Euphrates River Pollution Acute and Chronic Toxicity Revealed by Bioassays

Bioassays are critical for assessing water pollution and its risks to ecosystems. This study evaluated the pollution of the Euphrates River in Nasiriyah during winter and spring, focusing on three stations: Sharif (entrance to the city), post-thermal energy, and Sedinawiyah (sewage disposal). Chlorella vulgaris growth rates were analyzed in river water samples over 24, 48, and 96 hours. The highest growth rate deviation was observed at station 2 in spring (91.0%) and station 3 in winter (66.0%). Results indicated varying levels of water toxicity, ranging from acute to chronic, influenced by human activities and seasonal changes. These findings highlight the significant impact of pollution on the Euphrates River, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and mitigation strategies.