Mesopotamian Journal of Marine Science

Groundwater is a vital resource for many targets, including drinking, irrigation, industry, and many other purposes. However, increasing salinity threatens this precious resource, which negatively affects its quantity and quality. This issue is especially manifested in arid and semi-arid regions, where the demand for water is increasing. The importance of this research lies in understanding the mechanisms of salinity's impact on groundwater especially in diverse hydrological and geological contexts. This study is also looking for monitoring and surveillance the impact of changes in groundwater quality indicators in western Karbala on wheat growth using Sentinel‑2 satellite imagery. The study also evaluated the variations in the quality of groundwater particularly salinity‑related indicators, where it was expressed in terms of the values of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Water samples collected in sterile, sealable plastic containers, each with a capacity of 250 ml. Water was collected several times at intervals consistent with the time of the satellite image to accurately measure the impact of groundwater quality and characteristics on plant health. Filter paper was used to remove suspended particles and impurities.The fieldwork period was distributed over several months (December, January, February, and March). This study found that there are three Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) varieties during the period of study. Therefore, the impact of the salinity of irrigation water groundwater salinity (ECw) and TDS values can be inferred from its negative impact on plant growth depending on the NDVI values, which can be monitored periodically by obtaining satellite images, That is an early warning means for any phycological damage to the plant due to the deterioration of water quality indicators and suitability for irrigation, one of the most important indicators of which is the salinity status. This approach allows a deeper understanding of the correlation between subsurface water salinity and vegetation health, which helps in making informed decisions for the management of Water Resources and agricultural land.

This work aimed to clarify the importance of the seasonal and spatial distribution of crab populations at two stations that were close in location but differed in their impact on environmental factors (pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen in the water, and water temperature). One station was located close to the coastal zone, and the other was located 5 km from the coastal zone, towards the middle of the sea. Study stations represent newly formed environments. A checklist of crabs associated with the coast of the Greater Faw Port presented, which presently comprises 20 crab species within 11 families (Macrophthalmidae, Camptandriidae, Pilumnidae, Portunidae, Matutidae Galenidae, Sesarmidae, Dorippidae, Ocypodidae, Dotillidae, and Grabidae) which were the most diverse and occurrence of families in the Arabian Gulf. Specimens of crab species Metapograpsus messor (Forskål, 1775), Metapograpsus thukuhar (Owen, 1839) and Pilumnopeus serratifrons (Kinahan, 1856) were encountered for the first time on the Iraqi coast. Samples were collected seasonally from January 2023 to February 2024. The crabs were hand-caught during the low tide period during the day among rocks in the coastal area. The study discussed how environmental changes are primarily linked to seasonal cycles, while they are more closely related to the presence and distribution of crabs near or far from the coast. Temperature was found to have the greatest influence on species presence, indicating that species prefer relatively cooler seasons. This may reflect the sensitivity of some species to changes in salinity concentration. The abundance of dissolved oxygen in the water also enhances the presence of some species, compared with previous studies conducted on the coast of the Al-Faw region.

The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the surface sediments of Khor Al-Zubair channel in southern Iraq from six different stations were estimated. These sediments constitute an active interface between water and the benthic environment, making them a sensitive indicator of contemporary pollution. Using GC-MS techniques, 12 PCB compounds were identified, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 2.22 ng/g dw in summer and 0.01 to 1.56 ng/g dw in winter. The highest values were recorded at Station 1 and the lowest at Station 5, reflecting the distinct variation in pollution sources and dynamics. These results represent an important first step toward understanding the environmental challenges in the region. Additionally, the study included accurate measurements of a range of environmental variables, such as water and air temperature, salinity, TDS, DO, and TOC, which are key factors in determining the fate of organic pollutants. For example, the data suggest that lower winter temperatures may favor the retention of organic compounds in sediments, while lower TOC at Station 5 may explain the low PCB levels there. These data are more than just numbers; they illustrate a complex history of interactions between the environment and pollutants, requiring deeper analysis to understand the factors controlling the behavior of these compounds in Khor Al-Zubair and provide realistic solutions based on science and observations.

Macro and microalgae found in lakes, rivers, and oceans have shown to be very important as a source of bioactive compounds for cosmetics in our daily lives. Algal bioactives are being studied more because they contain vitamins, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides, and pigments. The world needs more natural and long-lasting cosmetic ingredients. These things keep skin moist, protect it from UV rays, and fight free radicals, which makes it look and feel better. Even after using them for a long time, algae-based cosmeceuticals have been shown to work as well as other products.This is a rapidly growing and economically promising area of the biological technology industry. It promotes the use of renewable resources in the cosmetics industry and the health of the skin. The use of natural substances has increased significantly, particularly in cosmetics.The review aims to look into the ecological importance, characteristics, and usefulness of algae in cosmetics. It will focus on how rich algae are in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, and how they can be a safe, healthier, and cheaper alternative to synthetic products. Biotechnology has come a long way in the last few years, making it easier to get bioactive compounds from algae and clean them upThis has led to new ways to make things that work better and last longer. Using green chemistry and nanotechnology in cosmetics that contain algae extracts has led to new ways to make the natural ingredients more stable, effective, and able to penetrate the skin. As more people learn about products that are good for the environment and don't hurt animals, algae-based cosmetics, which combine scientific progress with care for the environment, are likely to have a big impact on the future of the beauty industry.

Infestation of pathogenic infections or parasites in aquaculture is a great challenge to fish health, productivity and sustainability, and hence to the economic loss of the aquaculture sector. The purpose of the present study is to diagnose these pathogens in common carp and Nile tilapia because it is among the most common organisms in the southern environment of Iraq, which may be one of the factors of the disease infections spreading and also to observe the impacts of sustainable aquaculture management. The standard microscopic techniques were used to do a parasitic analysis. In the present research, it was revealed that the incidence rate was so high in the tilapia fish 35.8 relative to common carp 24.6. Infection was apportioned as follows of the parasitic population of the cope pods Ergasilus mosulensis, protozoa came next 17% in carp, 16% in tilapia and monogenes 31% in carp, and 29% in tilapia. The parasitic load of Nile tilapia that was evident even under the relatively stable conditions implies that fish can be a storage host, and this can influence integrated culture systems. The result also confirms health oriented and adaptive aquaculture activities that can facilitate the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Underwater) such as selective breeding with emphasis on resistance, parasite surveillance, and restriction of few rules as regards the use of chemicals.

This study assessed the microbial and physico-chemical quality of water stored in mobile tanks across Basrah governorate, Iraq, to evaluate possible health threats associated with their use for drinking and domestic purposes. Twenty water samples were gathered and tested for total plate count, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH. The findings exposed significant microbial contamination, with total plate counts reaching up to 103 CFU/100 mL, average total coliforms of 27.4 CFU/100 mL, and fecal coliforms averaging 2.3 CFU/100 mL, demonstrating fecal contamination and paired with health risks. Physico-chemical parameters showed mild ionic content (mean TDS 61.5 mg/L, EC 92.3 µS/cm) and slightly alkaline pH (7.0–7.6), conditions favorable to microbial survival. Higher contamination correlated with infrequent tank cleaning and environmental factors such as sunlight exposure and temperature. These outcomes highlight the urgent requirement for regular water quality monitoring, enhanced tank maintenance, effective disinfection, and public education to conserve health in societies that adopt on mobile tank water supplies in Basrah as a drinking source.

One of the most essential abiotic elements that has an important influence on plant development, growth, and yield is salinity. The current study revealed how the biochemical characteristics of Lemna minor L. plant were impacted by different levels of sodium chloride (0, 50, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 mM). The experiment was carried out in March and April of 2024. The measured amount of chlorophyll an at 50 mM was certainly greater when compared with that of the control treatment, achieving 1.0464 mg/g. At the same time, the percentages of chlorophyll a, b, and total at the other concentrations were lesser than that of the control. The results showed a rise in proline levels that related to elevated salt concentrations, with the peak proline level measured at 0.573 mg/g at a concentration of 200 mM, reflecting a 309 percent increase relative to the control treatment. The analysis of minerals revealed changes in nutrient levels. The largest rise in zinc level, 0.8993 mg/g, was measured at 125 mM, which implies a 23.2% increase. Boron levels were elevated at 200 mM, reaching 0.8550 mg/g. Manganese levels lowered considerably at raised salt concentrations, with the highest concentration, 0.1987 mg/g detected at 50 mM. Copper levels showed considerable fluctuations, reaching a high of 0.0194 mg/g at 200 mM and a low of 0.0121 mg/g at 175 mM. Iron levels increased at a concentration of 125 millimolar, reaching 1.4966 mg/g, a 339% increase compared to the control treatment. Calcium levels also increased with increasing salinity concentrations, with the highest level recorded at 1.6815 mg/g at a concentration of 150 mM. Magnesium levels showed an increase with reducing salinity concentrations, with the highest concentration at 50 mM reaching 1.0032 mg/g. The results above indicate that Limna minor L. promotes osmotic adaptation and selective mineral management to cope with salt stress. The study aims to assess the ability of duckweed (Limna minor L.) to grow and reproduce under different levels of salinity, in order to determine the extent to which it can be utilized as an economical feed source for animals in salinity-affected environments.