The Iraqi Journal of Aquaculture (IJAQ) is a reputable scientific journal that provides open access to its publications. Since 2004, the Marine Science Center at the University of Basrah, Iraq, has been publishing this journal biannually. IJAQ adheres to the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY 4.0) licensing agreement, ensuring that its published materials are available to a broad audience. To maintain the integrity of the journal and prevent plagiarism, IJAQ employs the Turnitin program, which evaluates the originality of submitted manuscripts. Additionally, the journal employs a double-blind peer-review system to ensure the quality of published works. IJAQ welcomes original research articles, review papers, and case reports in fields such as fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic management, wetlands, lakes, water pollution, and other related areas. Authors submitting their work to IJAQ are required to pay a 100.000 Iraqi dinar fee upon acceptance of their manuscript. Payment is made directly at the editorial office or via electronic payment: Zain Cash: +964(0)7731361611 Publishing for researchers from outside Iraq is free It is essential to note that IJAQ does not receive any financial support from governmental or non-governmental organizations, emphasizing the journal's independence and autonomy.
University of Basrah, Marine Science Center
Seasonal changes in fatty acid profiles of economically important fish species from Arabian Gulf and Shatt Al-Arab River
The present investigation aimed to compare fatty acid levels in three species of fish muscle from the Shatt Al-Arab river (Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis aureus, Planiliza abu) with three species from the Arabian Gulf (Pampus argenteus, Epinephelus coioides, Otolithes ruber). Fat content was extracted by organic solvent extraction, and fatty acids were estimated using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) (Calculated from the total amount of fatty acids) for the period from August 2018 to May 2019. The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) ranged from 56.967% in P. argenteus during winter to 23.783% in C. carpio during spring. The percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) ranged from 50.771% in C. carpio during winter to 12.908% in O. aureus during winter. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ranged from 31.777% in O. aureus during spring to 2.608% in C. carpio during autumn. Also, omega-3, EPA, and DHA were identified for fish species and were found to be higher in marine species compared to freshwater fish.
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Comparative study of the growth rates of rearing shrimp Metapenaeus affinis (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) in two concentraions different salinities in vitro
The shrimp, Metapenaeus affinis, was reared in two types of basins with water salinities of (1 and 5) mg/L with initial weights of 1540 ± 278.75 mg and final weights of 1765 ± 273.91 mg and 1891.67 ± 324.66 mg, respectively. Weight gain was 225 ± 5 mg and 347 ± 47 mg, growth rate was 0.464 ± 0.082 mg and 0.678 ± 0.033 mg/day, and survival rates were 60% and 80%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (P≥0.05) between weight gain, growth rate, and growth rate of the shrimp rearing at the two ponds with different salinity levels (1 and 5) mg/L. Significant differences (P≤0.05) were found in feed conversion ratios and survival rates.
Evaluation of Suaeda aegyptiaca as a Partial Replacement for Wheat Bran in Diets of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Effects on Growth Performance and Feed Conversion under laboratory conditions
The use of alternative feeds is a modern trend in aquaculture aimed at reducing production costs and maintaining productive efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus fish when wheat flour was replaced with Suaeda aegyptiaca (salt-producing plant) powder at ratios of 0, 25, 50, and 100%. Ninety-six fish with an average initial weight of 47.28 ± 0.68 g were used. They were randomly distributed into 12 plastic tanks (30 × 30 × 60 cm) at a density of 8 fish per tank. The experiment was designed as a four-treatment system with three replicates per treatment. The fish were fed the experimental diets for 60 days at a daily feeding rate of 3% of their body weight, with adjustments made every 15 days. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in Favor of the 25% substitution treatment in final weight, total and daily weight gain, relative and qualitative growth rates, and feed conversion ratio, compared to the other treatments. In contrast, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between the 50% and 100% treatments in the studied growth indicators. The 25% treatment achieved the highest weight gain (75.10 g), the best relative (58.94%) and qualitative (1.103%/day) growth rates, and the best feed conversion efficiency (2.16). These results indicate the potential for substituting up to 25% of wheat flour with S. aegyptiaca plant powder without negatively impacting growth performance or feed conversion efficiency, thus supporting its use as an alternative feed source in Nile tilapia diets within sustainable aquaculture systems.
