Al-Hammar Marsh Research Articles

Unveiling Preliminary Study of the Holocene Sedimentary Environments and Biofacies in Western of Al-Hammar Marsh, Southern Part of Iraq

Biofacies and sedimentary environment analyses were conducted across three sites west of Al-Hammar Marsh. Excavations were undertaken at different depths for a comprehensive study. The initial site was probed at 9 m depth, followed by the second site at 5 m, and the third site at 9 m. Subsequent examination of these samples aimed to unveil insights into grain size, fossil contents, and their respective ecological settings. The grain size analysis revealed three distinct sediment types: silt, sandy silt, and muddy sand. Additionally, fossil assemblages hinted at three primary biofacies. The first facies represented a fresh marsh-fluvial environment identified across all three sites at different depths. Specifically, this biofacies manifested from the surface to about 200 cm in site one, 50-150 cm in site two, and 50-250 cm in site three. The second biofacies indicated a shallow marine environment at depths ranging from 250 to 550 cm in site one, 200-300 cm in site two, and 300-650 cm in site three. Lastly, the third biofacies denoted a lagoon or tidal flat environment observed at 600-900 cm depths in site one, 300-500 cm in site two, and 700-900 cm in site three. Notably, the third biofacies in site three exhibited signs of influence from alkaline freshwater, particularly in the third location at a depth of 700-800 cm. This influence was attributed to a mixture of marine and freshwater species, including; Quinqueloculina candeiana, Quinqueloculina angulta, Cubicula fluminalis, and Melanoides tuberculate. Abundant occurrences of these species were noted in the silty clay lithology of this layer.

Land Cover Dynamics of Al-Hammar Marsh: Restoration Plan Methodology Assessment

Land Cover Dynamics of Al-Hammar Marsh: Restoration Plan Methodology Assessment

Evaluation of the Biological Phenomenon of Cadmium Accumulation of Wheat Crop in Salt-Affected Soil

This study was carried out to show the extent to which some economic crops (wheat) grown in soil affected by salts and polluted with cadmium were affected by wheat crops. An experiment was conducted with pots in the plastic canopy. Combat Desertification Department College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. University of Baghdad for the year 2022-2023, as a factorial experiment was designed according to a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and five levels of cadmium, which are 0.37, 51, 03, 51, and 03 mg kg−1, for soil with two levels of salinity (Electrical conductivity 2.90 and 9.10 dS m−1, respectively. Seeds of wheat, Bohuth class 22, were grown in clay loam soil taken from the surface layer (0-30 cm) from the site of Al-Karmashiya located in Thi-Qar Governorate, north of Al-Hammar marsh. The results of the study showed a decrease in growth indicators represented by plant height and biological yield (straw and grain weight), while the cadmium concentration increased in the biological yield (straw and grain) as a result of soil contamination with cadmium levels compared to the comparison treatment, as there was a rise in the bioavailability of cadmium content despite the fact that The soil is calcareous, and the high salinity of the soil also led to an increase in the readiness of cadmium, which caused an increase in its absorption and concentration in the wheat plant compared to the control treatment, and the absorption and accumulation of cadmium in straw was greater than in the grain.

Histopathology and micronuclei induction as pollution biomarkers in common carp, Cyprinus carpio from southern Iraq

This study aimed to assess the histopathological alterations and micronuclei induction in the gill, kidney and liver of common carp, Cyprinus carpio from Al-Huwaizah Marshes, Al-Hammar Marshes and Al-Sweap River. Thirty C. carpio were sampled at each locality using monofilament gillnets. Most prominent histopathological alterations recorded in the gill included formation venous sinus in primary lamellae, oedema, curling and distortion of primary lamellae fusion of secondary lamellae, hyperplasia of epithelial cells, necrosis, curling of secondary lamellae, severe dilation of lamellar capillaries, clavate lamellae formation at the tip of secondary lamellae, a proliferation of cartilage tissue in primary lamellae and lifting of the lamellar epithelium whereas congestion, fibrosis with proliferative inflammation, necrosis area, degenerated cells, vacuolar degeneration, vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, hypertrophy of hepatocytes were reported in the liver. In the kidney, the most pronounced changes were necrosis of the hematopoietic tissue, hyaline droplet and activation of melanomacrophage centres. A higher prevalence of alterations was observed in the population from Al-Huwaizah Marshes, however, Al-Hammar population exhibited severe pathologies. Micronuclei frequency was significantly higher at Al-Huwaizah Marsh (p < 0.05) with low frequency being recorded at Al-Sweap River. This study attests to the effectiveness of histopathology and micronucleus induction as potential tools for discriminating the health of populations from different water bodies.

