Ali Abdul Zahra Douabul^1,, Hamid Talib Al-SAAD¹, Dawood Salman Abdullah¹, Nadir Abid Salman²

This survey was carried out during wet and dry seasons in three stations represent the upper, middle and lower reaches of Huweza Marsh, Southern Iraq. Physical and chemical parameters including the natural water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, bicarbonates and total hardness along with nutrients levels were monitored for the period from July 2007 to April 2008. Results showed that water quality parameters of Huweza marsh are all within the standard criteria for freshwater habitats with pronounced seasonal variation between dry and wet seasons. Significant differences were also recorded between upper and lower stations in the marsh which can be attributed to local conditions. In general all parameters are within the tolerance limits of fresh water plants and animals except water salinity which needs to be monitored seasonally and spatially, as variations are noticed between various parts of the marsh and at different seasons. Some recorded levels exceed the normal favorable levels for freshwater fauna and flora. The marsh water is rich in nutrient especially nitrate and phosphate, reflecting high productivity in similar manner to other Iraqi marshes. Results were compared with other studies in the area. The present survey can act as a basis for future monitoring and recovery of the marshland ecosystem.

mesopotamian marshlands, water quality, nutrients, protected area