Assessment of Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Macronutrient Distribution in The Water of Khor Al-Zubair, North Weast Arabian Gulf, Iraq
The study was conducted in the Khor Al-Zubair channal in the northwestern Arabian Gulf, where water samples were collected ly (summer and winter) from a depth of 10 cm during low tide at three stations in Khor Al-Zubair (Khor Al-Zubair Port, Al-Nafq, and Umm Qasr Port). A range of physicochemical parameters was measured, including (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, total nitrogen (TN), nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus (TP), calcium, magnesium, and silica). The results showed clear variations in water quality indicators, with the stations (Khor Al-Zubair Port, Al-Nafq, and Umm Qasr Port) recorded the highest temperature levels (30 °C) during the summer and salinity (50 mg/L) during the summer at the third station (Umm Qasr Port), while the pH (pH) (7.62) during the summer at the third station (Umm Qasr Port), while dissolved oxygen decreased during the summer, recording (6.7 mg/L) at the first station (Khor Al-Zubair Port). As for the major nutrients, the results showed clear spatial and variations, with the highest total nitrogen value recorded during the winter at the third station (Umm Qasr Port), reaching 3.1 µg/L. Similarly, nitrite and nitrate values during the winter also coincided at the Khor Al-Zubair Port station, reaching 1.99 µg/L and 4.49 µg/L, respectively. In contrast, the highest total phosphorus value during the summer was recorded at the Umm Qasr Port station, reaching 0.297 µg/L, accompanied by the highest silica concentration at the same station and during the same season, reaching 6.08 mg/L As for the other elements, the highest concentrations of calcium and magnesium were recorded during the winter at the Tunnel Station, reaching 384.24 mg/L and 1,351.01 mg/L, respectively.
Effect of different dietary protein levels in artificial diets on the growth juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. 1758) in laboratory
The experiment was conducted to examine the impact of various protein levels on the growth performance of juvenile common carp Cyprinus carpio. Diet formulated in the laboratory to provide crude protein levels of 30% (T1), 35% (T2), 40% (T3) and 45% (T4). The juveniles of common carp (Initial average weight 1.12±0.11 g). Twelve plastic aquaria (Three aquaria for each treatment) of 100 liters capacity were used and stocked with 15 fish each. The aquaria were equipped with electric air pumps. A feeding ratio of 5% of fish weight was used to feed the fish six days a week during the 60-day experiment. To adjust the feeding rate according to the new mean body weight, the weight of every fish in each replicate was measured every 15 days. Results of the current experiment revealed final average weights of 1.61, 1.82, 2.01 and 2.00g for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The highest weight gain was recorded by fish in T3 was 0.89 g, while the lowest (0.52 g) was reached by fish of T1. The highest daily growth rate (0.015 g /day) was reached by fish of T3 while the lowest (0.010g/day) was reached by fish of T1. Specific growth rates were 0.649 % /day for T1, 0.851 % /day for T2, 0.974 % /day for T3 and 0.907 % /day for T4. Fish from T3 had the best feed conversion rate (4.26), whereas fish from T1 showed the poorest feed conversion rate (5.91). In conclusion the best growth results were achieved by fish of T3 compared with other treatments especially T1.
Fish food security in Basrah governorate, Iraq: An assessment of fish availability and per capita supply in 2024
Fish food security is an essential component of overall food security as fish represent a rich source of healthy and high-quality animal protein. The current study was designed to assess the contribution of fishery resources to support the food security in Basrah Governorate. Monthly data on fish quantities available in markets were collected across 10 districts in Basrah throughout 2024 alongside official census data. The study employed both destructive and inferential statistical analysis including per capita calculations, coefficient or variation, temporal trend analysis, and seasonal variations. Total annual fish quantity available in the markets reached 45,519 tons for a population of 3,388,398 resulting in an average annual per capita consumption of 13.43 kg. The findings revealed substantial spatial disparities across districts, ranging from 9.00-31.07 kg/capita/year with a spatial coefficient of variation of 53.7% pronounced seasonal fluctuation.
Occurrence and Abundance Ratios of Alien versus Native Species in the Fish Assemblages of the Southern Iraqi Marshlands
The degree of disturbance at fish assemblages in southern Iraqi marshes was quantified on the basis of number of native species occurrence ratio (NOR) and native abundance ratio (NAR) to the total number of species and individuals during the period from 2006 to 2024. Degree of disturbance status scores at Al-Hawaizah, Auda, Chybaish, Zachery, Dalmaj, West Hammar and Suq Al-Shuyukh marshes ranged between 50 -77% ,which equal to moderate and fine in disturbance status scale. Al-Shafi and East Hammar marshes express lower native occurrence ratio ranged 24-42% equal to disturbed to very disturbed status. Alien species number were varied between 3 to 11. Highest native species occurrence ratio (NOR) conceded with low salinity values at Al-Hawaizah, Chybaish, Auda, and West Hammer. The opposite case was in Al-Shafi and East Hammar marshes were alien species dominated. Invasive disturbed index (IDI) values s express negative relationship with number of native species and positive with alien species ratio at the southern marshes. IDI score at Al-Hawaizah , Auda, Zachery, Suq Al-Shuyukh and west Hammar marshes were low, ranged from 0.3 to 1.0. On contrary East Hammer marsh and Al Shafi scored the highest IDI values ranged from 1.37 to 3.6. Alien species had established successfully in southern marshes over relatively a short period. Native fluvial species lost its dominance to alien species especially in Al-Shafi and East Hammer marshes. Gradual decrease in occurrence and abundance of native species was noticed in southern marshes due to increase salinity. Alien species seem to be infested all Iraqi southern marshes. The most sever disturbance ratio was recorded at East Hammar marsh.
Microplastic Contamination in the Waters of Certain Rivers in Basrah City, Iraq: statistical study
Microplastics (MPs) are recognized worldwide as a growing environmental threat, especially in aquatic ecosystems. This raises concerns for human life and the environment due to the increased use and mishandling of plastics, particularly in urban waterways. This research presents statistics on the prevalence of microplastic particles in waters of five sites within the tributaries and the Shatt al-Arab River in Basrah, southern Iraq: the Qarmat Ali, Al-Khandaq, Al-Nadi Al-Athori, Shatt al-Arab, and Al-Bahadriya rivers. Chemical digestion using 30% H₂O₂ and density separation were used to remove unwanted substances. The water was then examined using optical microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicated the existence of microplastics in all samples. The highest MP count was 15 particles/20 L at the Al-Khandaq and Al-Bahadriya River sites using a 125 µm sieve. The highest MPs count was 15.5 particles/20 L at the Al-Nadi-Al Athori River site using a 150 µm sieve. The highest MPs count was 15.5 particles/20 L at the Al-Nadi-Al Athori River site using a 150 µm sieve. The predominant form of microplastics across all study sites was fiber, accounting for 42% of the total. Similarly, the blue color 40% of microplastic was the predominant color across all water samples. FTIR measurements revealed that the predominant MP types were polypropylene 39.3%, low density polyethylene 35.5% and polystyrene 25.2%. MPs in these rivers are affected by human activity along their banks, such as industries, markets, and residential areas.
