Relationship between heavy metals and alpha particles as a marker of environmental pollution in rice consumed in Najaf, Iraq

This study focuses on the emission of alpha particle rates (EAPR) and heavy metal concentrations (HMC) in the rice from Najaf markets. Nuclear Track Detectors and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, were used respectively. This study shows the pollution in the environment through AP and HM and also finds the relationship between AP and HM. The highest EAPR was found to be about 0.0249 mBq cm(−2) in the basmati rice, whereas, the lowest EAPR (0.0092 mBq cm(−2)) was found in the Indian basmati rice. Highest Fe was found to be about 2.7237 mg/kg in basmati rice, while the lowest Fe (0.3997 mg/kg) was found in the USA basmati rice. Highest Cd was found to be about 0.0468 mg/kg in Iraqi Alnasryah rice, while the lowest Cd (0.0034 mg/kg) was found in Indian basmati rice. The most upper Pb was found to be about 0.2431 mg/kg in Babil Anbar Iraqi rice, while the lowest Pb (0.0695 mg/kg) was found in Indian basmati rice. Pb and Cd were lower than the FAO/WHO recommended limits (Pb, Cd: 0.50 mg/g) and the European Union acceptable dietary limits. In the combination of recent rice consumption data, an estimated weekly intake of toxic element was calculated for the Iraq population. A statistically significant correlation was found between EAPR and HMC in rice at the 0.05 level.