Planktonic Diatoms as Bio Indicators of Water Quality of Euphrates River between Saqlawiah and Amiriat Al-Fallujah – Iraq

Abstract

          The use of bio-indicators applications are an alternative method for assessing the quality of surface water, as well as the use of routine analysis of chemical and physical parameters. This study evaluated the ecological integrity of the Euphrates River between Saqlawiah and Amiriat –Al-Afallujah western of Iraq using planktonic diatoms. Water and planktonic diatom samples were collected from five sampling sites monthly for a period   between  Nov. 2019 to Aug. 2020 . Water quality parameters including Air and Water Temperature, Electrical Conductivity, Sanility, Turbidity, pH, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardiness, Calcium, Magnesium,  Dissolved Oxygen, Percentage saturation of oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand, Sulfates,  Nitrate,  Phosphate were analyzed standard protocols. Extract the least significant difference for the differences between sites and between seasons by SPSS statistical packages. A total  82 species of planktonic diatoms were identified at the study sites with cocconeis pediculus and C. placentula having the highest abundance were indicative of mesotrophic and moderate polluted water  . The ranges of biological indices were as follows:  Palmer ҆ s pollution index (8.6 – 13.2), Pollution tolerance  index (2.77- 2.86),  Trophic diatomic index  (49.48 - 56.73)  and  Shannon diversity index (2.777 - 3.270).  It was concluded that the water quality of the Euphrates River during the study period ranged between slight pollution to  moderate pollution.