Category Archives: Natural Resources

Specific Composition of Fauna Fishes in the Lower Part of Alkabir Alshimali River (Latakia)

Issa Barakat*(1) Adeeb Saad(2) Abd Allatif Ali(3) and Taher Sheikho(1)

(1). Forestry and Environment Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Syria.

(2). Basic Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Syria.

(3). General Organization of Fishery, Jeblaeh, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Issa Barakat. E-Mail: issabarakat93@gmail.com).

Received: 12/02/2019                                Accepted: 25/03/2019

Abstract

The current research was carried out during the period July 2017 to June 2018 with the aim of determining the specific composition on the fauna of fishes at the lower part of Alkabir Alshimali River. Fish samples were collected from three locations, viz. Lake Aldamat, Industrial Zone and the Estuary area. The results showed the presence of twelve species of bony fish, where Cyprinidae was ranked first in terms of numerical abundance, with a ratio of 38.57% of the total catch during the study period, while Clariidae was the least abundant, which accounted 4.52% of the total catch. The species Planiliza abu was the most abundant species where it accounted 20.56% of the total catch, but Anguilla anguilla was the least abundant species with 4.21% of the total catch. The results also showed some differences in the species of fish that were named and classified in the current study from previous studies.

Keywords: Fauna of fish, Alkabir Alshimali River, Species structure.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Ability of Natural Zeolite Ore to Bind Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions

Batool Salameh*(1) and Leila Habib(1)

  (1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*corresponding author: Eng: Batool Salameh. E-Mail: batoolzaka@gmail.com).

Received: 02/02/2018                                Accepted: 19/06/2018

Abstract

The objective of this study was first characterization of natural zeolite ore by the use of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and to study the ability of natural zeolite ore to bind Cadmium from aqueous solutions. Adsorption factors such as zeolite particles size, initial Cd concentration, shaking time, solution:zeolite ratio and pH were studied. Adsorption isotherms constructed then by the use of batch adsorption experiments. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to discuss adsorption data. XRD results showed that Analcime and Phillipsite are the main zeolitic minerals, and it contained non zeolitic minerals such as quartz, calcite and smectite minerals. Natural zeolite ore had high ability to remove cadmium from water solutions, and had 28 mg.g-1 as maximum adsorption capacity. Adsorption increased with increasing initial cadmium concentration, shaking time and initial pH degree. The pH 4-6 showed best range for adsorption. Adsorption is not affected by zeolite particle size and solution:zeolite ratio. This study was conducted at Soil Chemistry Laboratory during 2016/2017 except XRD which was conducted at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria.

Key word: Zeolite ore, X Ray Diffraction, Adsorption, Cadmium.

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Effect of Plant Species on The Response to Phosphate Rock as a Source for Phosphorus Nutrition in Alkaline Soil

Rabab Moner Nasser*(1) Leila Ahmed Habib(1) and Ghiath Ahmed Alloush(1)

(1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Rabab Moner Nasser. Email: rababnasser1973@gmail.com).

Received: 08/04/2018                                Accepted: 02/07/2018

Abstract

A field trial was conducted in 2014 at Al Henadi village, which located in south of Latakia, to evaluate the response of three plant species: Rape plant, chickpea and Bermuda grass to phosphate rock (PR) compared to triple super phosphate (TSP). Phosphate sources (PR and TSP) were applied at three rates (520, 1040, 1560 kg P/ha) besides the control without addition. Also, an agar experiment was conducted to illustrate the role of root exudates in rhizosphere pH changes. The results showed that rape plant had high response to PR application, with high relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE%) of 102% compared to TSP. Whereas chickpea came second with a RAE value of 77.5% compared to TSP.  Finally, Bermuda showed a RAE% varied between 2 and 75% according to the number of cut, and 44% for total yield. The main factor may influence plant response to PR was due to induced changes in pH by roots system, and the exuded organic acids as showed by agar technique in chickpea and rape.

Key words: Rape plant, Chickpea, Bermuda grass, Phosphate rock, Agar technique.

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Study of Some Garbage Compost Properties Produced by Wadi Al-Hada Center for Solid Waste Treatment in Tartous

Hasan Alaa Aldeen(1) Saosan Haifa(2) Ibrahim Nishfi(1) and Shafak Harfoush*(1)

(1). Forestry and Environment Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(2). Soil Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng: Shafak Harfoush. E-Mail: shafakhar@hotmail.com).

Received: 29/04/2018                                Accepted: 23/07/2018

Abstract

The research was carried out at the laboratories of the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, during the period 2/11/2016 to 2/12/2016. It aimed to study some of the compost characteristics of organic matter fermentation at Wadi Al – Huda Center for solid waste treatment in Tartous. Two experiments were carried out to identify the changes in its characteristics, the first experiment after the use in agriculture or over time after storage for a year with three replicates for each treatment, and the second for the compost filter after washing eight times and three replicates per leachate. The results showed good content of the organic material in the three compost treatments (new, planted, stored), and the percentage of organic matter significantly decreased after cultivation, C/N ratio= 1/13 and good content of major essential nutrients. The percentage of heavy elements within the permissible limits, without significant differences between the three treatments, but it was found that the salinity decreases after the use in agriculture and increased after storage significantly, while the value of pH was reduced by insignificant differences after storage and use in agriculture. The increase in the washed compost led to an intestinal increase in the value of pH and a significant decrease in the value of salinity and relative stability in the content of nutrients and heavy elements.

