A New Approach to Establish Safe Levels of Available Metals in Soil With Respect to Potential Health Hazard of Human

Abstract Safe levels of extractable pollutant elements in soil have not been universally established. Prediction of metal solubility in polluted soils and the subsequent transfer of these metals from soil pore water to the human food supply via crops are required for effective risk assessment from polluted soils. Thus an attempt has been made to develop a novel approach to protect human health from exposure to toxic metals through assessing risk from metal polluted soils utilised for agriculture. In this study, we assess the relative efficacy of various forms of ‘free ion activity model’ (FIAM) for predicting the concentration of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in spinach and wheat as example crops, thereby providing an assessment of risk to human health from consumption of these crops. Free metal ion activity in soil solution was estimated using the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model VII (WHAM-VII) and the Baker soil test. Approximately 91, 81, 75, 94 and 70% of the variability in Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu content, respectively, of spinach could be described by a FIAM using an estimate of the free ion activity of the metals provided by WHAM-VII. Higher prediction coefficients were obtained using EDTA, rather than DTPA, as the metal extractant in an integrated solubility-FIAM model. Out of three formulations, the FIAM, based on free ion activity of metals in soil pore water, determined from solution extracted with Rhizon samplers, was distinctly superior to the other formulations in predicting metal uptake by spinach and wheat. A safe level of extractable metal in soil was prescribed using a hazard quotient derived from predicted plant metal content and estimated dietary intake of wheat and spinach by a human population.

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Anomalous Fluctuation of Halogens in Relation to the Pollution Status along Lake Mariout, Egypt

Journal of Chemistry ◽

10.1155/2020/8102081 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Ghada F. El-Said ◽

Gehan M. El Zokm ◽

Abeer A. El Sayed ◽

Ahmed A. El Ashmawy ◽

Mohamed A. Shreadah

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Surface Water ◽

Human Health ◽

Pore Water ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Saturation Index ◽

Hazard Index ◽

Dermal Absorption ◽

Pore Waters ◽

Pollution Status

This paper aimed to study the anomalous fluctuation of halogens with respect to the pollution status in surface water (w), pore water (p), and sediments (s) of Lake Mariout. It provided a framework for understanding the distribution of dissolved and precipitated halogen salts related to the pollution status of the lake. The study cleared out that bromide was only the most abundant halogen in the three studied partitions. On contrast, sediment’s partition contained the lowest chloride content. Fluoride minerals, especially, fluorapatites and carbonate-fluorapatite (FAP and CFAP), had high Saturation Index (SI) values in surface water (42.77–51.95 and 16.04–60.89, respectively) and in pore water (51.26–54.60 and 17.52–78.33, respectively). Bromide and chloride were mainly found in the soluble forms in the surface water and pore waters. Iodide salts, (Ca(IO3)2 and Ca(IO3)2.6H2O), were moderately precipitated in surface and pore waters. Thus, SI content reflected that halogens, especially fluoride and iodide, played a vital role in reducing lake pollution. Fluorite (CaF2) and sellaïte (MgF2) could only be formed in pore water, while calcite and aragonite could be deposited from surface water. In addition, Cl was mainly found in the forms of NaCl, CaCl2, MgCl2, and KCl in surface and pore waters. The multivariate analysis revealed that fluoride precipitate may serve in decreasing the dissolved salt pollution. Multivariate analysis showed that in the long run, the fluoride precipitation in FAP and CFAP can significantly adsorb and absorb various pollutants and can protect the lake from pollution. The ecological risk assessment conducted by calculating the enrichment factor (EF) showed that the lake was still unpolluted. Regarding human health risks, at appropriate levels of human health and safety, the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of halogens found to be lower than these reported levels. Hence, ingestion and dermal absorption routes of halogens by surface water and sediments did not pose any adverse effects to population reflecting uncontaminated status of Lake Mariout.

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Human health risk assessment due to Cadmium accumulation through consumption of Chinese cabbage grown in Cadmium-contaminated soil

Journal of Biodiversity Conservation and Bioresource Management ◽

10.3329/jbcbm.v3i1.36755 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

MA Mahmud ◽

M Hassan ◽

R Hassan ◽

R Mandal ◽

MK Rahman

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Chinese Cabbage ◽

Contaminated Soils ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Health Hazard ◽

Human Health Risk ◽

Cadmium Accumulation ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Potential Health ◽

