Western Iraq Research Articles

Sedimentology Study Of Exposed Formations In Al-Assad Valley, Al-Baghdadi Area, Western Iraq

The presence of the Sheikh Alas Formation, the Shurau Formation, and the Euphrates Formation in the area of the current study. The inference of the Sheikh Alas Formation was from Nummlite fossils and planktonic Foraminifera fossils. The Euphrates Formation was deposited in a shallow marine environment, the Sheikh Alas Formation was deposited in an environment in for reef, and the Shurau Formation was deposited in an environment Back reef. The environment of the Euphrates Formation is a shallow lagoon environment for the presence of milliolied fossils, which represent the Miocene age as evidenced by the presence of the Borlis melo melo fossil. As for the environment of the Sheikh Alas Formation, it was deposited in a marine environment in for reef due to the presence of Planktonic foraminifera fossils and the Nummlite fossil, which represents the Oligocene age, and the environment of the Shurau Formation In a shallow, lagoon marine environment Back reef, there are abundant milliolid fossils. The boundary between the Miocene formations and the Oligocene formations is characterized by an unconformable boundary composed of a layer of basal conglomerate with a thickness of 6.5 m, which is affiliated with the Euphrates Formation in terms of age.

Geodiversity in the Iraqi Western Desert. A Critical Discussion

The Iraqi Western Desert (IWD) is characterized by enormous geodiversity types in different geological aspects; including geomorphology, lithology, structural geology, mineral deposits, karst forms, and geological hazards. Within each of the mentioned aspects, different forms of different shapes, sizes, and origins can be seen in different parts of the IWD, which we divided into 4 parts, among them 11 main types and 25 sub-types. We have studied geological maps of different scales (1:100000 and 1:250000), interpreted satellite images, and reviewed tens of published articles, books, and scientific reports, besides field visits which lasted for tens of years to conduct the current research. Tens of examples are presented, which confirm geological Geodiversity in the IWD including many field photos and satellite images, as best available. We also presented a satellite image of the IWD and marked 54 locations of different types of geodiversity including ex-situ and in-situ. Locally, detailed explanations are given for some significant forms and/ or features to present their types, origins, and modes of development.

Assessment of Traditional Asphalt Mixture Performance Using Natural Asphalt from Sulfur Springs

This research utilized natural asphalt (NA) deposits from sulfur springs in western Iraq. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of an asphalt mixture incorporating NA and verify its suitability for local pavement applications. To achieve this, a combination of two types of NA, namely soft SNA and hard HNA, was blended to create a binder known as Type HSNA. The resulting HSNA exhibited a penetration grade that adhered to Iraqi specifications. Various percentages of NA (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) were added to petroleum asphalt. The findings revealed enhanced physical properties of HSNA, which also satisfied the requirements outlined in the Iraqi specifications for asphalt cement. Consequently, HSNA can serve as an asphalt binder to produce asphalt mixtures for flexible paving construction. Notably, HSNA mixtures exhibited greater Marshall stability and stiffness index when compared to traditional mixtures. The results from indirect tensile strength (ITS) and tensile strength ratio (TSR) tests indicated that the 80NA mixture displayed the highest ITS values and a TSR of 81.36%, surpassing the TSR of the mixture incorporating petroleum asphalt by 0.57%.

Analysis of the Morphometric Characteristics of The Wadi Al-Safiya Basin in Western Iraq Using Geographic Information Systems

Analysis of the Morphometric Characteristics of The Wadi Al-Safiya Basin in Western Iraq Using Geographic Information Systems

The Geomechanics Classification of Rock Mass with Using RMR and CRMR Method To Determine the Stability of Some Karst Caves in Haditha Area, Western Iraq

The Geomechanics Classification of Rock Mass with Using RMR and CRMR Method To Determine the Stability of Some Karst Caves in Haditha Area, Western Iraq

Provenance and depositional setting of the Late Miocene- Pleistocene clastic sediments in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and western Iraq using rare earth elements geochemistry

Provenance and depositional setting of the Late Miocene- Pleistocene clastic sediments in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and western Iraq using rare earth elements geochemistry

Biological and Ecological Monitoring Using Epiphytic Diatoms on Two Aquatic Plants to Estimate the Water Quality of Habbaniyah Lake, Western Iraq

The current study was conducted in Habbaniyah Lake in Anbar Governorate - western Iraq, starting from February 2022 tol July 2022. Five sites were chosen to collect water samples and epiphytic diatoms attached to two aquatic plants, Phragmites australlis (Cav.) Trin. and Ceratophylum demsrsam L.. The current study aims to employ the quality and quantity of the epiphytic diatoms community attached to the host aquatic plants to estimate the quality of the lake water, by conducting a set of environmental indicators that included biological indicators. 102 species of Bacillariophyceae class were identified. Where 84 species were diagnosed on the Ceratophyllum, while 61 species were diagnosed on the Phragmites In the current study, a set of ecological indices was conducted to characterize the water quality of Habbaniyah Lake, which included three biological indices: the Tolerance Pollution Index (PTI), where the lake was described as moderately polluted, to record values whose averages ranged (1.65-2.35), and Trophic Diatomic Index (TDI), whose average values ranged from (55.62 - 58.72), where the lake was described as mesotrophic and Shannon Diversity Index, where the waters of Lake Habbaniyah were described as having medium biodiversity, recording average values (2.22 - 2.50). An environmental index was conducted, which is the Canadian Water Quality Index (CCME), where it recorded values that ranged from (76.59 - 78.66), where the lake water was described as of moderate (Fair) quality and often threatened or weak from time to time, and the water condition deviates from the required level. or desired.

A study of Physicochemical Parameters, Heavy Metals and Algae in the Euphrates River, Iraq

For many individuals, heavy metal persistence and toxicity are severe problems. Most of these heavy metals collect in wastewater from effluents discharged by various industries. The efficient re-use of these particles as catalysts is another new development in research that complements the success of hazardous metal particle removal. Five locations along the Euphrates River in western Iraq’s Anbar Governorate were the subject of the research (Husaibah Al-Sharqiah, Al-Karābilah, Barwana, Al-Garma, Al-Forat sub district) and for four seasons (Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring) from November 2021 to November 2022 in order to examine how the physical and chemical characteristics of the water in the Euphrates River vary over space and time in these areas. Based on these locations of garbage, contaminants, and heavy metal components that may flow into the river without environmental management, sampling locations on the Euphrates River were chosen. In order to better understand the distribution of heavy metals (HMs: Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), Selenium (Se), Molybdenum (Mo), Cyanide (CN-), and Chromium (Cr) in river sediments, five locations in western Iraq were chosen for the research. The PH, electrical conductivity (EC), algaes, and sediments (Nitrate (NO3), sulfate (SO4), and HMs content) were all measured in the river’s edge water. A qualitative research was also carried out at various times of year and locations. 104 different kinds of algae were found, and some of them dominated all the research locations. In each station near the beginning of the estuary, the quantitative research revealed a rise in the number of algae species indicative of pollution, confirming that these sites are impacted by the pollutants from untreated sewage discharged into the Euphrates River in those locations. The average concentrations of HMs and compounds in the sediments were as follows: SO4> NO3>Mo>Cn>Cr>Sb>Se>As. According to the investigation, the HMs polluted cities in the following ways: Sediment concentrations are greater in Husaibah Al-Sharqiah, Al-Karbilah, Barwana, Al-Garma, and Al-Forat subdistrict cities.

