scholarly journals Assessment of heavy metals and potential health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables grown on the roadside soils

Author(s):  
Fazal Mabood ◽  
Fazal Hadi ◽  
Amin Ullah Jan ◽  
Allah Ditta ◽  
Ziaul Islam ◽  
...  

Abstract Vegetables cultivated near roads absorb toxic metals from polluted soil, which enter into the human body through the food chain and cause serious health problems to humans. The present study investigated the contamination level of lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) in soils and vegetables grown along the roadside of District Swat, Pakistan, and the health risks associated with the consumption of the tested vegetables have been investigated. The plant samples were collected from the cultivated field within a 120-meter range from the roadside. Spinacia oleracea, Allium cepa, Rumex dentatus, and Trachyspermum ammi were selected based on their importance as vegetables. In results, Pb concentration was higher in plants located at the distance between 0-10 m away from the roadside than the WHO permissible limit. In such plants, Pb concentration was higher than Ni. Rumex dentatus contained the highest concentration of Pb among the tested vegetables while Ni concentration was highest in Trachyspermum ammi as compared to other plants. Concentration and accumulation of both the metals decreased in soil and plants with increasing distance from the road. Similarly, target hazard quotient values noted for Pb and Ni were greater than unity, which shows that there is a potential risk associated with the consumption of tested vegetables near the road. Moreover, the values of target cancer risk were greater than 0.0001, which shows that there is a risk of cancer with the consumption of tested vegetables. In conclusion, the consumption of the tested vegetables was very dangerous as it may lead to higher risks of cancer.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kui Cai ◽  
Zefeng Song

To investigate the bioconcentration and potential health risks of metal(loid)s in a particular agro-ecological area, 230 pairs of soil and corresponding crop grain samples were collected from typical corn and wheat plants. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo), bioconcentration factors (BCF), health risk assessment (the target hazard quotient), and Receptor Prediction Model (PCS-SMLR) analysis were adopted to study the spatial distribution, assess the health risks, and predict the relationship between metal(loid)s and soil properties. It was found that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Cd in the study area’s agricultural soils exceeded the background soil concentrations, especially for Cd (0.2 mg/kg), Meanwhile, the corresponding Cd concentration in wheat samples was higher than the food quality limit. The results of the Igeo showed that the samples with a value higher than 0 for Cd and Hg accounted for 47.83% and 33.48%, respectively. The results of BCF of Cu, Zn, Cd, and As were higher in wheat than in corn, except for Ni. The target hazard quotient (TTHQ) of health risk of wheat, corn, and soil were higher for children (2.48) than adults (1.78), showing a potential health risk for individuals who mostly consume wheat. In addition, the PCS-SMLR analysis of the BCF prediction model for Cu, Zn, As, and soil properties showed differences in terms of the influences from wheat and corn. These results provide valuable information that not only can help local residents improve the staple food structure, but also can get provide a reference metal(loid)s concentration level for agricultural soils in the study area and restore a sustainable agro-ecological environment.


Author(s):  
Obasi UCHE Orji ◽  
Udu Ama Ibiam ◽  
Nonso Joshua Awoke ◽  
Otuomasirichi Divine Obasi ◽  
Anayo Joseph Uraku ◽  
...  

Mining is one of the major sources of heavy metals in most developing countries and this has become a major health concern to the populace due to the possibility of food contamination with these heavy metals. We investigated the levels of titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), selenium (Se), niobium (Nb) and vanadium (V) in 64 soil and  320 samples of regularly consumed staple food crops and vegetables (cassava tubers, white yam, groundnut seed, fluted pumpkin leaf and Z. zanthoxyloides from farms around Enyigba mining sites in Ebonyi State and the possible health risks due to consumption of these staple foods. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used in determination of the metals in the samples respectively. The mean levels of the metals except Mn, Pb and Zn were below the threshold limits for agricultural soils. Our data also showed that food crops cultivated around this sites bio-accumulated toxic levels of these metals above the recommended legal limits set by WHO, NAFDAC and CODEX especially Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Se, and Rb. This perhaps may have potential health implication on the local dwellers. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of the toxic metals through the consumption of the crop samples were below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) except lead and nickel by eating of groundnut, cassava and yam. Furthermore, the target hazard quotient (THQ), computed based on EDI of the heavy metals were above unity for the metals due to cassava, yam and groundnut consumption, suggesting significant health risk. Raised amounts of heavy metal in cassava and groundnut samples as revealed by their metal extraction coefficient computed in this study hint that they may be used as bio-indicators of ecological, health hazards and phytoremediators of Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (27) ◽  
pp. 200905
Author(s):  
Md. Al Amin ◽  
Md. Estiar Rahman ◽  
Sahadat Hossain ◽  
Mahmudur Rahman ◽  
Mohammad Moshiur Rahman ◽  
...  

