As part of ongoing academic cooperation and the exchange of expertise between Iraqi universities, Assist. Prof. Dr. Faleh Hassan Abbas from the College of Science, University of Mosul, participated in the examination committee for the Master’s thesis defense of Ms. Rusul Yasser Hadi at the College of Science, Tikrit University, on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.

The thesis, entitled:

“Assessment of Geochemical Pollution Status and Environmental and Health Risks of Heavy Metals in the Soils of Al-Siniyah District, Salah Al-Din Governorate”

presented significant environmental warning indicators regarding soil quality in Al-Siniyah District, Salah Al-Din Governorate. The study focused on evaluating geochemical contamination and assessing the environmental and health risks associated with heavy metals and hydrocarbon compounds.

The findings revealed that the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) classified all investigated sites within the category of “very high ecological risk”, primarily due to the elevated concentrations of cadmium (Cd) detected in the studied soils.

The health risk assessment further demonstrated that chromium (Cr) concentrations exceeded safe limits for children through the ingestion pathway, particularly within industrial and agricultural areas. In addition, carcinogenic risk values associated with chromium surpassed acceptable levels across all investigated sectors.

The study emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of continuous environmental monitoring programs and the development of effective mitigation strategies to reduce the flow of contaminants, thereby minimizing future environmental and public health risks to local communities.

The examination committee consisted of:

• Prof. Dr. Mohammed Wakkaa Ajil (Tikrit University) – Chairperson
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Tahir Mahmoud Taha (Tikrit University) – Member
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Faleh Hassan Abbas (University of Mosul) – Member

The thesis was supervised by:

• Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Fadhil Abd (Tikrit University)

Following the defense, the committee approved the thesis with a grade of Very Good, in recognition of the quality of the research and the candidate’s scientific efforts.

At the conclusion of the session, the Dean of the College of Science at Tikrit University, Prof. Dr. Abdulkhaliq Alwan Muhaimid, presented Letters of Appreciation to the committee members in recognition of their valuable scientific contributions and participation.

The College of Science at the University of Mosul extends its congratulations to Assist. Prof. Dr. Faleh Hassan Abbas and wishes all its faculty members continued success and excellence in their academic and scientific endeavors.

Media and Government Communication Division

Tuesday, 9 June 2026