A study of the Characteristics of Wastewater on the Euphrates River in Iraq

Heavy metal toxicity and persistence are becoming major issues for people. These heavy metals mostly gather in wastewater from effluents released by different industries. The effectiveness of hazardous metal particle removal is currently just one recent trend in research; another is the efficient re-use of these particles as catalysts. The study was conducted for five sites on the Euphrates River in Anbar Governorate, western Iraq (Al Muḩammadī, Al-Khalidiya, Al-Habbaniya, Al-Saklawiya, Amirya Al-Falluja) with four stations for each site (the beginning of the estuary, after the estuary and before the estuary) and for four seasons (Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring) from October 2021 to October 2022 to study spatial and temporal variation on the physical and chemical properties of the Euphrates River water in these locations. Sampling sites on the Euphrates River were selected based on these sites of waste, pollutants and heavy metal components that may flow into the river without environmental control. So, the study aimed at investigating the distribution of heavy metals (HMs: Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd)) in the sediments of the river for five sites in the west of Iraq. In the edge of the river (water) the Hardness, Salinity, algaes have been examined and for (sediments) the compounds (nitrite (NO2) and Sulfate (SO4)) and HMs concentration were measured too, and a qualitative study was conducted during the different seasons and sites. 79 types of algae were identified and some species prevailed in all studied sites. The quantitative study showed an increase in the number of algae species indicative of pollution in the sites in each station (the beginning, before and after the estuary), which confirms that these sites are affected by the untreated sewage pollutants thrown into the Euphrates River in those sites. The average concentrations of HMs and compounds in the sediments were as follows: SO4> NO2>Mn>Fe>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd. The analysis showed that the pollution of cites by the HMs was as follows Al Muḩammadī, Al-Khalidiya, Al-Habbaniya, Al-Saklawiya, Amirya Al-Falluja cites concentrations are higher in sediments.

Chlorophyll Content Variation in Wheat Genotypes Planted in Semi-Arid Region

To achieve better productivity and fill the shortage caused by population increase and decrease of current wheat genotypes productivity. As a part of many studies, this study came to distinguish 21 wheat genotypes about their chlorophyll content in comparison with 3 local varieties eventually electing the superior genotypes in chlorophyll content and associated with high yield which are suitable for arid and semi-arid areas. Functioning chlorophyll enables crops to maintain photosynthesis capacity for a longer time after anthesis under the condition of water and heat stresses and this leads to longer grain filling periods and eventually higher yield. All wheat genotypes (24 genotypes) were planted according to RCBD in a research station of the College of Agriculture/ University of Anbar, western IRAQ. The findings of this study indicated genotypes with high yield and have considerable chlorophyll content, especially after flowering including “4, 6, 7, 9, 29, 31, 39, 41” and therefore can be nominated for plant breeding programs. In addition, those genotypes can be used for production in the region of western Iraq. Further studies and investigations are required to reach considerable stability in those genotypes.

Effect of Accelerated Physical Weathering of Coarse Soils and Wetting and drying Cycle on Some Soil Physical Properties

soil samples were collected in May the 5th, 2021 from wadi Al-Muhammadi) Al-Mohammadi valley(in Al-Anbar governorate in western Iraq. The trail consisted of four treatments. In the first treatment, the sample Is passed through a 2000 μm metal sieve, while in the fourth treatment the sample is crushed or milled to size 70μm sieve. In the second treatment, the mixture ratio of soil was 25:75 (natural: Crushed). In the third treatment, the mixture ration of soil was 50:50 (natural: crushed). This paper determined in the soil coefficients for penetration, the density sustainability, soil porosity, as well as scanning soil aggregates using an electronic microscope samples passed through cycle of wetting and drying the results showed that the decrease was evident in soil penetration resistance in recent cycles in conjunction with the decrease in soil bulk density significant because of mechanical pulverization and cycles of wetting and drying along with an increase in soil porosity. the proportion of soil cracks resulting from shrinkage and swelling has been calculated and It was found that it increases with the percentage of clay in the soil. The electron microscope images show the soil was influenced by the mechanical pulverization during the first three cycles, as for the wetting and drying cycles, their effect appeared in the last cycles, the partial transformation of mica to mineral 2:1 was observed with the progression of wetting and drying cycles.

Application of the Electrical Resistivity Method to Investigate Groundwater in Ramadi, Western Iraq

Application of the Electrical Resistivity Method to Investigate Groundwater in Ramadi, Western Iraq

Effect of Spraying Brassinolide on the Growth and Yield of Varieties Triticum Aestivum L

The study was conducted during the season 2020-2021 in the Ramadi city western Iraq. In order to know the effect of Brassinolide on the growth characteristics and yield of three varieties of wheat (Abu-Ghreib, IPA-99 and Bhooth 10). A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) arranged according to split-plots used with three replicates and 36 experimental units, four concentrations of Brassinolide (0, 2, 4, 6 mg L−1) were used in Main-plots (B0, B1, B2, B3) respectively, which was sprayed when flowering started. While three varieties of wheat (Abu-Ghreib, IPA-99 and Bhooth-10) were used in sub-plots (V1, V2, V3) respectively. The Concentration B3, variety V3, and the overlap B2×V3 gave the highest rates of grain yield, as it reached (9.95, 9.96 and 12.97 t.ha−1) respectively. As for the weight of 1000 grain no significant differences were shown among the concentrations of Brassinolide, while the variety V3 was significantly superior (35.23 g), there were no significant differences between the two study factors. Superiority of concentration B3, the variety V2 and the overlap B3×V2 by giving the highest mean for the trait of the number of grains per spike (56.70, 50.68 and 65.33 grain.spike−1) respectively. Superiority the concentration B3 and variety V3 by giving the highest mean the number of spikes per square meter (707.56 and 703.45 spike.m2) respectively, no significant differences appeared between the two factors of the study.

Evaluating the Geotechnical Properties of the Fatha Formation Clays in Al-Anbar Governorate, Western Iraq for Ceramic Industries

This research aims to study of geotechnical for clays of the Fatha formation which are exposed in western Iraq, Al-Anbar Governorate to industries of ceramic by comparing the Physical , chemical, engineering results with the standard specifications. many mixtures and four burning temperature were used to show the best mixture and burning temperature that lead to results close to standards specifications. the physical examinations results range between , Linear shrinkage -1.1–2.8, Apparent porosity 12–37.1, efflorescence (small to nil), compressive strength 10.6 – 39.) nt./mm2. The results of engineering examinations (Atterberg limit) shows that clays of study area can be form and take on a plasticity suitable for ceramic industries . The chemical analysis for clays of study area showed that the main oxides are range between , SiO2 44.27–48.07%, Al2O3 11.25–14.99 %, CaO 6.33–8.56 %, Fe2O3 6.48–9.57%, TiO2 0.61–0.88 %, K2O 2.55–3.48%, Na2O 0.48–7.08%, SO3 0.13–10.66% and Cl 0.03–4.17%. The best temperature of burning is 950 .

Microfacies Analysis and Depositional Environment of Upper Oligocene-Lower Miocene Succession in Wadi Al-Khazgah of Anbar Governorate, Western Iraq

Microfacies and the Depositional Environment of (Upper Oligocene-Lower Miocene) succession in the Anah area, northwest of Anbar Governorate, western Iraq was carried out. This study was conducted on twenty-eight samples of limestone collected from the section of Wadi Al-Khazgah. Azkand and Anah formations of the Upper Oligocene and Euphrates Formation of Lower Miocene were identified in this section, depending on the availability of benthic Foraminifera and microfacies of each Formation. The depositional environment of the Azkand and Anah formations represents the environment of the reef, fore-reef, and back-reef, respectively, while the environment of the Euphrates Formation represents the shore, restricted to open marine.14 sub microfacies types have been distinguished, which are Lepidocyclina Lime Packstone, Miliolids Lime Grainstone, Coral Lime Boundstone, Miliolids Lime Packstone-Grainstone, Rotalia- Heterostegina Lime Packstone, Gastropoda Lime Packstone, Miliolids Lime Packstone, Heterostegina Lime Wackstone, Miliolids Lime Wackstone, Dolomitized Mudstone, Lime Mudstone.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Anah and Euphrates Formations and Their Suitability for Portland Cement and Noora Industry at Al-Baghdadi and Haditha Areas, Western Iraq

