A Master's thesis in the Department of Ecology at the College of Science, University of Basra, examined "The Assessment of Pollution in the Shatt al-Arab Waterway Using the Heavy Metal Pollution Index and the Nemerow Pollution Index."

The thesis, submitted by student Zahraa Salah Fadhil, aimed to assess the water quality of the Shatt al-Arab by studying heavy metal concentrations and determining pollution levels using the Heavy Pollution Index (HPI) and the Nemerow Pollution Index. It also analyzed the physical and chemical properties of the water and determined its suitability for various uses by using these indicators and comparing them with global and local standards.

The thesis concluded that pollution levels varied between the study sites and across different seasons.

It recommended continued monitoring of the water quality of the Shatt al-Arab and reducing pollution sources to preserve water resources and support sustainable environmental management.