Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and AgricultureSiberian Journal of Life Sciences and AgricultureSiberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture2658-66492658-6657Science and Innovation Center Publishing House48044610.12731/2658-6649-2026-18-3-1486HMXJCDЭкологияEcologyResearch ArticleSeasonal fluctuations of aliphatic petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and vegetation: A case study near Al-Qurna oil field, Basrah, Iraqhttps://orcid.org/0009-0002-6217-7963IsmaelNoor A.
Iraq

PhD., Prof., Department of Ecology

noora.alinaser@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1539-4749AzeezNayyef M.
Iraq

PhD., Prof., Department of Ecology

nayyef.azeez@uobasrah.edu.iqhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3449-2632TahirWidad M.
Iraq

PhD., Prof., Department of Ecology

widadmtalasadi@gmail.comCollege of Science, University of Basrahen30062026300620262026183891020511202502042026Received:05112025Accepted:02042026Published:30062026Copyright ©; 2026, Noor A. Ismael, Nayyef M. Azeez, Widad M. TahirCopyright ©; 2026, Ismael N., Azeez N., Tahir W.2026Noor A. Ismael, Nayyef M. Azeez, Widad M. TahirIsmael N., Azeez N., Tahir W.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0https://journals.rcsi.science/2658-6649/article/view/480446480446/480446-1257465-1-SM.pdf

Background. Petroleum hydrocarbons have detrimental effects on plant development and growth and there are substantial seasonal changes in the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons.

Purpose. Investigate the seasonal pattern of contamination in soil and plants of petroleum hydrocarbons, paying special attention to the possibility of focusing on the species that may be instrumental in the process of remediation.

Methodology. The sampling of soil and plant matter took place monthly during 3 different stations within the north area of the Basra Governorate between October of 2023 and May of 2024. Samples were collected and taken to the laboratory to be processed instantly. Content of petroleum hydrocarbons was specified through extraction, concentration, division and analytical assessment of the soil/plant samples.

Results. The maximum levels were seen in spring and this was explained by the fact that the inputs of the hydrocarbons were higher due to the high oil extraction activities. On the other hand, the smallest concentration of hydrocarbons was found during summer, perhaps due to the activity of more favourable microbial degradation and volatilization activities. The inter-station comparison showed that the levels of hydrocarbons in spring were always rather high, indicating that there were local or seasonal contamination sources. The results were a clear indication that soil is the most important storage of the hydrocarbons and the concentration in the soil was far much higher than in the tissue of plants.

Conclusion. Petroleum hydrocarbons as monitored seasonally are important in enhancing remediation processes and environmental management measures at oil fields.

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