Keywords: Compost, Salinity, Acidity, Heavy elements, Organic matter.

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Tillage Forces Calculation Using Analytical Method

Abd Alkareem Abo Al-Kheer*(1)    

(1). Rural Engineering Department, Faculty of Agronomy, Aleppo University, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abd Alkareem Abo Al-Kheer. E-mail: a.aboalkheer@hotmail.com).

Received: 14/05/2018                                Accepted: 29/09/2018

Abstract

In this research, three models based on analytical approach were used for calculating tillage forces. The first model was based on Soehne’s approach, with some modifications to incorporate the adhesion force, the inertia force and the effects of the side crescents. The second model was based on Mckyes-Ali approach, the adhesion force and the inertia force were integrated to this model, and the failure angle was determined according the passive earth pressure theory. The third model was based on the findings of Perumpral and Swich, which were established on the Perumpral et al. model. The comparison between calculated and measured values showed that the performance of each model depended on tillage system parameters. In general, the performance of the second model was better than the first and the third models. In this work, the Multimodel Ensemble Prediction Method (MEPM) was applied, based on the precedent analytical models, and the calculated values were compared to measured ones. It was noted that the performance of the MEPM was better than all of three models.

Keywords: Tillage forces, Tillage tool, Soil failure, Tillage system parameters.

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The Effect of Calcium to Magnesium and Potassium Ratios on the Productivity and Fruit Quality of Tomato Grown in Hydroponics

Sara Sarko(1) and Ghiath Ahmad Alloush*(1)

(1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(* Corresponding author: Dr. Ghiath Ahmad Alloush. E-mail: galloush@scs-net.org).

Received: 24/07/2018                                Accepted: 12/11/2018

Abstract

A hydroponic experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during the spring-summer seasons of 2015 to investigate the effect of various ratios of Ca:Mg (4:6, 5:5, 7.5:2.5 and 10:0.5 mM/L-1) and potassium (0.5, 3, and 4.5 mM/L-1) on total fruit production, marketable fruits and quality of tomato fruits (cv. Shannon).  The experiment consisted of 12 treatments with three replicates. Pots were completely randomized on the experimental plot. The results showed that the highest fruit production reached 4.72 kg/plant (fruit yield of 5 punches) in the treatment Ca:Mg (7.5:2.5) and 3 mM/L-1 K. Physiological disorder symptoms on fruits along with small size (< 47 mm) decreased the percentage of marketable fruit production to 8% of total in treatment Ca:Mg (5:5) and 0.5 mM/L-1, whereas marketable fruit production were 95% in the same Ca:Mg ratio but 4.5 mM/L-1 K. pH dropped in fruits with increasing Ca:Mg ratios at all K concentrations in the nutrient solution. The decrease pH values became significant in Ca:Mg ratio (7.5:2.5) and 10:0.5. The reverse was true with total titratable acidity. TSS increased as Ca increased in the nutrient solution if K supply was adequate (4.5 mM), and reached 65.2 mg/g in the treatment Ca:Mg ratio (10:0.5). Vitamin C concentrations took the same trend as TSS, and values were between 30-45, which were higher than normally reported (15-25 mg/100 g). Nitrate concentrations, while increasing with increasing Ca and K concentrations in the nutrient solutions, were within normal range (less than 400 mg/L-1)

Key words: Tomato, Hydroponic culture, Fruit yield, Vitamin C; Total acidity, TSS, pH, NO3.

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Effect of Magnetized Water Irrigation on Some Growth Traits of Sunflower and its Content of Cadmium in Cd-Contaminated Soil

Samir Shamsham(1) and Faten Razouk*(1)

(1). Department of Soil and Land Reclamation, Faculty of Agriculture, AL Baath University, Homs, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Faten Razouk. E-Mail: fatenrazouk1979@gmail.com). Received: 20/04/2018                                Accepted: 07/06/2018

Abstract

Phytoextraction technology is one of the most promising methods for reclamation of soils contaminated with heavy metals using plants, and sunflower is one of many plants that is used to reclaim cadmium contaminated soils. In order to test the efficiency of this technique, an experiment was conducted to study some growth indicators (length, fresh weight and dry weight) and the quantity of cadmium absorbed by the sunflower plant, Helianthus annus L. using six concentrations of cadmium (0, 1, 25, 50, 100 and 200) (mg/kg) Cd, and irrigated with two types of water (magnetized water and tap water). As a result, there was a significant increase in cadmium uptake by the plant when irrigated with magnetized water compared with the tap water-irrigated plant at the same concentrations of cadmium contamination to reach a maximum value of 50 mg/kg in the treatment of tap water irrigation, and at concentration 100 mg/kg in the treatment of magnetized water. The results also showed that the positive effect of magnetized water on most of the studied traits at different concentrations of cadmium compared to tap water.

