The Impact of Water Oscillation on Hydrophytes and Macro algae Growth in Tigris River within Mosul Area

Abstract

Two stations have been selected during the course of Tigris River within Mosul city; the first one is before entering the city, while the other located downstream the city. Results clearly exhibit a significant difference in water quality between the two locations.Aquatic plants and macro-algae populations along about 17 Km of the rivers course were identified. Six aquatic plant species have been identified Potamogeton pusillus, Potamogeton nodosus, Ceratophyllum demersus, Phragmites australis, Phragmites sp. and Typha sp.Potamogeton pusillus a species was the predominant species during the study period, on the other hand macro-algae included Hydrodiction riticulatum, Cladophora glomerata, Chara vulgaris, Chara sp. and Nitella sp., the species Chara vulgaris and Cladophora glomerata from green algae phylum were the predominant species of the five algal identified species during the study period.Clear trespass on the river banks was recorded, sand and gravel queries negatively affecting the river by forming shallow ponds and swamps which are perfect for aquatic plants and algae communities to prosper and flourish leads to dramatic detrimental impact on river health.