Ecological study of microscopic protozoa in Abbasiya Canal, Iraq
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Microscopic protozoa are water-based organisms. They pose significant concerns for human health, as serious diseases have been linked globally. This study aimed to identify and document the microscopic protozoa taxa of the Abbaseya watercourse and record some abiotic factors of their habitats and the watercourse's pollution level. Three sites along the Abbaseya watercourse were selected for collecting microscopic protozoa using a net with 55 ?m mesh openings. The abiotic factors assessed included total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), water flow, turbidity, pH, chloride ion concentration, and magnesium ion concentration. In total, 23 protozoan species of the classes Ciliata and Sarcodina were recorded. The diversity indices used were Jaccard’s similarity index and the Shannon-Weiner index. The highest Jaccard’s similarity index value, 0.79, was observed between April and May. The protozoan taxa identified in the Abbaseya watercourse are classified primarily into two classes: Ciliata and Sarcodina, with Ciliata having significantly higher taxa. A thorough assessment of protozoan species is vital for evaluating water quality, as it offers valuable insights into the ecological health of aquatic environments.
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