Background. The occurrence of high levels of trace metals in foodstuffs represents a significant threat to human health. Vegetables grown in metal-contaminated soil or irrigated with wastewater can accumulate metals and bioaccumulate in the food chain affecting animals and humans. Objectives. The present study aimed to measure the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) in common vegetables grown in the industrial areas of Savar, Bangladesh, and to determine their potential health risks. Methods. Five vegetables species: jute ( Corchorus capsularis), red amaranth ( Amaranthus gangeticus), okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus), zucchini ( Luffa aegyptiaca) and stem amaranth ( Amaranthus viridis) were sampled randomly from agricultural fields across each study site. Vegetable samples were digested in a microwave digestion system (Berghof Microwave MWS-2, Germany). Metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-7000, Shimadzu Corporation, Japan). Results. The range of Pb, Cd, Cr and Co in analyzed vegetables was 0.643–3.362, 0.041–0.049, 1.681–2.431 and 1.612–2.492 mg/kg, respectively. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb in zucchini and stem amaranth and the THQs of Cr in all analyzed vegetables was greater than one. The target carcinogenic risk (TCR) of Pb and Cd for all analyzed vegetables was in the unacceptable range. In all vegetable samples, lead content was detected to be higher than the maximum permissible limits. The THQ values indicate the possibility of non-carcinogenic health risk through consumption of these vegetables. In addition, the TCR values of Pb and Cd indicate a lifetime carcinogenic health risks to consumers. Conclusions. Consumption of vegetables grown in this area may pose long-term health risks. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-244
Author(s):  
Ali Rıza Kosker

The levels of 13 different metals (Mg, P, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, Al, Cr, As, Cd and Pb) in mantle and arm tissues of Octopus vulgaris species, which were caught from Mersin Bay in winter, spring and summer seasons, were determined. The results were compared between the tissues and seasons. Potential health risks of consumption of common octopus, which is an economically important species, were evaluated with the possibility that adult and child consumers will consume common octopus 1, 3 or 5 days a week. In this context, Estimated Weekly Intake Level (EWI), non-carcinogenic Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Lifetime Carcinogenic Risk (CR) were determined. Pb level was found to be above the limit level determined by FAO, EU and Turkish Food Codex. EWI values were found to be below the PTWI values determined by EFSA and FAO / WHO. THQ and ∑THQ values, which are indicative of non-cancer health risks for consumers, were determined as <1. In terms of carcinogenic risk, it was determined that these values (> 10-5) for As, Cr and Cd elements pose a carcinogenic risk to the consumer, but Pb values do not pose a risk.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-518
Author(s):  
Vedaste Munyeshury ◽  
Eutilerio Felizardo Crisino Chaúque ◽  
Noor Jehan Gulamussen ◽  
Jaime Silvestre Mandlate ◽  
Heidi Richards ◽  
...  

