A study on a sulfur spring (Ain Al Kibrit) ecosystem along Tigris River Mosul, Iraq

Ain Al Kibrit sulfur spring along Tigris River in contrast with two other stations, before and after the input to the Tigris River were studied. Some chemical, physical parameters (water temperature, pH, EC, alkalinity, total hardness, and sulfate) and total number of phytoplankton were studied during 2003-2004. Samples were taken from the spring, inlet, and outlet along the Tigris River. The results show 5-20 fold differences between stations in almost all parameters, whereas, thermostatic conditions were confirmed in Ain Al Kibrit (24±1). In contrast, the total number of phytoplankton when observed to be fifty folds less in Ain Al Kibrit. This study may be regarded as a first attempt to deal with such factors in this area.