A scientific study prepared by Dr. Makiya Mohalhal Khalaf in cooperation with Ms. Fadia Mushtaq Saleem in the Department of Ecology, College of Science, University of Basra examined the assessment of the risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil of Basra Governorate.

The study, which was published in the Basra Journal of Agricultural Sciences classified within Scopus Q2 containers, showed that the presence of these compounds in the study areas for 30 stations within eight locations.

The study included collecting soil samples and determining the levels of hydrocarbon compounds, which represents the first study to assess the risks to human health due to exposure to compounds.

The results of the study concluded that all sites are heavily polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to urban and industrial development.