Due to the toxicity of trace metals and the propensity of fishes to bioaccumulate metals in their tissues, we investigated the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) in the muscles of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodidatatus) collected from open markets in Mozambique. Fe and Hg were the most and least bioaccumulated metals in the fishes, respectively. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences between sites for the analytes. Furthermore, we estimated the possible health risks (estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and maximum allowable consumption rate (CRlim)) associated with fish consumption. The concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb exceeded the recommended maximum permissible limits (MPL) in fish samples, ranging between 5.65 – 12.7, 1.05 – 12.9, and 1.88 – 6.45 mgkg-1, respectively, whereas values lower than MPL viz. 5.25 – 18.9, ND – 0.033, and 30.8 – 52.3 mgkg-1 were observed for Cu, Hg, and Zn, respectively. Similarly, the EDI (mgkg-1day-1) were below the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) with decreasing order: Fe >Zn >Cu >As >Cd >Pb>Hg. However, the THQ (mg kg-1) was slightly > 1 for As and Cd in some samples. Moreover, the CRlim (kg day-1) showed a decreasing order of Hg >Fe >Zn >Pb> Cu >Cd >As. Generally, consumers are susceptible to health hazards associated with As and Cd. Hence, regular toxicological monitoring of the fishes from the study area is imperative.


Author(s):  
Hülya Turan ◽  
Can Okan Altan ◽  
Demet Kocatepe

In this study; the human health risks of whiting meat and roes, which are frequently consumed in Turkey were evaluated in terms of minerals and heavy metals. The potential of human health risks according to consumption of whiting meats and roes were assessed by estimating of Metal Pollution Index (MPI), Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) levels of heavy metals. The Cd, Hg and Pb results found in the roes were lower than the acceptable limits identified by Turkish Codex. The results showed that the investigated fish meat’s Pb levels were higher than the limit values except from in April and May. The highest Cd content was 0.22 mg.kg-1 in whiting meat in December while the lowest Cd content was 0.03 mg.kg-1 in May. The maximum value of metal pollution indices (MPI) was determined as 0.44 for whiting meat and 0.66 for roes in March. The THQ values of whiting meat and roes were lower than 1 for six months. However, the TTHQ values of whiting meat in February and March were higher than 1 indicating health risk for the consumer by consuming whiting meat.


2016 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 726-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquim Rovira ◽  
Martí Nadal ◽  
Marta Schuhmacher ◽  
José L Domingo

The concentrations of a considerable number of trace elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) were determined in various skin-contact clothes (T-shirts, blouses, socks, baby pajamas and bodies) from the Catalan (Spain) market. In addition, migration experiments with artificial acidic sweat were conducted in order to establish the migration rates of these elements. High levels of Zn (186–5749 mg/kg) were found in zinc pyrithione labeled T-shirts, while high concentrations of Sb and Cr were found in polyester and black polyamide fabrics, respectively. An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) confirmed the presence of Ag and Ti particles and aggregates in several clothing items. The use of the ESEM complemented the results of the elemental analysis and migration experiments. Dermal exposure to trace elements was subsequently calculated, and the human health risks were assessed. Antimony showed the highest mean hazard quotient (HQ = 0.4) for male and female adults wearing polyester clothes; for one of the examined items (polyester T-shirt) the HQ was even above the safety limit (HQ > 1). Exposure to Sb from polyester textile could mean potential health risks in subpopulation groups who frequently wear these clothes, and for long time periods. The migration experiments with artificial sweat showed to be essential for establishing the exposure to trace elements through cloth with direct contact with skin.


Author(s):  
Mirsada Salihovic ◽  
Mirha Pazalja ◽  
Aida Šapčanin ◽  
Biljana P. Dojčinović ◽  
Selma Špirtović-Halilović

The content of macro- and microelements in dry samples of mushrooms of the species Macrolepiota procera, Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius, collected at different areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was determined using the ICP-OES method (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). Of the macroelements, K is the most represented, followed by S, P, Mg, and the least represented Ca and Na. Zn is the most represented of the essential microelements, followed by Fe, Se, Cu, Mn and Co. Al is the most abundant of the other trace elements followed by Ni and Cr. Of the toxic metals, the most represented is Cd, followed by Pb and As. There are differences in the concentration of micro- and macroelements in the mushrooms analysed, depending on the area from which they were collected because natural geology and geochemistry influence the content of macro- and microelements in wild edible mushrooms. The results show that the analysed mushrooms can be considered a good source of essential elements. The study also assessed potential health risks of heavy metals and the target hazard quotient (THQ) for As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr in the analysed mushrooms was lower than the safe level. The carcinogenic risk index revealed that Cd and Ni are the most prevalent pollutants in the mushrooms studied.  


