Physicochemical properties and radioactivity assessment of Iraqi dates

Radioactivity assessment for five types of Iraqi dates (Zahdi, Barhi, Khistawi, Maktoum and khdrawi) were studied, by using NaI gamma ray spectrometer. The samples were collected from the local market in Baghdad. The obtained results show that the levels of radioactive materials in the studied samples are below the detection levels (BDL). As well as some chemical and physical properties of dates were studied by measuring gravimetric, moisture, ash, total sugars, proteins and lipids. The obtained results show high contents of total sugar but low content of proteins, lipids and ash as compared with other types of fruits.