A master’s thesis in the Department of Physics at the College of Science, University of Kerbala, presented by Alaa Malik Waad, examined the cancer risks associated with the transfer of radioactive nuclides from soil to plants in agricultural areas of Karbala Governorate. The study analyzed 50 plant samples and 50 soil samples collected from the same locations.
The study aimed to assess lifetime cancer risk and genetic cancer risk using a sodium iodide detector and CR-39 nuclear track detector. The results showed that the concentrations of uranium, thorium, potassium, radon, and radium were within globally permissible limits. However, it was found that the transfer factor of K-40 was the highest, likely due to the use of phosphate fertilizers with high potassium concentrations.
The study recommended that relevant authorities issue guidelines encouraging farmers to use organic fertilizers and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers to limit the accumulation of radioactive elements in the soil.