A Master's thesis in the Department of Ecology at the College of Science, University of Basra, investigated the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in the northern part of the Shatt al-Arab River.
The thesis, submitted by student Huda Abdul-Amir Abdul-Raouf, aimed to assess the levels of various types of petroleum hydrocarbons, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and to identify their sources.
The thesis concluded that PAHs, considered among the most dangerous petroleum compounds, are present in the Shatt al-Arab. The danger of these compounds lies in their accumulation in the bodies of living organisms and their transfer to humans through the food chain, where they are linked to cancerous diseases. The concentrations of these compounds pose a significant threat to the future of the Shatt al-Arab, which is the city's primary water source.
The study recommended continuous environmental monitoring, the establishment of a program for the periodic monitoring and tracking of pollution levels, the reduction of pollution sources, and increased public awareness.
