Thirty soil samples and 24 corresponding unpolished rice samples along the Red and Huong Rivers in northern and central Vietnam respectively, were analyzed in order to evaluate (a) soil geochemistry, (b) factors that determine the transfer of harmful and nutrient elements from soils into rice grains, (c) health risk to the local population through rice consumption. The concentrations of As, Bi, and U in the soils of this area are higher relative to those of average shale probably due to natural redox-related processes. Also, Zn, Ce, Th, La, Sn, Pb, and Cd are accumulated in some soils because of mining activities or industrial wastewater application. Arsenic concentrations exceed the Vietnamese allowable limit of 15 mg kg-1 in 80% of the tested soils. Twelve percent of the unpolished rice grains surpass the permissible maximum concentration of 0.2 mg Cd kg-1 grain dry matter by FAO/WHO and European Union, and all samples are below the Pb limit. The daily intake of As is within the range of the tolerable intake levels proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. Influences of soil parameters such as pH value, contents of soil organic matter, oxides/hydroxides of Al, Fe, and Mn cause a broad spread of transfer factors from soil to grains. Positive trends exist between the transfer factors within the groups (a) As, Sb, and U, (b) Co, Cu, Ni, and Zn, (c) Cd and Mn which indicate similar influences of soil parameters on their uptake. We propose that the allowable Cd maximum concentration for rice should be set to less than 0.2 mg kg-1. The analysis of As and Cd concentrations in soils and corresponding rice grains as well as the soil pH value should be made obligatory in order to prevent intoxication. In addition, critical elements from nonferrous metal mining and industrial areas should also be evaluated.
Keywords: Harmful elements; Human health; Nutrients; Paddy soils; Unpolished rice; Vietnam.