The current study including geochemical and mineralogical aspects of 12 rock samples from Anah and Euphrates formations in two outcrops, The first outcrop is at Haditha city, with 12.5 meters thickness, and the second location is at Al-Baghdadi city, with 21 meters thickness. The mineralogical study by X-ray diffraction indicated that calcite is the main mineral in the rocks of Anah Formation, while calcite and dolomite exist in Euphrates Formation, where calcite is concentrated in the lower part of Euphrates Formation, while dolomite is common in the middle and upper parts of this formation, in addition to other minor minerals such as quartz and feldspar. Geochemical study was carried out by XRF to determine the major oxides(CaO, MgO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, SO3, K2O, Na2O, MnO) and the suitability of Anah and Euphrates rocks as raw material for Portland cement and Al-Noura (lime) cement industries. According to the results it is found that Euphrates Formation in the Al-Baghdadi and Haditha outcrops is not suitable for the Portland cement, because of high percentage of MgO as a result of the high percentage of dolomitic limestone. The chemical analysis of the samples of the Anah Formation in Haditha outcrop are suitable for the Noura cement (lime) industry according to the Iraqi standard. The high content of magnesium in the Euphrates Formation at Al-Baghdadi area used as indicator that the rocks deposited in shallow marine and warm condition, and the environment was mostly isolated with warm condition. Low Sr content indicates shallow carbonate rocks. Thus, the sedimentary environment of the Anah Formation at Haditha outcrop was relatively shallower than that of the Euphrates Formation.

Assessment of uranium-235 distribution in soil samples from Anbar province, Western Iraq

Uranium is a radioactive element that can pose a risk to human health if ingested or inhaled. Exposure to high levels of uranium can increase the risk of cancer. Measuring uranium concentration in soil can help identify areas where there may be a risk of exposure to high levels of uranium and take appropriate measures to protect public health. In this study, uranium concentration in soil samples collected from Anbar province in Iraq was measured using CR-39 detectors irradiated with an Am-Be neutron source. The results showed that the highest concentration of uranium-specific activity (12.029 ± 0.0016 Bq kg−1) was found in Al Fallujah district, while the lowest concentration (0.531 ± 0.0007 Bq kg−1) was found in Al Sagra district. Interestingly, the data suggest that uranium concentrations increase as we move southeast towards Baghdad, where the city’s climate is reportedly polluted. Despite this, the average uranium-specific activity level in Anbar (7.668 Bq kg−1) is relatively low, and it falls below the global average of 35 Bq kg−1 recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. This study concludes that there is no evidence of uranium pollution in Anbar. Although uranium concentrations are considered low, low levels of uranium concentration in soil can have important implications for environmental risk, resource exploration, agricultural productivity, and geological research.

Exploring the potential of concentrating solar power technologies for vertical farming in arid regions: The case of Western Iraq

Indoor vertical farming can address future food insecurity by reducing land use and environmental dependence positively mitigating the environmental impacts associated with conventional agriculture. However, its high energy consumption and environmental impact raise concerns. This paper explores the use of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) to power vertical farming in Iraq's arid regions, using abundant solar resources to reduce environmental impact and energy costs. The study evaluates the feasibility and benefits of integrating CSP technologies into sustainable agricultural practices, considering factors like implementation costs, energy production, and water usage. The study utilized the system advisor model (SAM) to carry out the techno-economic assessment by relocating existing commercial CSP plant in Seville, Spain to six Iraqi locations, following a comprehensive technical site assessment. The energy production level, capacity factor (CF), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the initial Spanish plant were lower than five of the six selected locations. Haditha and Ar Rutbha cities have the highest annual energy output, 123 GWh and 122 GWh, respectively, surpassing Seville's original plant output, which at 110 GWh performed less than Iraq locations. Next, comparisons are made between conventional farming and vertical farming (VF) cultivation. The study focuses on Romaine lettuce as the benchmark crop due to its prevalence in vertical farms and its suitability for arid climates. VF shows the potential to achieve yields between 41 and 68 kg/m2/y, 63 to 104 times higher than conventional farming in Western Iraq. VF's year-round cultivation with artificial lighting results in 83 times greater energy demands, requiring 25 kWh/kg/y. The findings emphasize the potential of CSP technologies to support sustainable agriculture in Iraq's arid regions. These findings demonstrate the possibility of utilizing solar power for sustainable agriculture in Iraq, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions.