Cadmium Contaminated Soil

Heavy metal like Cadmium (Cd) is a common pollutant present in the soils of urban and industrial areas. Vegetables are preferably grown in these soils than other crops. Of the vegetables, Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris var. pekinensis) is gaining its popularity among farmers for its high market value. Therefore, an experiment was conducted where cabbage was grown on Cd treated soil. Bioaccumulation of Cd in Chinese cabbage was determined and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) model was used to assess potential health risk of human. Results showed that with increasing concentration of added Cd (0.00 to 4.00 ppm) in soil, bio-concentration factors of Cd of Chinese cabbage also increased except at 4 ppm. The chinese cabbage grown in Cd contaminated soils up-to 1.00 ppm might be safe. However, cabbage grown in the soils contaminated with Cd above this level would probably be risky and may cause serious health hazard to human body.J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2017, 3(1): 1-8

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Dietary Content and Potential Health Risks of Metals in Commercial Black Tea in Kampala (Uganda)

Journal of Food Research ◽

10.5539/jfr.v6n6p1 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael Bamuwamye ◽

Patrick Ogwok ◽

Vivian Tumuhairwe ◽

Richard Eragu ◽

Henriettah Nakisozi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Risk ◽

Human Health ◽

Health Risks ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Black Tea ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Potential Health ◽

Acceptable Range

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) is among the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages. It is a rich source of essential dietary elements mainly potassium and manganese. Tea may also contain toxic metals such as cadmium and lead which pose a threat to human health because of their toxicity. Twenty samples of commercial black tea in Kampala city were randomly obtained and analysed for potassium, sodium, aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Human health risks due to exposure to toxic elements from daily consumption of tea were determined using incremental lifetime cancer risk and non-cancer hazard quotient. Metal contents of black tea sold in Kampala were below international regulatory limits. The estimated daily intake of the elements in two grams of black tea was below the recommended values. Hazard quotient and hazard index were within acceptable range. Total cancer risk levels for all the teas were also within United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) acceptable range. Daily consumption of one cup containing two grams of black tea over a lifetime will promote consumer overall health and wellbeing.

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Assessment of Human Health Risks Posed by Nano-and Microplastics Is Currently Not Feasible

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17238832 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 8832

Author(s):

Andreas Brachner ◽

Despina Fragouli ◽

Iola F. Duarte ◽

Patricia M. A. Farias ◽

Sofia Dembski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Human Health ◽

Reference Materials ◽

Chemical Reactivity ◽

Health Hazard ◽

Human Health Risk ◽

Model Systems ◽

Risk Assessments ◽

Critical Parameters ◽

Potential Health

The exposure of humans to nano-and microplastic particles (NMPs) is an issue recognized as a potential health hazard by scientists, authorities, politics, non-governmental organizations and the general public. The concentration of NMPs in the environment is increasing concomitantly with global plastic production and the usage of plastic materials. NMPs are detectable in numerous aquatic organisms and also in human samples, therefore necessitating a risk assessment of NMPs for human health. So far, a comprehensive risk assessment of NMPs is hampered by limited availability of appropriate reference materials, analytical obstacles and a lack of definitions and standardized study designs. Most studies conducted so far used polystyrene (PS) spheres as a matter of availability, although this polymer type accounts for only about 7% of total plastic production. Differently sized particles, different concentration and incubation times, and various biological models have been used, yielding hardly comparable data sets. Crucial physico-chemical properties of NMPs such as surface (charge, polarity, chemical reactivity), supplemented additives and adsorbed chemicals have been widely excluded from studies, although in particular the surface of NMPs determines the interaction with cellular membranes. In this manuscript we give an overview about the critical parameters which should be considered when performing risk assessments of NMPs, including novel reference materials, taking into account surface modifications (e.g., reflecting weathering processes), and the possible role of NMPs as a substrate and/or carrier for (pathogenic) microbes. Moreover, we make suggestions for biological model systems to evaluate immediate toxicity, long-term effects and the potential of NMPs to cross biological barriers. We are convinced that standardized reference materials and experimental parameters along with technical innovations in (nano)-particle sampling and analytics are a prerequisite for the successful realization of conclusive human health risk assessments of NMPs.

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Copper Toxicity to BioluminescentNitrosomonas europaeain Soil Is Explained by the Free Metal Ion Activity in Pore Water

Environmental Science & Technology ◽

10.1021/es1026294 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 44 (23) ◽

pp. 9201-9206 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

S. Ore ◽

J. Mertens ◽

K. K. Brandt ◽

E. Smolders

Keyword(s):

Pore Water ◽

Metal Ion ◽

Copper Toxicity ◽

Ion Activity ◽

Free Metal ◽

Free Metal Ion

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Black Sea Whiting: Assessment of Potential Health Benefits/Risks and Differences Based on Mineral Concentrations of Meat and Roes

Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology ◽

10.24925/turjaf.v7i12.2075-2082.2780 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 2075 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hülya Turan ