM . Environmental Pollution in Shatt Al-Arab estuary. Journal of international academic research for
multidisciplinary .2015; 2320-5083, Volume 3, Issue 6.
[11] AL-Saad, H.T.; Alhello, A.A.; AL-Kazaeh, D.K. ; AL-Hello, M.A. ; Hassan, W.F. ; Mahdi,S. (2015). Analysis of water
quality using physico-chemical parameters in the Shatt Al-Arab estuary, Iraq. International Journal of Marine
Science. 5(49): 1-9.
[12] Al-Shaheen, M.A.G. (2016). Taxonomical and Ecological study on the diatoms communities of Shatt Al-Arab river,
southern Iraq .Ph.D. Thesis, Univ of Basrah.308pp.
[13] Hanaf, Raja Abdel Kadhim. (2016). The relationship between some heavy elements and plankton productivity.
Flora and biomass of some dominant aquatic plants in selected areas of the Shatt Al-Arab south Iraq. Doctoral
thesis, College of Agriculture, University of Basra. 195 p.
[14] Al-Issa, SA. (2004). An ecological study of aquatic plants and the algae attached to them In the Shatt al -Arab.
Doctoral dissertation, College of Agriculture, University of Basra 191. p.
[15] Mahmoud, Amal Ahmed. (2008). Concentrations of pollutants in the water, sediments and plants of some Bodies
of water in southern Iraq. Doctoral thesis, College of Science, University of Basrah. 244 p.
[16] Jabbar,Aintisar Muhammad Ali. (2013). Environmental assessment of the Shatt Al-Arab using qualitative
evidence and biointegration. Master's thesis, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah. 106 p.
[17] Smith R. Current methods in aquatic science. University of Waterloo; 2004.
[18] Hussein NAA, Al Najjar HHK, Al-Saad HT, Yusuf OH, Al-Sabungi AA. Shatt Al-Arab River: Basic scientific studies.
Publications of the Center for Marine Sciences, University of Basrah; 1991.
[19] Stirling HP. Chemical and biological methods of water analysis for aquaculture. Stirling University, Scotland;
1985.
[20] Al-Saadi SAM. A taxonomic and environmental study of wetland plants in Southern Iraq [PhD thesis]. College of
Science, University of Basrah; 2009.
[21] Issa AM. A study of some physical, chemical, and life variables for drinking water in Basra Governorate [Master's
thesis]. College of Science, University of Basrah; 2009.
[22] Rain SG. The environmental impact of chemical fertilizers on aquatic resources Iraqi. Engineering and
Development Journal / College of Engineering / Al-Mustansiriya University. Iraq; 2003.
[23] Hussein SA, Fahad KK. Seasonal variations in nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations in the AlGaraf Canal, one
of the main branches of Euphrates. 1st Scientific Conference of the Agricultural College; 2008.
[24] Moyel MS and Hussain NA 2015. Water quality assessment of the Shatt Al-Arab River, Southern Iraq. Journal of
Coastal Life Medicine (6): 459-465.
[25] Adlan NH, Al-Abbawy DA. Changes in Physicochemical Characteristics of Water along Shatt Al-Arab river. Indian
Journal of Ecology (2022) 49 Special Issue (18): 300-307.
[26] Hadiimttsis DG, Hadjimtisis MG, Clayton C, Clarke BA. Determination of turbidity in the Kourris dam in Cyprus
using Landsat TM remotely sensed data. Water Resources Management. 2006; 20:449-465.
[27] Bernez IJ, Coudreuse H, Daniel J, Coeur DL. Bioindication using vegetation of three regulated rivers under
agroindustrial pressure in western France. Annali di Botanica – nuova serie. 2004; 4:37-48.
[28] Camargo JA, Alonso A, De La Puente M. Multimetric assessment of nutrient enrichment in impounded rivers based
on benthic macroinvertebrates. Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2004; 96:233-249.
[29] Akbar MM, Awad AH, Muhammad IH. Environmental study for zooplankton in the marshes of southern Iraq. Wadi
Al-Mesopotamia Journal. 2005;20(1).

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 25(02), 204–214
214
[30] Villholth KG, Manamperi AS, Buergi N. Chemical characteristics of Tsunami-affected groundwater and lagoon on
the east coast of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 3rd WEDC International Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka; 2006.
[31] Bronmark C, Hansson LA. Biology of lakes and ponds. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press; 2005.
[32] Khoshnaw MR. and Esmail AO . Comparison between organic matter content of main soil orders in the kurdistan
region using two different methods. Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences –2020:51(Special Issue):1- 8.
[33] Abou-Hamdan H, Haury J, Hebrard JP, Dandelot S, Cazaubon A. Macrophytic communities inhabiting the
Huveaune (South-East France), a river subject to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Hydrobiologia. 2005;
551:161-170.
[34] Al-Badran OA, Al-Abbawy DAH, Kowais AAL. Evaluation of physiochemical factors in Saffia Nature Reserve,
Southern Iraqi Marshes, using geographic information system techniques. Indian J Ecol. 2022;49(3):665-672.