Study the regional and seasonal variation of polychlorinated biphenyl in sediments of the Eastern AL-Hammar Marshes, Iraq

Wetland sediments can become contaminated with contaminants that pose a risk to plants and animals and are present in groundwater and fresh surface water entering the wetland. The current study aims to detect PCB contaminants in the sediments of the Al-Hamar Marsh in southern Iraq from the winter season of 2021 until the fall season of 2022 during the day from five stations in the Al-Hamar Marsh, which are (1 - Al-Harir, 2 - Al-Mashab 3 - Al-Nakara, 4 - Baraka 1, 5 - Baraka 2). PCBs were analyzed by GC-MASS. The results showed that the highest rate of PCBs concentrations was (2.84) in the winter season and the lowest rate was (0.14 ng/g d. w). The concentrations of PCBs at the study stations ranged (2.34 ng/g d.w - 3.9 ng/g d.w) during the winter season. (0.01 ng/g d.w-3.7 ng/g d.w) during the spring, (0.01 ng/g d.w- 1.46 ng/g d.w) in the summer, and (0.02 ng/g d.w -5.78 ng/g d.w) during the summer. In the fall, the soil texture was measured and the results showed that the sediments of the Al-hammar marsh were silty clay deposits. This study is a first of its kind in the region and could be give available information and used as a baseline study in the futures.

Water Birds Diversity Variations in Tidal and Non-tidal Wetland Habitats in East Al_Hammar Marsh South of Iraq

Waterbird diversity and its distribution are deemed as one of the essential issues in the ecological conservation of wetlands areas. However, the differences in the diversity of waterbirds in tidal and non-tidal wetlands have been underestimated. This study aimed to identify the variations in bird diversity between tidal and non-tidal areas in East Al-Hammar marsh to guide the efforts of bird and habitat conservation. The bird survey was extended from August 2020 to March 2021, in three selected sites; Slien (non-tidal area), Al-Sallal and Al-Burqa (tidal areas). Twenty-nine species were observed. These species were classified into three categories: migrant 68.96, resident 6.90% and migrants and residents 24.14%. Species richness indices included; number of species, Margalef and Menhienk indices indicated that the highest values were in the Slien site, there were 19, 3.191 and 1.254, respectively. Similarly, Shannon Weiner and Berlion’s indices showed the highest values in Slien. However, the Berker-Berker dominance index revealed the highest value in the Slien site 0.193. Interestingly, the Jaccard similarity index showed the highest measure of 0.791 between Al-Sallal and Al-Burqa, while the highest dissimilarity index of Whittaker was between Slien and Al-Sallal. In sum, the current data analysis demonstrated that non-tidal areas supported higher diversity of waterbirds than tidal marshes.

First record of Cyprideis torosa (Jones, 1850) (Crustacea: Ostracoda) in the East of Al-Hammar Marshes, Southern Iraq

CyprideCyprideis torosa is recorded for the first time in east Al-Hammar marshes and it was collected from three stations (Al-Sallal, Al-Nagara and Al-Masʼhab) in east of Al-Hammar marshes between January and December 2021. The ecological parameters measured were water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, salinity and turbidity and were related to the presence or absence of the species in question. is torosa is recorded for the first time in east Al-Hammar marshes and it was collected from three stations (Al-Sallal, Al-Nagara and Al-Masʼhab) in east of Al-Hammar marshes between January and December 2021. The ecological parameters measured were water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, salinity and turbidity and were related to the presence or absence of the species in question.

Determination of Environmental Factors on some Water and Sediments Quality Parameters of Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh

The research aims to identify the most important environmental factors that affect some of the water quality and sediment characteristics of the Eastern Al-Hammar marsh by evaluating their concentrations and comparing them with national and international limits. Water samples and sediments were collected from different sites of Al-Mashab Marsh within the Eastern Al-Hammar marsh during the winter and summer seasons of 2019. The sample sites included some sites affected by the oil activities within the marsh boundaries, and water samples from the Al-Badaa channel, which produces drinking water for Al-Basra Governorate. The field measurements included measurement of the (Temp., pH, TDS, EC, S%, Turb.), while the laboratory measurements included (TSS, COD, OC), and measuring of the concentrations of the heavy elements in water and sediments marsh such as (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mg, Cd, Ni).The results showed that the water marsh is alkaline (pH more than 7) and has EC; TDS, and salinity that exceed the permissible limits, which indicates it’s unfit for human consumption. Also, this study showed a definite increase in all the measured physical variables in the summer season as a result of the impact of climate changes and the quality of the Main Outfall Drain (MOD) water which supplier some areas of marshes, in addition to the effect of oil installations discharges. The concentrations of heavy elements were within the permissible limits in the water, except for Pb and Cr elements were their increased concentrations in the water are due to the wastewater quality effect of the oil installations that discharge to the marshes, and the impact of human activities and the MOD water quality. The current study indicated evident seasonal changes in heavy element concentrations between the summer and winter seasons. There were high concentrations of heavy elements in the marsh water in the winter (February) compared with the summer season (August) due to the increased activities and works of oil installations in the study area, and rainwater. The concentrations of heavy elements in marsh sediments were higher than the permissible limits, and this means they are contaminated by these measured elements due to what is added to it from the neighboring areas, specifically the nearby oil installation discharges, and also the impact of human activities and the MOD water quality.

Distribution of Zooplankton in the South of Al-Hammar Marshes, Southern Iraq

Seasonal variation of the quality and quantity of zooplankton was studied in four selected stations of Southern Al-Hammar Marshes, from October 2018 to July 2019. Plankton net (0.1 mm. mesh size) was used to collect the samples of zooplankton. The population density of zooplankton in the study area ranged from 725 ind./m3 in Summer 2019 at station 1 (Al-Barga station) to 151413 ind./m3 in Autumn 2018 at station 3 (Hareer station), with an average of 39336 ind./m3. The Crustacea was the dominant group; it was accounted for (96.3%) of the total zooplankton, Copepoda constituted about (80.3%) followed by Cirripede larvae (13%), Rotifera (3.3%), and Cladocera (2.4%) of the total zooplankton. The Cyclopoida was the dominant group of Copepoda at all stations (95.6%), followed by the nauplii of Copepoda (2.8 %), Calanoida (1.3 %) and Harpacticoida (0.3 %).

Non-native species barnacles (genus: Amphibalanus) in southern Iraq: spatial distribution and abundance

Invasion rates of non-native species into new habitats are increasing across the globe and most are due to either human activities or climate change. Whereas most of these species fail to expand or have slight impacts on their new ecosystems, the large number of invasive species has led to serious economic and ecological problems. However, in Iraq, knowledge of the fundamental drivers shaping the current distribution and abundance of invasive species barnacles within the genus Amphibalanus, are still poorly understood. Accordingly, to quantify the main drivers of the geographical distribution and abundance of these species across the study area, we collected samples from 21 sites ranging from the lower reaches of Shatt Al-Arab where the salinity ranged from 20 ppt to 24 ppt to upper part of Shatt Al-Arab River, then north west to the Al-Hammar marshes and Euphrates River where the salinity ranged from 0.9 ppt to 2.8 ppt. This work showed that A. Amphitrite is widely distributed in most sites. With the exception of a few sites closest to the lower reaches of Shat Al-Arab, A. improvises was restricted in the sites with salinity ranging from 22 to 37 ppt. A. subalbidus has an oligohaline distribution that is found in a moderate range of salinities. The role of water quality drivers in shaping the composition of invasive species barnacle assemblages and their distribution patterns was assessed using Redundancy analysis (RDA). This ordination revealed that the spatial distribution and abundance of A. improvises, A. Amphitrite and A. subalbidus were influenced by salinity and temperature. Overall, this study suggested the importance of mapping spatial distribution and abundance of invasive species to assess and manage these species risks in the future.

Assessment of Water Quality at Al-Hammar Marsh before and after Flow Improvement

Marshlands have been considered among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Marshlands existingin Mesopotamia are recently acknowledged by the United Nations as one of the international heritage sites.The current research highlights the deterioration level in the water quantity of the Al Hammar marshwhich is one of the famous marshes in the south of Iraq. Recently, pipe culverts were constructed to reducethe salinity of the Al Hammar marsh. Data on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electric Conductivity (EC), andPower of Hydrogen (pH) from February 2019 to February 2020 at five stations (distributed within Al Hammarmarsh) were used to assess the water quality before and after the construction of pipe culverts. Two standardswere used in the assessment: the Iraqi Water Quality Standard (IWQS, No.417) and the World HealthOrganization (WHO) Standards for drinking, irrigation, and aquatic life. In addition, the quality of ecologicalhealth in the Al Hammar marsh was assessed by using the Canadian Water Quality Index. Results showthat the quality of water in the Al Hammar marsh is not recommended to be used for irrigation while theaquatic life is at a threat level.

Determination of phosphate levels in the southern part of Al-Hammar marsh water by flow injection analysis

Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) was applied to determine phosphate concentration in water of the southern part of Al-Hammar marsh water from July 2007 to July 2008. A linear line was obtained over the range 0.25- 1.75 μg/ml of phosphate with regression coefficient for seven points is 0.9999. The detection limit was 0.075 μg/ml with % R.S.D for ten replicate analysis of 1.0 μg/ml phosphate is 0.511% and the dispersion coefficient in the flow system is 5.4. The samples can be analyzed at rates exceeding 72 sample per hour .It was noted that phosphate concentration ranged 0.295 - 1.450 μg/ml, whereas the maximum phosphate concentration was recorded in spring 2008 and the minimum in autumn 2008.
 

On the Organochlorine pesticide residues in the Marshes, Shatt Al-Arab and the Arabian Gulf system

Organochlorine pesticides are a class of toxic compounds characterized by their relative chemical and biological stability. They are ubiquitous in the environments and are soluble in liquids. Consequently Organochlorine pesticides have been placed on “the top of black list” of potential environmental hazards. Studies on Organochlorine residues have been carried out between 1979-1991. The residues were determined in water, sediments and organisms collected from the Marshes, Shatt Al-Arab and the Arabian Gulf system. Most of the data confirmed the present of ∑DDT, Endrin, Dieldrin, Chlordane and Heptachlor. Their concentrations ranged from nd-336, nd-111, 12-195, nd-57 and nd-79 ng/l in dissolved, from 0.1-2560, nd-217, nd-0.97 , nd-171 and nd-679 µg/kg in particulate and from 0.04-220, nd-47, nd-22, nd from nd-24 µg/kg in sediments from 1-189, nd-154, nd-32, nd-58 and nd-6 ppb in fish, from 0.59-784, 166-540, 2-72, 5-3.1 and nd ppb in mussel and from 0.3-6.3, nd-0.4, nd-0.8, nd and nd-0.3 ppb in shrimp respectively. In the last decade only two studies on Organochlorine residues have been done. One of them in the Mesopotamian wetlands of southern Iraq in which residues of p,p´-DDT have been detected in 100% of the examined samples. This indicates its ability to persist under severe drying of previously exposed surface sediments, long period of more than 10 years of previously exposed surface sediments, high temperature, and intensive solar radiation, and the other by using samples of water, sediment, fish and shrimp from Hor Al-Hammar Marshes of Iraq, high concentration of chlordane in both water and sediments were shown. Therefore further work is needed to establish the baseline levels of Organochlorine residue in the Marshes, Shatt Al-Arab and the Arabian Gulf region.

Distribution and abundance of Hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha larvae in the Shatt Al-Arab River and East Al-Hammar Marsh

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.

Water quality study for Southern part of Al- Hammar marsh

The Present study was Include some physical and chemical characteristics for east southern AL-Hammar marsh south of Iraq during November 2006 to November 2007 .The Samples were collected on monthly two stations, first AL-Nagarah and second ALBurgah, monthly change for temperature. The highest temperature value in august 30mºand 25mº for two station respectively, wheel lowest value in February 11mº to first station and January 10mº to second station. highest of salinity in Ogest 2 part thousand in first station and July 1.8 part thousand in second station, ammonia, Nitrite values were decreased generally and phosphates highest values, monthly changes for ecological characteristics in the first and second study, and all environmental characteristics monthly deferent between two station . The calculate coloration coefficient between physical and chemical characteristics. Positive and Negative relation. There were significant differences (F-test) (P<0.05) between two station respectively.

Levels of Pesticides in Sediment of Hor Al-Hammar Marshes, Iraq

The present study was included limitation, distribution, spread and resources of pesticides in water (Dissolved and suspended), sediments from three stations Al-harrir, Al-sulal and Al-burga). This study was extended from January, 2009 to December, 2009 during low tide times. The highest concentrations of pesticides in sediments was recorded for Lindane pesticides in February 497.5 μg/ kg and lowest concentrations 0.01 μg/ kg was found for Dialdrin in March at Al-harrir station and in November at Al-sulal station. Percentage ratio of total organic compounds (TOC) and grain size analysis of sediments was measured and Significant correlation (r = 0.98) were recorded between TOC% and total average of pesticides at tree stations and no Significant correlation were found between silts and total average of pesticides.

