ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY AT AL-HAMMAR MARSHBEFORE AND AFTER FLOW IMPROVEMENTK.A. Jafaar, T.A. Mohammad and H.L. AliAbstract Marshlands have been considered among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Marshlands existingin Mesopotamia are recently acknowledged by the United Nations as one of the international heritage sites.The current research highlights the deterioration level in the water quantity of the Al Hammar marshwhich is one of the famous marshes in the south of Iraq. Recently, pipe culverts were constructed to reducethe salinity of the Al Hammar marsh. Data on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electric Conductivity (EC), andPower of Hydrogen (pH) from February 2019 to February 2020 at five stations (distributed within Al Hammarmarsh) were used to assess the water quality before and after the construction of pipe culverts. Two standardswere used in the assessment: the Iraqi Water Quality Standard (IWQS, No.417) and the World HealthOrganization (WHO) Standards for drinking, irrigation, and aquatic life. In addition, the quality of ecologicalhealth in the Al Hammar marsh was assessed by using the Canadian Water Quality Index. Results showthat the quality of water in the Al Hammar marsh is not recommended to be used for irrigation while theaquatic life is at a threat level. |