Key words: Cadmium, Magnetized water, Growth indicators.

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Studying Seed Germination of Introduced Jatropha Curcas L. and Tree Growth in Tartous Governorate

Hassan Aladin(1) Muhammad Manhal Alzoubi(2) and Evleen  Farha*(1)

(1). Forestry and Environment Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(2). Administration of Water Resources, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Evleen Farha. E-Mail: evleenfarha@gmail.com).

Received: 04/03/2018                                Accepted: 03/07/2018

Abstract

This research was accomplished within period from 2016 June to 2017 November at three locations in Tartous governorate viz. Al Thaora, Al Qumseia and Al Sorani. The seed germination of Jatropha curcas L. was studied by planting the seeds at Al Thaora and Al Sorani locations in three months of the year 2016 (June, July and August), and the growth of seedling was evaluated at  Al Thaora, Al Qumseia and Al Sorani locations. The percentage of germination at Al Thaora was 97, 90 and 95 % which was better than at Al Sorani (70, 77.5 and 62.6) % in June, July and August respectively. The speed of germination was (8.82, 8.06 and 7.11) day/seed at Al Thaora and (11.11, 9.13 and 7.64) day/ seed at Al Sorani in June, July and August respectively. Germination was relatively homogenous in both locations. There were no differences in plant height between locations, and the diameter of stem at Al Thaora was better than Al Sorani, also the length and height of crown at Al Thaora was the best of the other locations.

Key words: Jatropha Curcas, Seed germination, Seedling growth.

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Study the Changes in The Quality of Treated Wastewater Resulting from Adra Station Within Irrigation Channels Feedback

Mostafa Beda*(1) Muhammad Haqqoun(1) and Abeer Karbouj(1)

(1). Administration of Natural Resources, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Mostafa Beda. E-Mail: bedda.agri@hotmail.com).

Received: 17/03/2018                                Accepted: 06/07/2018

Abstract

Adra Sewerage Processing Station receives sewage water for treatment and then pumps it again into open effluent canals to be used by farmers to irrigate their lands. However, the many infringements on open effluent canals by farmers and neighboring factories have changed the chemical properties of this water, leading to a decline in water quality and thus limiting the possibility of using this source for irrigation purpose. Therefore, this research aimed to monitor the changes occurred in some chemical characteristics of wastewater along effluent canal starting from settlement reservoir located after Adra Sewerage processing Station, extending along the effluent canal (PC2) and ending in Nashabia area, during the years 2010-2012. The results showed a significant increase in ammonium in PC2 compared to both MC and settlement reservoir, which amounted (35, 27 and 15) mg/l respectively, Nitrate concentration in PC2 and MC increased with a significant difference compared to the concentration in settlement reservoir, where it reached (10.5, 9.4 and 6.4) mg/l respectively, while the differences were not significant for nitrite concentration and pH between the three sites. The results also showed an increase in salinity in PC2 and MC with a significant difference compared to the settlement reservoir with a value of (1.32, 1.26 and 0.92) d.s/m respectively. Also, COD increased in PC2 and MC with a significant difference compared to the settlement reservoir by (225, 216 and 58) mg/l respectively. BOD value increased in PC2 and MC significantly than the increase in settlement reservoir.

Keywords: Settlement reservoir, MC, PC2, BOD, COD, Ammonium, Nitrate, EC.

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Study of Some Physical and Chemical Properties of El-Sen River Waters in Syrian Coastal Basin

Taher Cheikho(1) Mahmoud Haj Issa(2) and Hadi Dayoub*(1)

(1). Department of Forestry and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(2). Soil and Water Sciences Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Hadi Dayoub. E-mail: hadi.dayob.sy@gmail.com)

Received: 10/04/2018                                Accepted: 29/09/2018

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the water quality of El-Sen River in the Syrian coastal basin for drinking and irrigation purposes. Water samples from four sites along the river bed were collected monthly during October 2013 to September 2014, and were analyzed for some important physical and chemical parameters. The study revealed that all of the studied parameters concentrations were found within the permissible limits for human consumption according to the Syrian and World Health Organization Standards. As well as these ions concentrations were found to be directly related to environmental and geologic features of the river basin, where limestone and dolomite formations occupy a large part of its surface. Piper and Schöeller-Berkaloff diagrams revealed that the water is of HCO3-Ca-Mg type. According to U.S. Salinity Laboratory classification of irrigation water, all samples were under water type (C2-S1). Such water can be used for irrigation on almost all soils with little danger of the development of harmful levels of exchangeable sodium, and if a moderate amount of leaching occurs. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the means of electrical conductivity, sodium, potassium, sulfates, nitrates, nitrite and phosphates of sampling points. Application of Principal Components Analysis to physio-chemical data showed that the correlations with the first and the second factors (F1-F2) revealed the dissolution phenomenon of carbonate formations of limestone and dolomite.

Key words: El-Sen river, Water quality, Drinking water, Irrigation water.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF