scholarly journals Levels, daily exposures, and health risk assessment of pesticides and metals in fruits of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji berries) sourced from different locations in Ningxia, China

Author(s):  
Yahong Zhang ◽  
Jiaqi Qin ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Tongning Zhou ◽  
Ningchuan Feng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The berries of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji) are widely used as a Chinese traditional herbal medicine and functional food because of their reported beneficial pharmacological effects. However, there are reports of Goji berries being contaminated by chemical residues that could pose a hazard to humans. Methods In this study, samples of L. barbarum L. berries were collected from plantations in a genuine production area and supermarkets in Ningxia, China. The major hazardous chemicals, including pesticides (dichlorvos, omethoate, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, malathion, and deltamethrin) and metals (lead, cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc, and arsenic), were quantified by gas chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. In addition, associated daily exposures and health risks were determined using deterministic and probabilistic assessments. Results The levels of five pesticides from the plantation samples were considerably lower than the maximum residue limits; only dichlorvos was detected in the supermarket samples, and deltamethrin was not detected in any samples. Copper, zinc, arsenic, lead, nickel and cadmium were detected in samples from both sources. The hazard quotient values of individual hazardous chemicals and the hazard index of combined hazardous chemicals were considerably less than 1, indicating the absence of a non-carcinogenic effect of hazardous chemical exposures through Goji berry consumption. The R value of arsenic was much less than 10− 6, which shows that consumption of the Goji berries had no obvious carcinogenic risks. Conclusions The potentially harmful effects of the L. barbarum L. are more likely from berries obtained from plantations than those from supermarkets, and metal exposure is more dangerous than pesticide exposure. However, on the basis of our analysis, no population would be exposed hazardous chemicals exceeding existing standards, and the factors most affecting the health risk were exposure frequency and arsenic content.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yahong Zhang ◽  
Jiaqi Qin ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Tongning Zhou ◽  
Ningchuan Feng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The berries of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji) are widely used as a Chinese traditional herbal medicine and functional food because of their reported beneficial pharmacological effects. However, there are reports of Goji berries being contaminated by chemical residues that could pose a hazard to humans. Methods: In this study, samples of L. barbarum L. berries were collected from plantations in a genuine production area and supermarkets in Ningxia, China. The major hazardous chemicals, including pesticides (dichlorvos, omethoate, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, malathion, and deltamethrin) and toxic metals (lead, cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc, and arsenic), were quantified by gas chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. In addition, associated daily exposures and health risks were determined using deterministic and probabilistic assessments. Results: The levels of five pesticides from the plantation samples were considerably lower than the maximum residue limits; only dichlorvos was detected in the supermarket samples, and deltamethrin was not detected in any samples. Copper, zinc, arsenic, lead, nickel and cadmium were detected in samples from both sources. The hazard quotient values of individual hazardous chemicals and the hazard index of combined hazardous chemicals were considerably less than 1, indicating the absence of a non-carcinogenic effect of hazardous chemical exposures through Goji berry consumption. The R value of arsenic was much less than 10-6, which shows that consumption of the Goji berries had no obvious carcinogenic risks. Conclusions: The potentially harmful effects of the L. barbarum L. are more likely from berries obtained from plantations than those from supermarkets, and heavy metal exposure is more dangerous than pesticide exposure. However, on the basis of our analysis, no population would be exposed hazardous chemicals exceeding existing standards, and the factors most affecting the health risk were exposure frequency and arsenic content.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yahong Zhang ◽  
Jiaqi Qin ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Tongning Zhou ◽  
Ningchuan Feng ◽  
...  

AbstractThe berries of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji) are widely used as a Chinese traditional herbal medicine and functional food because of their reported beneficial pharmacological effects. However, there are reports of Goji berries being contaminated by chemical residues that could pose a hazard to humans. In this study, samples of L. barbarum L. berries were collected from plantations in a genuine production area and supermarkets in Ningxia, China. The major hazardous chemicals, including pesticides (dichlorvos, omethoate, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, malathion, and deltamethrin) and metals (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As)), were quantified by gas chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. In addition, associated daily exposures and health risks were determined using deterministic and probabilistic assessments. The levels of five pesticides from the plantation samples were considerably lower than the maximum residue limits; only dichlorvos was detected in the supermarket samples, and deltamethrin was not detected in any samples. Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Ni and Cd were detected in samples from both sources. The hazard quotient values of individual hazardous chemicals and the hazard index of combined hazardous chemicals were considerably less than 1, indicating the absence of a non-carcinogenic effect of hazardous chemical exposures through Goji berry consumption. The R value of As was much less than 10–6, which shows that consumption of the Goji berries had no obvious carcinogenic risks. The potentially harmful effects of the L. barbarum L. are more likely from berries obtained from plantations than those from supermarkets, and metal exposure is more dangerous than pesticide exposure. However, on the basis of our analysis, no population would be exposed hazardous chemicals exceeding existing standards, and the factors most affecting the health risk were exposure frequency and As content.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheil Sobhanardakani