First Record and Range extension of Clavellisa ilishae Pillai, 1962 (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoidea, Lernaeopodidae) Parasitizing Nematolosa nasus (Bloch) (Clupeiformes: Dorosomatidae) from Khor Al-Zubair Lagoon, Southern Iraq
Bloch's gizzard shad Nematalosa nasus (Bloch) is a member of the dorosomatid fish which, is considered a typical host of a lernaeopodid copepod, however, no parasitological investigation on this host with respect to this group of parasite has been conducted in the Arabian Gulf. A survey of gill’s parasite is carried out in June 2026 revealed that two of the 33 examined fish were infected with a copepod attached to the gill rakers. This copepod belongs to Clavellisa ilishae Pillai, 1962. Illustrations of the parasite are provided and compared with previous records from other geographical regions. This represent the first record of C. ilishae from the Arabian Gulf and extends its known geographical distribution from Arabian Sea to the northwestern Arabian Gulf.
Effects of Long-Term Frozen Storage on Fat-Soluble Vitamin Content in the Muscle of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
In this study, the stability of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) during frozen storage at −18°C for up to 12 months was investigated. It was found that HPLC analysis showed that there is a statistically significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) of the vitamins' concentration with time. The highest level of loss was shown by vitamin D (59.1%) and vitamin K (55.9%), while vitamin A and vitamin E loss were 50.7% and 49.8%, respectively. This progressive decline of the vitamin's concentration suggests that a considerable decrease in its nutritional value occurs with prolonged frozen storage. This work contributes to the knowledge about the chemical stability of vitamins in fish muscle and provides important information concerning their quality for both aquaculture and the food industry. The presented data show that nutrition value is considerably reduced after six months of frozen storage.
Effect of bioaccumulation of lead, cadmium, and copper on the protein and lipid content of Metapenaeus affinis shrimp muscles in Shatt al-Basra Canal, Iraq
Heavy metal pollution in aquatic environments presents a substantial danger to environmental quality and seafood safety due to the bioaccumulation of trace metals in edible aquatic creatures. Monitoring of commercially important shrimp species provides useful data for the evaluation of metal contamination and its possible effect on human health. There is little information about seasonal and sexual changes of heavy metals bioaccumulation and biochemical composition of the muscle of Metapenaeus affinis from southern Iraq. This research analyzed the influence of season and sex on the accumulation of copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the abdominal muscle and their relationship with protein and lipid levels in muscle. The season was the dominant factor in the accumulation of heavy metals in M. affinis, and sex was the dominant factor in the biochemical composition of the muscle. Concentrations of heavy metals were significantly higher in summer than in winter (p < 0.001), and females showed significantly higher muscle protein and lipid contents than males. The strong positive correlations between Cu, Pb and Cd suggest common environmental sources of contamination. Copper concentrations increased from 23.41 ± 2.21 to 28.75 ± 3.39 mg kg⁻¹ DW, lead from 1.71 ± 0.20 to 2.37 ± 0.32 mg kg⁻¹ DW, and cadmium from 0.280 ± 0.024 to 0.411 ± 0.029 mg kg⁻¹ DW from winter to summer. Females showed significantly higher total protein (73.27 ± 1.08%) and lipid (7.21 ± 0.26%) contents than males (72.17 ± 1.05% and 6.81 ± 0.29%, respectively). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed the strongest association between Cu and Cd (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), whereas only weak positive correlations were observed between heavy metals and muscle protein content. Seasonal environmental conditions strongly regulate heavy metal bioaccumulation in M. affinis, whereas the muscle biochemical composition is mainly influenced by physiological processes related to sex. The species is a good bio-indicator for heavy metals pollution and a good source of baseline information for environmental monitoring and seafood safety assessment in Shatt Al-Basrah Canal, Southern Iraq.
