A Master's thesis in the Department of Ecology at the College of Science, University of Basra, examined the water quality of the Shatt al-Basra Canal using water pollution indicators.

The thesis, submitted by student Zahraa Jassim Mohammed, aimed to identify the water quality and pollution levels in the Shatt al-Basra Canal by applying specific environmental indicators.

The thesis included measuring several physical and chemical environmental factors, as well as applying three nutritional indicators and two pollution indicators. The thesis concluded that the water quality of the Shatt al-Basra Canal has deteriorated significantly due to the discharge of sewage from residential areas, with pollution levels in the canal reaching critically high levels. The thesis recommended activating the operation of sewage treatment plants and mitigating pollution in the Shatt al-Basra by pumping water from the Karma Ali Canal.