Master Discussion
The College of Science for Women at the University of Baghdad discussed the master’s thesis entitled:
“Assessment of the Effect of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) on the Growth of Microalgae in the Tigris River / Baghdad” submitted by the student Afrah Asaad Mahmood.
The thesis aims to evaluate the role of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) at different concentrations in influencing the biomass of microalgae, given their importance in maintaining the ecological balance of freshwater systems, particularly under climate change conditions.
The study included field experiments using plastic containers placed in the Tigris River during the period from November 2023 to May 2024. Organic carbon (glucose) and inorganic carbon (sodium bicarbonate) sources were added at three different concentrations, while monitoring several physical and chemical variables such as water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate, carbon dioxide, dissolved organic carbon, chlorophyll, in addition to bacterial counts. The results showed that both DOC and DIC had a significant effect in increasing microalgal biomass, confirming the role of organic carbon as a direct nutritional source in aquatic ecosystems.
The study recommended continuous monitoring of the impacts of changes in carbon concentrations in freshwater, due to their implications for primary productivity and ecological balance.
Very Good