Bacterial assessment of raw and tap water quality in Basrah city, Iraq
Ensuring drinking water safety is a fundamental public health priority, particularly in cities facing potential environmental risks. This study estimated the microbial and physicochemical water quality of the Shatt al-Arab River and tap water in Basrah city, Iraq. Total bacterial counts, fecal coliforms, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were monitored in water samples obtained from different sampling points. Fecal coliform identification was carried out on M-FC agar medium incubated at 44.5°C. The bacteriological study revealed a marked geographical variation in the bacterial load. The Shatt al-Arab water samples (especially sample 2) had the highest counts of total bacteria and fecal coliforms (up to 170 CFU/100 ml) indicating direct contact with organic and fecal pollutants. On the other hand, tap water counts indicated lower but very varied contamination levels between 320 CFU/ml in Site 6 and 1200 CFU/ml in Site 7. No fecal coliforms (0 CFU/100 ml) were detected in effluent samples (Sites 3, 4 and 5), indicating the local effectiveness of the chlorination process. Structurally, a drastic fall of pH to acidity and a rise in EC values were recorded in the most polluted zones, demonstrating a strong association between the microbial metabolic activity and the damaged chemical characteristics of water. The results suggest that while chlorination has some effect, the water distribution networks in Basrah require a regular urgent monitoring and advanced treatment technologies to cope with increasing salinity and biological contamination in order to comply with Iraqi and international drinking water standards.
A comparative study of rotifer community in two lotic vs. Lentic environments
Rotifera population was studied at two stations: the first was in the Garmat -Ali River, and the second in the fish farming ponds of the Marine Science Center at the University of Basrah. Monthly samples were collected for four months, from February to May 2023, using a 40 cm diameter plankton net with a mesh 53-µm aperture. One hundred liters of water were filtered. Some environmental parameters were measured, including water temperature, pH, salinity, and total suspended solids. The quantitative and qualitative composition of the Rotifer population was also studied using modern taxonomic references. Water temperature ranged from 19-25°C at station one, while at station two it ranged from 20-27°C. The lowest salinity value (1.75 g/l) was recorded at station one, and the highest (38.5 g/l) at station two. pH values ranged from 7.11 to 8.19, with the lowest and highest values recorded at station one. The highest total suspended solids (TSS) values were recorded at station two during April, and the lowest at station one during February. The density of Rotifer was highest at station one, reaching 4.186 individuals/L during May, and lowest at station two (1.395 individuals/l). Nine genera of Rotifer were identified, with the highest number of species recorded at station one during May and the lowest at station two during February. The aim of the study is to compare the qualitative and quantitative composition of the rotifer community between two different environments. The study showed that both environments exhibited homogeneous diversity and densities of the phylloxera community, but the river environment showed the emergence of species that disappeared in the basin environment. This is due to the diversity of food resources along the river, while the basin environment is limited and depends on fertilization seasons.
Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil Using Mangrove Species
This study aimed to assess the extent of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in soils from the Zubair oil field and evaluate the efficacy of mangrove-mediated bioremediation. Soil samples were collected from four distinct locations within the field, designated Zubair1, Zubair2, Zubair3, and Zubair4. Two experimental conditions were established for each location: soils amended with NPK fertilizer and unamended control soils according to the fertilizer recommendation. Mangrove seeds were sown in all treatments and cultivated for a period of six months. Following the growth period, 100 g of soil from each treatment was subjected to solvent extraction to quantify the residual hydrocarbon concentration and determine the percentage of biodegradation. The results demonstrated statistically significant differences in biodegradation efficiency between fertilized and non-fertilized soils. The highest biodegradation rate, 77%, was observed in the fertilized soil from Zubair2. Conversely, the lowest rate, 51%, occurred in the unfertilized soil from Zubair4. These findings indicate that NPK fertilization enhances the bioremediation potential of mangroves in petroleum-contaminated soils, with Zubair2 exhibiting the greatest remediation capacity.
Biodegradation of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons by Seven Marine Bacterial Species Isolated from Iraqi Coastal Sediments: A Comparative Study
Oil pollution in the marine environment of the Arabian Gulf is an emerging threat, especially for the Iraqi coast. This study aims to evaluate the biodegradation potential of seven bacterial strains isolated from Iraqi coastal sediments for degrading aliphatic hydrocarbons (n-alkanes). The bacterial strains tested include Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Kocuria rosea, Kocuria kristinae, Kocuria rhizophila, Staphylococcus lentus, and Pasteurella canis. Degradation efficiencies were analyzed after 48 hours, 72 hours, and 15 days. Pseudomonas fluorescens was the most efficient bacterium in terms of aliphatic hydrocarbon biodegradation (98.9% after 15 days), followed by Sphingomonas paucimobilis (96.8%) and Kocuria rhizophila (97.3%). Moreover, the results indicated that the medium-chain alkane (C14-C25) was preferentially degraded incubation time for the long-chain alkane (C26-C40). A comparative analysis of the results obtained in this study was conducted with other studies conducted in the northwestern Arabian Gulf area, including Iran and Kuwait.
Active Gelatin Films Containing Pumpkin Seed Oil and Rosemary Essential Oil for Extending the Shelf Life of Refrigerated Sardine Fillets
This study evaluated the effectiveness of gelatin-based edible films enriched with pumpkin seed oil and rosemary essential oil in preserving the quality and extending the refrigerated shelf life of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fillets. Biodegradable films were prepared using gelatin plasticized with polyvinyl alcohol and glycerol, while bile acids extracted from chicken gallbladders were employed as a natural emulsifying agent to improve the incorporation and stability of the oils within the film matrix. Sardine fillets were assigned to uncoated (control) and coated treatments and stored at 4 ± 1°C for 15 days. The preservative efficacy of the developed films was assessed by monitoring physicochemical parameters, including pH, free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and thiobarbituric acid (TBA), together with microbiological quality indicators during refrigerated storage. All samples exhibited progressive increases in pH, lipid oxidation indices, and microbial counts throughout storage. However, fillets coated with the developed edible films showed significantly lower (p < 0.05) levels of chemical deterioration and microbial growth compared with the uncoated control. The films effectively limited oxygen and moisture transfer, thereby retarding oxidative reactions and inhibiting microbial proliferation. Among the tested formulations, rosemary essential oil-enriched films demonstrated the highest preservation efficacy, which can be attributed to the potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of their phenolic constituents. Moreover, coliform bacteria were not detected in any treatment during storage, indicating satisfactory hygienic handling and storage conditions. The findings suggest that gelatin-based edible films incorporated with rosemary essential oil or pumpkin seed oil constitute sustainable and eco-friendly active packaging systems with considerable potential to enhance the quality, safety, and refrigerated shelf life of fish products.
Effects of dietary Capparis spinosa fruit powder on growth performance and reproductive traits of Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna).
This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with dried caper fruit (Capparis spinosa) powder at different percentages (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5%) on fertility indicators and reproductive performance of Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). The experiment lasted 90 days and included 120 fish (60 males and 60 females), divided into four treatments with three replicates per treatment. The results indicated the superiority of the T2 treatment (1% caper fruit powder), recording the highest values for the number of offspring per birth (37.4 ± 2.6), offspring survival rate (88.3 ± 2.4%), and sperm viability (84.2 ± 2.7%), in addition to a significant increase in hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone/FSH). Luteinizing hormone (LH) was also affected. A significant improvement in feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the same treatment (P<0.05). This positive effect is attributed to the rich content of phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid compounds in caper fruit, particularly rutin, quercetin, It can be concluded that adding 1% caper fruit powder represents the optimal level for improving fertility and reproductive performance in Sailfin molly
Cultivation of Gray Mangroves Avicennia marina (Forssk) Vierh. in the Iraqi Coast
The ecosystems of the Iraqi marine coasts are notoriously poor in vegetation and highly vulnerable to coastal erosion. The current study aims at finding out the possibility of cultivating the Iraqi coasts with mangrove Avicennia marina. Two sites were chosen to conduct the experiment, the first in the Khor Al-Zubair oil port, and the second in the Al-Faw Grand port. The experiment was carried out by planting 50 seedlings in each site, in order to study the possibility of acclimatization of gray mangrove plants in these environments. Experimental measurements of vegetative growth indicators, total chlorophyll content, and survival rates were taken during the study period. The results demonstrated a normal growth of plants in the Khor Al-Zubair oil port site, as it recorded an average height of seedlings amounted to 93.8 cm during the study period at a daily rate of 0.256 cm.day-1. total Chlorophyll content increased from 43.68-52.10 µg.cm-2, while achieving survival rates of 78% at the end of the experiment. Compared to the site of the Al-Faw Grand port, it achieved medium vegetative growth during the first six months of the experiment, after that the plants began to deteriorate, and thus to the destruction of all seedlings after 12 months of the experiment's life. This failure is primarily attributed to high wave energy /extreme soil compaction /open sea exposure. These findings suggest that sheltered coastal environments like Khor Al-Zubair are viable candidates for mangrove restoration in Iraq, whereas open coastlines require prior artificial wave-breaker protection.
