SURFACE WATER SALINITY OF THE EUPHRATES, TIGRIS, AND SHATT AL-ARAB RIVERS

Increasing salinity is a problem in many major river systems worldwide, especially in arid areas. The Euphrates, Tigris, and Shatt al-Arab river system is suffering from significant increases in salinity, especially in the lower reaches. Salinity increases coincide with the construction of dams on the upstream parts of the rivers. Salinities higher than 5000 ppm were recorded in the lower parts of the river system. The Shatt al-Arab is formed by the confluence of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in southern Iraq. The salinity problem in the Shatt al-Arab is more severe than that in the two upstream rivers. Salinity values as high as half seawater salinity were observed in the Basra (Maqal) station in 2009. This research evaluates the salinity problem of the system composed of the three connected water courses. The salinity evolution, causes, and distribution are presented analytically. Salinity management and potential control options are discussed.