Marsh Bulletin

The phytoplankton community in six stations of three restored marshes in Southern Iraq, was
studied (Um Ainaaj. Taraba, Amia, Wineas, Burkah, and Saddah) during the period from
summer 2004 to spring 2005. We recognized 85.89 and 64 species in Huwayzah. Suq
Shuyukh and East Hammar Marshes respectively. A total of 130 taxa were identified, and the
dominated were diatoms (56%), chlorophyta (23%) and cyanophta (17). The recovery index
was 65.89%, 68.99%, 46.51% in Huwayzah, Suq Shuyukh and East Hammar Marshes

In this paper, we present the results of a study which was carried out in three governorates in Southern Iraq (Basrah, Missan and Thi Qar) in 2006. The study aimed at examining the burden of cancer as a cause of death in these governorates during selected years from the 1980s, 1990s and the first decade of this century. The data were obtained from all death registration offices in the three governorates. Each death was checked and deaths for which cancer written as the cause were compiled. The results showed that cancer is a major contributor to mortality in Southern Iraq. The share of cancer deaths among males was higher (56.3%) than females (43.7%) but a significant rise in the females share was noticed from the 1980s towards the beginning of the 21st century. The ten cancer deaths in males and females were generally similar. These were cancers of the urinary bladder (16.4%), lung (15.0%), leukaemias (8.6%), breast (7.6%), lymphomas (Hodgkin\'s and Non-Hodgkin\'s) (5.3%), CNS (5.1%), stomach (5.1%), larynx (4.5%), liver (4.1%) and pancreas (3.2%). These ten cancer deaths represented about 74.9% of all cancer deaths. The results documented some degree of increased cancer mortality during the last 20 years particularly in Missan governorate. The differential time trend among the three governorates could reflect difference in the quality of medical care available for patients.