Kut Sampling

As we do the inevitable permission dance in Kut, I took our new kayak (shipped down from our northern office) to do some sampling near our put-in.

The shoreline vegetation as you enter Kut

Sampling from our kayak

In Kut the salinity has just passed over 0.5 ppt (Freshwater salinity is usually less than 0.5 ppt. Water between 0.5 ppt and 17 ppt is called brackish).  Salinity is a big problem in southern Iraq and many people rely upon de-salinization plants for their potable water.

Hach Colorimeter (for testing nutrients and turbidity) in action

Nutrient levels rise as we go south as well.  We haven't yet gone over the Iraq standards but its a big river, likely able to carry a heavy load.  Unfortunately, we don't have the ability to test for bacteria, heavy metals or other toxins.