Groundwater resources are an important portion of potable water in Hamedan Province, Iran. Therefore, monitoring the pollutants especially heavy metals in these resources are vital to protect the residents’ health. This study aimed to assess the health risks caused by inorganic arsenic pollution through groundwater drinking pathway in four important agricultural areas of Hamedan Province, Iran. In so doing, a total of 180 groundwater wells were chosen randomly for sampling during the spring and summer seasons in 2015. The samples were filtered (0.45 μm), preserved with HNO3 at a pH level lower than 2, and stored in acid-washed polyethylene bottles at 4°C for further analysis. Finally, arsenic content was determined using inductively coupled plasma- optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the mean contents of arsenic (mg/L) in groundwater samples taken during the spring were 0.052 for Asadabad plain, 0.007 for Ghahavand plain, 0.006 for Razan plain, and 0.004 for Toyserkan Plain; whereas, the mean content in groundwater samples taken during the summer from Asadabad, Ghahavand, Razan, and Toyserkan plains were 0.058, 0.009, 0.007, and 0.004, respectively. Moreover, based on the computed values of the noncarcinogenic risk of groundwater samples from Asadabad plain, the hazard quotient (HQ) was greater than 1. Therefore, a non-carcinogenic effect is considered to be possible for the inhabitants of this study area. Accordingly, serious considerations including managing the use of agricultural inputs especially arsenical pesticides or herbicides and treatment of arsenic-contaminated groundwater with some proper methods before water ingestion are recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Author(s):  
Chukwuma Okoye ◽  
◽  
Chukwuma Okoye ◽  
Jonnie Asegbeloyin ◽  
Janefrances Ihedioha ◽  
...  

The study determined the ambient mass concentrations, chemical composition and health risks associated with PM10 around Ashaka cement factory, Gombe, Nigeria. The samples were collected for the period (2019-2020). A total of 60 PM10 samples were collected and analyzed for seventeen elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The data collected were analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics. The health risk was analyzed for hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). The average annual PM10 mass concentrations were found to be higher than the annual limit value for air quality standards (40 μgm-3). The HI estimated were >1 for children, while CR values of Cd, Ni, As and Cr for children and Cr for adults were higher than the acceptable value 10-6, indicating children are more probable to develop cancer than adults.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fereshteh Karimi ◽  
Nabi Shariatifar ◽  
Mohammad Rezaei ◽  
Mahsa Alikord ◽  
Majid Arabameri

Abstract The aim of current study is to measurement and investigate the toxic metals levels in plant-based food collected in Markazi province and human health risk by using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The levels of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in all samples were lower than LOD, while level of Cd in potato samples were lower than permitted limit of European commission (EC). The highest mean of toxic metals were observed for lead (Pb) in legume samples (562.17 µg kg− 1). Mercury (Hg) and Pb levels in all samples were higher than LOD, while Pb level in wheat samples were lower than of EC. The rank order of Hg and Pb levels in all samples based on target hazard quotient (THQ) value was wheat > potato > legume. The 95% THQ index of Hg and Pb for adults in wheat samples were 2.59E + 00 and 7.19E-01, in potato samples were 2.07E-01 and 1.64E-01; in legume samples were1.41E-01 and 6.61E-02respectively, while in the case of children, the 95% THQ index of Hg and Pb in wheat samples were 8.90E + 00 and 2.44E + 00; in potato samples were 1.17E + 00 and 5.81E-01; in legume samples were4.77E-01 and 2.20E-01 respectively. The high hazard index values were estimated, indicating a high health risk from consumption of wheat and potato.


Author(s):  
Reza Aghlmand ◽  
Saeed Rasi Nezami ◽  
Ali Abbasi

In recent years, in addition to water resources’ quantity, their quality has also received much attention. In this study, the quality of the urban water distribution network in northwestern Iran was evaluated using the water quality index (WQI) method. Then, some important trace elements were investigated, and finally, the health risk assessment was evaluated for both carcinogenic elements (Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, and As) and non-carcinogenic elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, F, NO3, and Cu) using carcinogenic risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively. In the present study, the WQI was calculated based on both World Health Organization (WHO) and Iranian drinking water standards. Comparing the results of these standards revealed that the WQI based on the Iranian standard was slightly higher. Regarding the calculated WQI for the study region, the status of water quality for drinking consumption is in the good water quality class (25 < WQI < 50). It was observed that Cu and Cd have the highest and lowest concentrations in all sampling points, respectively. Hazard Index (HI) results showed that the non-carcinogenic substances studied had a low risk for both adults and children (<1.0). However, the CR results showed that Ni, Cd, and As were above the desired level for both children and adults. The results of this study can be applied for efficient water management and human health protection programs in the study area.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed E.M. Hassouna ◽  
Mohamed E. Goher ◽  
Seliem M. El-Sayed ◽  
Reda A.A.A. Hassan

