A Thesis discussion was held on Thursday 20-7-2023 in Prof. Dr. Najeeb Kharufa Hall. This thesis was presented by a student (Riyam Riyadh Kareem) and titled:
“Mechanical and Physical Properties of Marshes Bed Soil in Iraq: Central Marshes”
After discussing the student, listening to his defense, and evaluating the level of the thesis, the student was granted a Master Degree in Water Resources Engineering – Water Resources.
The discussion committee was consisted by the following:
Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Hassan———————— Chairman
Prof. Dr. Thamir Ahamed Mohammed —————— Membership
Asst. Prof. Maysam Thamir Mutasher——————- Membership
Asst. Prof. Dr. Zuhair Kadhim Jahan Ker ————— Supervisor
The Thesis Abstract as: –
Study evaluated soil and water quality in Iraqi Central Marshes, focusing on agricultural potential. Samples from Ghibayish Marshes analyzed, compared with nearby areas (Al-Sirehat, Al-Sobat, Al-Sabagia). Mechanical, physical, chemical properties examined in lab. Soil revealed as clay-silty, suitable for crops. Findings aid decision-making for future projects.
The main objectives for this thesis are:
Evaluate the mechanical and physical characteristics of the marshes bed soil of central marshes of Iraq and try to predict them through determining the characteristics of the soil properties. Determine the Central Marshes water chemical properties to assess the characteristics of the water quality.
Recommendations:
- Consider the organic matter content of the soil samples when designing agricultural practices. Implement soil conservation and organic farming techniques to maintain and enhance soil fertility.
- Provide guidelines and recommendations for farmers and agricultural practitioners based on the classification of the soil in the central marshes as clay-silty soil. Outline suitable agricultural practices, crop selection, and soil management techniques for optimal agricultural productivity.
- Develop a comprehensive water quality monitoring and management plan for the central marshes to address the significant variability in total dissolved salts, electrical conductivity, and other parameters. This will help in identifying potential sources of contamination and ensuring sustainable water use.
- Promote further research on the geological characteristics of the region and their influence on the concentrations of gypsum and chloride in soil and water. This will contribute to a better understanding of the marshes’ hydrological system and guide effective water management strategies.
- Due to its direct connection to public health, investigate how pollutants and wastewater from various sources affect marshes and specify disposal methods that provide the least amount of environmental impact to water properties.
- Use techniques such as GIS and Remote Sensing to look into the area of the Central Marshes (Al-Chibayish Marsh) and the distribution of the water quality.
- Climate change is a major global concern and can have a significant impact on water quality. Unfortunately, the study did not investigate how the marsh water quality has changed as a result of climatic changes. Additional research is required to determine the impact of climate change on the water quality of marshes, particularly in light of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and rising temperatures.
