A master's thesis in the Department of Ecology at the College of Science at the University of Basra examined microplastics in the waters and sediments of the Shatt al-Arab.

The thesis, submitted by student Duaa Muhammad Ali Sadiq, aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics and determine their quantities and types in the waters and sediments of the Shatt al-Arab.

The thesis included plastic pollution, its common types, microplastics, their sources in the aquatic environment, and their effects on aquatic life.

The study concluded that microplastic pollution in sediment samples was higher than in water samples.

The thesis recommended studying other sites in the Shatt al-Arab to determine their contamination with microplastics and the importance of adequate waste management in cities.