A master's thesis in the Department of Ecology, College of Science, University of Basra, discussed the use of spider webs to monitor some heavy metals and hydrocarbons in the air of Basra Governorate.

The thesis of the student Huda Zuhair Taher showed the ability of spider webs of the family pholcidae to capture atmospheric air pollutants.

 The study aimed to determine the concentrations of some heavy metals and hydrocarbons in different areas of the governorate to assess air quality.

The study recommended the need to intensify the vegetation cover, especially in the city center, to reduce the pollution resulting from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.