The Master's thesis of graduate student Alaa Jumaa Jaid from the Department of Applied Marine Sciences, entitled "Environmental Assessment of the Impact of Wastewater Discharges on the Physical and Chemical Properties of the Shatt al-Arab Estuary and Adjacent Coastal Areas," was discussed under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Yousef Shafi Jabr.

The scientific discussion committee consisted of a distinguished panel of professors:

Professor Dr. Dunia Khairallah Khassaf – Chair.

Assistant Professor Dr. Alaa Adel Mazhar – Member.

Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Yousef Hammoud – Member.

Assistant Professor Dr. Yousef Shafi Jabr – Member and Supervisor.

The study aimed to assess the environmental impact of untreated wastewater discharges and determine their effect on the physical and chemical properties of the Shatt al-Arab Estuary and adjacent coastal areas in the northern Arabian Gulf.

The study revealed a clear deterioration in the water quality of the estuary and coastal areas, manifested in increased turbidity and suspended solids levels. Significant increases were also recorded in major ions such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfate, as well as a substantial rise in the concentrations of harmful nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, in addition to heavy metals. The results also demonstrated the spread of this pollution to the adjacent marine environment due to water currents.

Following a thorough scientific discussion and the student's defense of his thesis and the effort invested in it, the committee decided to accept the thesis and award the student a Master's degree with distinction.