Prevalence Study of Cyanophyta Algae in the Main Branch of the Tigres River and its Association with the Nation's Changing Climate

Et Al., Alhusainy

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.442654

Prevalence Study of Cyanophyta Algae in the Main Branch of the Tigres River and its Association with the Nation's Changing Climate

Author

Alhusainy et al.

10.21608/ejabf.2025.442654

Abstract

In the current study, 274 phytoplankton species belonging to 82 genera were identified from samples collected at five distinct sites along the Al-Gharaf River in the Thi-Qar Province of southern Iraq. Among these, Cyanophyta (blue-green algae) species outnumbered other non-diatom species by 20.07%. Sampling was monthly conducted over the course of a year, covering a stretch of approximately 59 kilometers. The abundance and distribution of phytoplankton were clearly influenced by both temperature and site-specific environmental conditions. Seasonal variations played a significant role: the highest abundance of algae was recorded at Site 4 during the summer, while the lowest densities were observed at Sites 1 and 3 during the winter. These findings highlight the impact of climatic and spatial factors on the frequency and density of blue-green algae, emphasizing the importance of considering seasonal dynamics in ecological assessments of freshwater systems.

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