Lithofacies and Clay Mineral Analysis of the Upper Cenomanian Ms'ad Formation, Rutbah Area, Western Iraq

The Cenomanian succession in Rutbah City, western Iraq, is composed of siliciclastic carbonate with multicolored paleosoil layers that refer to unconformity surfaces within the Ms'ad Formation. The current study will examine the clay mineralogy and facies to determine the source of these clay minerals and depositional settings. Fifteen carbonate facies have been identified as three distinct facies associations (FA1–FA3). These FAs are supratidal to intertidal (FA1), semi-restricted lagoon (FA2), and shallow open subtidal ramp with patches of a rudist-bivalve reef (FA3). The reported Multispirina Iranica-Nezzat simplex-Chrysalidina gradata assemblage Zone within the Ms'ad Formation indicated the Cenomanian age. Clay mineral analysis displays three distinctive clay mineral assemblages; kaolinite-dominated with illite (assemblage A), R0-dominated (smectite-rich illite/smectite mixed layers) with kaolinite and illite (assemblage B), and illite-dominated (illite and illite-rich illite/smectite mixed layers) with kaolinite and R0 (assemblage C). Most of these clays are detrital, generated by weathering source rocks (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) under various paleoclimatic circumstances. The Kaolinite-dominated assemblage A represents intense chemical weathering from hot, humid circumstances. Smectite-dominated R0 assemblages were created by weathering alkaline rocks in flat pedogenic soils with seasonal humidity. The source of clay minerals in the studied region was subject to a dry climate towards the end of the Cenomanian period, which encouraged physical weathering and the production of illite-rich assemblages.

Dust in Western Iran: the emergence of new sources in response to shrinking water bodies

We detected sources of dust in the Middle East that contribute to dust events in Western Iran in different seasons. By the analysis of the synoptic data, we identified 309 dusty days in Western Iran during the period 2000–2016. A dusty day is diagnosed if under low horizontal visibility (< 1 km), the dust in suspension is reported at least once a day in at least three synoptic stations. We identified dust sources in the Middle East based on the analysis of the MOD04L2 data from MODIS, the backward HYSPLIT trajectory model, and synoptic conditions. The most influential sources affecting Western Iran are located on the shore and northwest of Lake Tharthar, Hour-al-Azim Marsh, the shore of Razzaza, Habbaniyah Lakes, and West Hammar Marsh, which contributed to 110, 79, 59, 56, and 51 dusty days, respectively. The fluctuation of the surface water area largely contributes to the variability of dusty days in Western Iran. Indeed, the peak dust activity in Western Iran was during the period 2008–2012 in response to the substantial shrinkage of the main water bodies in Iraq. The main sources of dust influencing Western Iran are located in northern and eastern Saudi Arabia in spring, Deir ez-Zur in Syria’s Aleppo and Raqqa in summer, and Syria’s Homs and Al-Hasakah in winter and spring. Sources of dust in Western Iraq and in most parts of entire Iraq have, respectively, led to the formation of summer and spring dust events in Western Iran. Decreased precipitation in the Middle East from autumn 2007 to 2012 and the occurrence of severe droughts have also contributed to the shrinkage of lakes and wetlands, as well as the reduced agricultural productivity in the Middle East, all of which contributed to the intensification of dust activity in Western Iran in recent decades.