PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF PHYTOPLANKTON IN NORTHERN PART OF SHATT AL-ARAB RIVER-IRAQ

Abstract

Seasonal variation in primary production of phytoplankton at the northern part of shatt Al-Arab River along with impact of related ecological factors were investigated. Three stations were selected; first represent Al-Dare area, second nearby the factory of paper and third nearby the thermal energy station in Al-Harthah, water and phytoplankton samples were collected on monthly basis from July, 1998 to June 1999. The study revealed seasonal variation in ecological factors that were usually exceeded those recorded at pervious studies, with minor exceptions. Monthly changes in chlorophyll-a content of the phytoplankton were noted with one distinct peak at each station. The highest (11.60 mg.m-3) was recorded at station three during April. One distinct maxima in primary production were also detected in all station. The highest was encountered during spring. Values ranged between 28.2 – 92.0 mg C/m3 / day. Correlation coefficient between various combinations of ecological factors and between primary production and related conditions were discussed.