Carbon Dynamics and CO₂ Fluxes in Coastal Waters and Sediments Along the Zubair Creek in Southern Iraq
This study aimed to assess the role of Khor Al-Zubair as a carbon sink within coastal ecosystems and to understand the dynamics of carbon exchange between the atmosphere, water, and sediments under the influence of tides and industrial activities. The study was conducted at three main stations stretching from Khor Al-Zubair Port to Umm Qasr Port, with a field and laboratory monitoring program carried out over a period of 13 hours during a semi-diurnal tidal cycle. The results showed a statistically significant spatial variation in water temperature (F= 685.00, P < 0.001), which affected gas solubility and carbonate system reactions. At the same time, pH values ranged from 7.0 to 7.2, primarily influenced by tidal fluctuations (P= 0.001). Salinity also reached its highest value at Station 3 near the Arabian Gulf (52.416 ppt) and its lowest value at Station 2 (44.864 ppt), while total alkalinity ranged from 170–212 mg/L and dissolved carbon dioxide from 5.9–15.9 mg/L. Calculations of the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂) showed high values ranging from 3,616–11,950 µatm compared to atmospheric levels (478–576 µatm), confirming that Khor Al-Zubair acts as a net source of carbon emissions rather than a carbon sink. In the sediments, the average total organic carbon (TOC) was 1.59%, with a maximum value of 4.39%, while the calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) content ranged from 7.83–26.58%, and the average total alkalinity was 428.44 mg/L, indicating that the sediments possess buffering capacity that helps limit the effects of water acidification and maintain the stability of the carbonate system. The study concludes that Khor Al-Zubair is a source of carbon dioxide emissions; however, its high alkalinity and abundance of bicarbonate and carbonate contribute to maintaining chemical equilibrium and limiting water acidification.
Phytoremediation of water contaminated with Copper and cadmium Using Ceratophyllum demersum
Copper and cadmium pollution in water is a serious environmental problem because of toxic effects on living organisms and ecosystems, Phytoremediation using aquatic plants is a novel, efficient and low-cost technique for improving wastewater and water quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of Ceratophyllum demersum as an ecological solution for the treatment of copper and cadmium contaminated water. To investigate the ability of Ceratophyllum demersum to absorb and remove the heavy metals copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) from wastewater and reduce their concentrations to environmentally safe level. The absorption capacity of the plant was studied through a laboratory experiment with different copper and cadmium concentrations (0, 5 and 10 ppm). The residual concentrations of copper and cadmium in the water after treatment were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and removal efficiency and chlorophyll content in the plant were also measured. The results show that the highest removal efficiency was Cu (64.54%) and Cd (59.4%) at 5 ppm, and it decreased to Cu (47.4%) and Cd (43%) at 10 ppm. There was a decrease in chlorophyll content with increase in copper and cadmium concentrations which was 2.16mg/g for Cu and 1.5mg/g for Cd in the non-exposed group, at 5 ppm it was decreased to Cu (2.01mg/g) and Cd (1mg/g) but at 10 ppm it was Cu (1.09mg/g) and Cd (0.9mg/g) respectively. The results indicated that Ceratophyllum demersum was efficient in removing copper and cadmium from water but the efficiency was affected by metal concentration.
