Mazen Fadhil Khudhair from Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources successfully defended his Ph.D. work with the title ” Study of Chemical Pollution Indicators and Soil Salinity Using Chemical Characteristics and Spectral Indices for Some Soils of the Mid-Euphrates”
The dissertation aimed to study the distribution of chemical properties in salt-affected soils, determine their nature, and evaluate the levels of heavy metal pollution in soil, water, and plants in saline areas near contamination sources using pollution indices. It also investigated the impact of interaction between chemical properties and pollutants on soil degradation, determined how heavy metals bind with components of salt-affected soils, and monitored soil salinization and heavy metal pollution using spectral indices.
The researcher recommended enforcing strict environmental standards to limit emissions and waste from industrial and health facilities, requiring proper treatment before disposal or landfilling. Additionally, the study emphasized adopting modern chemical fertilization and pest control methods to minimize agricultural footprint, or switching to organic and bio-based alternatives.
Finally, the researcher recommended utilizing environmental pollution indicators to assess soil, water, and plants, and integrating spectral indices into continuous monitoring of soil salinization and contamination.
___________________________________