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nii Korley Kortei ◽  
Alice Koryo-Dabrah ◽  
Papa Toah Akonor ◽  
Nana Yaw Barima Manaphraim ◽  
Matilda Ayim-Akonor ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Geophagia although pleasurable and somewhat a necessity among pregnant women, also comes along with its own attendant problems such as exposure to potentially hazardous substances like bacteria, fungi, helminthes and ova, radioactive materials, and toxic elemental minerals in the soil depending on the geographical location.Methodology: This study evaluated the potential health risk involved during the exposure of pregnant women to toxic elemental minerals via the consumption of clay as pica (geophagia). Elemental mineral analysis was carried out using Buck Scientific 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Inc. East Norwalk, USA). Risk assessment methods were also used to ascertain the various risks factors and the overall risk level.Results: Concentrations of the macro elements investigated were 1.38 ± 1.5, 2.40± 1.5, 7.74± 1.5, 4.01± 1.0, 13.24± 2.2 and 13.76± 2.1 mg/Kg for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na) respectively. While that for the micro elements were 1.63± 0.03 µg/Kg, 4.72±0.8, 0.53±0.02 and 1.85±0.3 mg/kg respectively for arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni). Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 0.611- 5.44 (mg/kg Bw/day), 6.26x10-4 – 106.5, 0.067-10.34 and 15 respectively.Conclusion: There is the likelihood of posing adverse health problems when clay samples obtained from Anfoega which is sited in the Volta region of Ghana is consumed due to the fact that the HQ’s of these elemental minerals were >1 which points to high content of Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni). It is also likely to cause adverse health problems in an individual’s life time since THQ for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel were above 1. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these toxicants were exceedingly great (≤ 15) which implied a high level of unsafety associated with this clay. Per the results from this study, it is not safe for pregnant women to consume clay as pica since these toxic elements may cause detrimental effects on the foetus of the unborn child.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nii Korley Kortei ◽  
Alice Koryo-Dabrah ◽  
Papa Toah Akonor ◽  
Nana Yaw Barima Manaphraim ◽  
Matilda Ayim-Akonor ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Geophagia although pleasurable and somewhat a necessity among pregnant women, also comes along with its own attendant problems such as exposure to potentially hazardous substances like bacteria, fungi, helminthes and ova, radioactive materials, and toxic elemental minerals in the soil depending on the geographical location. Methodology: This study evaluated the potential health risk involved during the exposure of pregnant women to toxic elemental minerals via the consumption of clay as pica (geophagia). Elemental mineral analysis was carried out using Buck Scientific 210VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Inc. East Norwalk, USA). Risk assessment methods were also used to ascertain the various risks factors and the overall risk level. Results: Concentrations of the macro elements investigated were 1.38 ± 1.5, 2.40± 1.5, 7.74± 1.5, 4.01± 1.0, 13.24± 2.2 and 13.76± 2.1 mg/Kg for Fe, Cu, Zn, K, Mg and Na respectively. While that for the micro elements were 1.63± 0.03 µg/Kg, 4.72±0.8, 0.53±0.02 and 1.85±0.3 mg/kg respectively for Arsenic, Manganese, Lead and Nickel. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values ranged 0.611- 5.44 (mg/kg Bw/day), 6.26x10 -4 – 106.5, 0.067-10.34 and 15 respectively. Conclusion: There is the likelihood of posing adverse health problems when clay samples obtained from Anfoega which is sited in the Volta region of Ghana is consumed due to the fact that the calculated HQ’s of these elemental minerals were >1 which points to high content of Manganese (Mn) and Nickel (Ni). It is also likely to cause adverse health problems in an individual’s life time since THQ for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel were above 1. Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these toxicants were exceedingly great (≤ 15) which implied a high level of unsafety associated with this clay. Per the results from this study, it is not safe for pregnant women to consume clay as pica since these toxic elements may cause detrimental effects on the foetus of the unborn child.


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