Abstract The Bahr Yusuf Canal is the life artery of the Fayoum Province, which provides the province with two thirds of the freshwater quota from the Nile River. The present work was carried out to assess the suitability of water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal for various purposes and to assess the potential health risk associated with metal content. The results showed that the water quality of Bahr Yusuf was classified as poor and very poor for recreational use according to the Oregon WQI. On the other hand, the Aquatic Toxicity Index indicated the suitability of water for all fish species. The Canadian WQI and the Weighted Arithmetic WQI classified the canal water as good (WQI = 92), fair (WQI = 73) & marginal (WQI = 64) and excellent, poor to good & good to excellent for irrigation, drinking and aquatic life, respectively. Despite the significant contamination of water with heavy metals (as indicated by the Heavy Pollution Index, ranging from 104.44 to 206.32, from 16.81 to 38.48 and from 219.07 to 472.24 μg l−1), the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) data indicate that water of Bahr Yusuf does not pose a human health risk through ingestion or dermal contact. In general, the study showed that water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal is characterized by different levels of pollution, which requires rapid and critical intervention by responsible authorities to prevent the discharge of different types of waste and further deterioration of the water quality during the lifetime of the channel and its subsequent rehabilitation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. C. Ekhator ◽  
N. A. Udowelle ◽  
S. Igbiri ◽  
R. N. Asomugha ◽  
Z. N. Igweze ◽  
...  

Objective. Street-vended foods offer numerous advantages to food security; nevertheless, the safety of street food should be considered. This study has investigated the level of potential toxic metal (Pb, Cd, Hg, Sb, Mn, and Al) contamination among street-vended foods in Benin City and Umunede. Methods. Twenty street food samples were purchased from vendors at bus stops. Metals were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The methods developed by the US EPA were employed to evaluate the potential health risk of toxic metals. Results. The concentrations of the toxic metals in mg/kg were in the range of Pb (0.014–1.37), Cd (0.00–0.00017), Hg (0.00–0.00014), Sb (0.00–0.021), Mn (0.00–0.012), and Al (0.00–0.22). All the toxic metals except Pb were below permissible limit set by WHO, EU, and USEPA. The daily intake, hazard quotient, and hazard index of all toxic metals except for Pb in some street foods were below the tolerable daily intake and threshold value of 1, indicating an insignificant health risk. Total cancer risk was within the priority risk level of 1.0E-04 but higher than the acceptable risk level of 1E-06. Conclusion. Consumption of some of these street foods is of public health concern.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-28
Author(s):  
Sulakshya Bhandari ◽  
Sudarshana Shakya ◽  
Bijaya Adhikari ◽  
Mahesh Shrestha ◽  
Bindra Devi Shakya ◽  
...  

The present study was carried out to assess the contamination of heavy metals in indoor household dust of Kathmandu, Nepal, and its adverse effect on the indoor environment and human health. The concentrations of four heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) in a total of ninety-three (N = 93) indoor dust samples collected from four different types of land use zones viz., commercial, heavy traffic, residential, and control (undisturbed) of Kathmandu were determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). The mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in indoor dust samples over the study zones were 0.89, 158.1, 113.3, and 65.3 mg kg−1, respectively. The land use zones showed the various degree of metal contamination in indoor dust ranging from moderate to considerable level. PLI showed a high pollution load in the monitored locations, indicating an alarming condition and the urgent need for immediate remedial actions. Hazard quotient (HQ) values indicated ingestion as the major pathway of indoor dust heavy metal exposure to children while the inhalation pathway remained dominant in adults. Hazard index (HI) values showed no probable non-carcinogenic risk of the heavy metals present in the indoor dust of Kathmandu. For carcinogenic health risk, TLCR values were found within the acceptable safe limit indicating no cancer risk for both the receptor groups.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibironke Titilayo Enitan ◽  
Abimbola Motunrayo Enitan ◽  
John Ogony Odiyo ◽  
Muhammad Mamman Alhassan

AbstractThe study assessed the level of heavy metals in surface water across Ndawuse River near the dumpsite at Phase 1 District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The results indicated that oxygen demand, turbidity and heavy metals were above the standard limits set for drinking water. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed natural and anthropogenic activities as sources of heavy metal contamination. The estimated non-carcinogenic effects using hazard quotient toxicity potential, cumulative hazard index and daily human exposure dose of surface water through ingestion pathway were less than a unity. The estimated carcinogenic risks (CRing) exceeded the suggested potential risk limits, with lead (Pb) having the highest CRing value for all age groups. However, children were found to be more susceptible to heavy metals over a period of time according to the estimated values. The concentration of heavy metals in the investigated river could pose an adverse health risk to several communities that rely on this receiving water bodies for domestic purposes. Therefore, there is need for strict enforcement of environmental laws to protect aquatic ecosystem and to avoid long term cumulative exposure risk that heavy metals may pose on human health.


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