Pomegranate Peel Powder as a Natural Preservative Enhances the Microbiological Quality, Oxidative Stability and Shelf-Life of Aquafeed During Ambient Storage
This study was conducted at the Aquaculture Unit, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, to evaluate the effect of dietary pomegranate peel powder (PPP) supplementation 0, 10, 20, and 30 g/kg feed treatments (T1–T4) on the microbiological quality and shelf-life of fish feed stored at ambient temperature (25 ± 2°C) for eight weeks. Results showed that total bacterial count in the control (T1) increased from 0.12 × 10³ to 9.8 × 10⁴ CFU/g by week 8, while T4 remained as low as 2.1 × 10³ CFU/g; mold and yeast counts decreased from 3.2 × 10³ CFU/g (T1) to 4.3 × 10¹ CFU/g (T4), a reduction exceeding 99% and coliform bacteria, detected in T1 from week 3 and reaching 14.00 × 10² CFU/g by week 8, remained below detection in T4 until week 4 and never exceeded 0.05 × 10² CFU/g. Regarding oxidative deterioration, free fatty acid content rose to 4.87 ± 0.18% in T1-surpassing the 4.0% EFSA/FAO limit, while T4 maintained a significantly lower value of 1.80 ± 0.08%, 63% reduction; similarly, TBA values increased from 0.25 to 3.21 ± 0.12 mg MDA/kg in T1, exceeding the 3.0 mg/kg acceptable limit, whereas T4 stayed at 0.74 ± 0.03 mg MDA/kg, a ~77% reduction relative to control. Overall, dietary supplementation with 20–30 g/kg pomegranate peel powder effectively improved the microbiological quality and oxidative stability of aquafeeds during storage, supporting its potential as an economical, sustainable, and environmentally friendly natural preservative that could replace synthetic preservatives in aquafeed formulations.
Dietary Supplementation of Baker’s Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Modulates Hemato-Biochemical Responses and Plasma Lipid Profile in Juvenile Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on plasma biochemical parameters and lipid profiles in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic formulated diets containing varying inclusion levels of S. cerevisiae (Control [C]: 0 %, T1: 0.5 %, T2: 1.0 % and T3: 1.5 %) were administered to juvenile fish (initial mean weight 11.95 ± 1.55 g). Dietary yeast inclusion significantly improved plasma protein profiles in a dose-dependent manner. Total protein levels increased progressively from 3.66 ± 0.00 mg/100 mL in the control to 4.72 ± 0.02 mg/100 mL in T3 (p < 0.05). Plasma albumin concentrations peaked at 2.85 ± 0.00 mg/100 mL in T3, differing significantly from control and lower inclusion levels. Plasma globulin concentration was highest in T3 (1.87 ± 0.02 mg/100 mL (p<0.05). Concurrently, dietary yeast exerted a potent hypolipidemic effect. Plasma total cholesterol dropped from 267.00 ± 0.00 mg/100 mL (Control) to 164.00 ± 0.00 mg/100 mL (T3), and triglycerides decreased from 139.00 ± 2.82 mg/100 mL to 64.11 ± 0.04 mg/100 mL (p<0.05). Plasma lipoproteins followed a distinct declining trend, with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations decreasing by 44.7 % and 61.9 % in T3 compared to control, respectively. These findings demonstrate that dietary supplementation of S. cerevisiae at 1.5 % optimizes protein synthesis, enhances immune-related globulin fractions, and effectively modulates plasma lipid balance in C. carpio juvenile culture.