Spatiotemporal Evaluation of Eutrophication State in The Hammar Marsh Using A Satellite-Based Model

Water pollution is now a major threat to the existence of living beings. Accordingly, Water quality monitoring is an important activity toward restoring water quality. As wetland eutrophication is one of the essential ecosystem elements, devastation of this element is a significant issue. The Trophic State Index (TSI) provides information about trophic condition of water bodies. This paper aims to conduct spatiotemporal monitoring for the eutrophication of the west part of Al-Hammar Marsh for the period 2013-2020. To this end, a satellite-based TSI computation model was developed and implemented by using a series of OLI Landsat satellite images. The results showed that there was no improvement in the eutrophication state in the marsh, the percentage of the low class of TSI decreased in 2015 and 2018 to 7.9% and 2.6% and increased in 2017 and 2020 to 39.8%, and 56.3%. In general, the TSI was in the poor class in all the considered periods. Fluctuation of quantity and quality of the inflow prevents restoring the eutrophication of the marsh because this process requires stability in the levels of inundation above the critical limits for the water depth and periods. Therefore, it is necessary to find suitable alternatives to provide water drainage in quantities and quality that ensure the sustainability of the marsh ecosystem.

Monitoring of Total Petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in the sediments of some local regions of southern Iraq

Petroleum hydrocarbons are pollutants with a wide range of dangerous organic chemicals, which have received a considerable attention because they are widely distributed in the environment, many of which have a mutated potential, cause genetic toxicity and carcinogenic effects on natural ecosystems. Spatiotemporal variations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in the sediments of some regions of southern Iraq were measured during 2019, the highest concentration were 14.94 µg/g in Al-Burqa at Al-Hammar marsh, and the lowest was 2.05 µg/g in Al-Sadda station in the East of Al-Hammar marsh too. These results were compared with previous studies since 1982 in the same region, these studies were calculated to estimate a bulk value for each study. The results of the present study showed that TPHs concentration in water and sediments at Al-Hammar marsh, Al-Chibayesh marsh and Shatt Al-Arab river were within the permissible limits and there were no significant differences spatially and temporally in the study area. So we can conclude that there is no real total petroleum hydrocarbons pollution in these specific water bodies southern Iraq since 1982.

Population biology of the Hilsa Shad Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) during migration to Shatt Al-arab River and southern Al-Hammar marsh, Basra-Iraq

Hilsa Shad Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) is one of the most important commercial fish species in Iraq and the region. Fish samples were collected during March 2013-April 2014 from Shatt Al-arab Estuary in Al-FAW city, Abu al-Khasib city, Sinbad Island and south Al-Hammar marsh. The first individuals were caught during February with length ranging 30.5-35.4cm in the estuary and the Shatt al-Arab. Monthly changes were found in mean fish length. The estuary region showed a marked increase in the average length of fish during June and November. The age composition was 0-V+ year. Length-Weight relationships were y=0.0086x3.067 for females, y=0.0119x2.947 for males, y=0.0141x2.833 for juveniles, y=0.0098x3.01 for male and female and y=0.0093x3.0304 for the overall population. The average relative condition factor (Kn) for female was 1.07 (± 0.12) ranging from 0.61-1.04. For males it reached 1.09 (± 0.125) ranging between 0.72-1.47. For young the mean was 1.21 (± 0.149) ranging from 0.66 to 1.73. The proportional size distribution showed that stock length was 13 cm, whereas the calculated specified lengths of Hilsa shad were 23, 29, 35 and 44 cm for quality, preferred memorable and trophy lengths respectively. The value of PSD Hilsa shad population was 60.7, which represents a balanced population consists a large proportion of breeding individuals. However, the decline in other specified lengths showed that Hilsa shad population was mostly medium-sized fishes, with RSD-T value of 3.8.

Enterobacteriaceae opportunism isolated from Caspian Turtle Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) suffering from a fracture of the external shell, East of Al-Hammar Marshes, Iraq

Caspian Turtles Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) are classified as an endangered species on the IUCN red list, by a variety of dangers including hunting, deliberate killings and infectious diseases. The present report included the Opportunistic bacterial isolation which caused clinical signs on the M. caspica Turtles caught from the East Al-Hammar freshwater marshes, during summer 2017. It was suffering from a fracture of the external shell, tissue damage, bacterial growth and acute inflammation of the body tissues. The common clinical signs were external hemorrhage, histopathological changes revealed degeneration and necrosis in all organs associated with chronic inflammatory cell infiltration and Melanomacrophage cells were detected in all turtle tissues. The most common macroscopic lesions found on the skin of the turtle and ulcerative skin, the result in abscesses and dermatitis, regenerative changes on skin lesions and ulcerative deep necrotic and gangrenous changes in the turtle examined. Four different genera of family Enterobacteriaceae which identified by the VITEK II system, with a probability level of 94-99%, Citrobacter freundii (29.06%), Klebsiella oxytoca (25.58%), Serratia fonticola (24.41%) and Enterobacter cloacae (20.41%). The result showed that of a total of sixty-five bacterial isolates from the necrotic lesions skin tissue, some of them which are considered a potential threat to the public health.