Critical Changes in Composition of Diatoms Community in East Hammar Marsh, Southern Iraq

A significant shift in diatom community composition has been observed in the East Hammar Marsh, southern Iraq, reflecting critical environmental changes over recent decades. This study identified 69 diatom taxa across three sites, revealing that marine-brackish water species dominate during summer, while freshwater species prevail in winter. The findings indicate a deterioration in water quality, driven by rising temperatures and salinity, which has impacted the marsh's biodiversity. Researchers analyzed both planktonic and epiphytic diatoms from August 2018 to April 2019, providing insights into the ecological preferences of these microscopic organisms and their response to environmental stressors.

Al-Shaheen, M. A., Al-Abbawy, D. A., & Al-Ahmady, S. S. (2025). Critical Changes in Composition of Diatoms Community in East Hammar Marsh, Southern Iraq. Basrah Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 38(1), 30–47. https://doi.org/10.37077/25200860.2024.38.1.3