Master’s Discussion
The College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad discussed the Master’s thesis entitled “Study of physicochemical and biological factors of some river Islands in Tigris river / Baghdad city”, presented by the postgraduate student (Sondos Ali Hussein), in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Biology/ Ecology, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Maysoon Hassan Mishjil and Lect. Dr. Basim Mohammed Hashim.
- The thesis aimed to investigate and evaluate the integrated environmental characteristics (physicochemical and biological) of riverine islands and their corresponding banks along the Tigris River within Baghdad, to understand how these ecosystems respond to seasonal changes and interact with the aquatic environment.
The thesis concluded that there is a significant variation in the physicochemical properties of the soil of the riverine islands and the control sites (banks) depending on seasonal variations (Dry, Wet, and Moderate seasons). The results revealed the vital role of microbial and plant communities within these islands, acting as dynamic ecosystems and bio-indicators reflecting the health of the river’s aquatic system. The research demonstrated that hydrological changes play a pivotal role in sediment distribution and biodiversity patterns within these islands, highlighting their importance as sensitive transitional ecological zones that require sustainable management.
- The thesis recommended including these riverine islands in national environmental monitoring plans for the Tigris River and intensifying research linking river morphology with biodiversity. It also called for the implementation of management strategies to mitigate the impact of human activities on riverbanks and central islands, utilizing the database provided by this research as a foundation for future projects related to aquatic environment rehabilitation in Iraq.
- The researcher was awarded the rating “Very Good.”
