# Metal and Pesticide Assessments of Imported and Locally Cultivated Rice (_Oryza sativa_) in Senegal
## 4 Discussion
The Bore concentration as a micronutrient is reported in Table 2, which is about 0.01 and 1.17 mg/kg. Its important role, in plant metabolism, is highlighted by its presence in cell wall synthesis and maintaining plant structure and integrity [46; 47]. Freshly, harvested rice grains contain about 80% carbohydrate, which includes starch, glucose, sucrose, and dextrin. In Table 2, the amount of carbohydrates is less than that expected regarding the local rice contents of carbohydrates in China, India, and Vietnam. However, South American and Thailand-imported rice present a very acceptable amount of carbohydrate content. Senegal has a protein content in cultivated rice of around 7.31%; meanwhile, the average from imported rice is around 6.42% and 7.32%. In the literature, it is found that the amount of protein present in seeds varies from 10 to 40% of the dry weight [48]. We have found that the results of imported and cultivated sativa rice indicate that the amount of protein is very low. Due to its nutritional quality and higher digestibility, rice is still among the most consumed cereals [49]. The humidity levels of all rice varied between 11.12% and 12.95% (Table 2), which is lower than the safe moisture content (14%) for the safe storage of processed rice [50]. Both local and imported rice fulfilled the 12% required humidity for long-term storage to avoid insect infestation and microbial growth [51]. The fat content was significantly different for all rice except for that from Senegal and India, which is almost the same value. Rice from Thailand had the highest fat content, followed by rice from Senegal and India at about 0.6% and South America at 0.3%, whereas Vietnamese rice exhibited the lowest fat content (0.2%) (Table 2). It is important to note that the presence of high levels of Al in rice can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, soil composition, irrigation practices, and industrial activities in the surrounding area. Monitoring and regulation of Al levels in rice production are essential to ensure food safety and protect public health. Additionally, proper cooking and processing methods may help reduce Al content in rice to some extent. When rice plants absorb more B than necessary, it can lead to a condition known as B toxicity (see Table 3). Symptoms of B toxicity in rice plants may include leaf chlorosis, leaf tip burning, stunted growth, and reduced crop yield. From a human health perspective, consuming rice with high levels of B may pose health risks. Excessive intake of B has been associated with adverse effects on human health, including gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, and potential developmental problems. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and regulate B levels in rice to ensure food safety and prevent potential health hazards. Factors contributing to high levels of B in rice include soil composition, irrigation water quality,and agricultural practices. Soil with naturally high B content or irrigation water containing elevated B levels can contribute to increased B uptake by rice plants. This study recommends periodic monitoring for endrin and trifluralin. The prime method is a Persistent Organic Pollutant heavily regulated by the Stockholm Convention. The latter, trifluralin, is a herbicide that is very stable in water with a high potential to bioaccumulate in biological tissues of organisms and biomagnify throughout the food web.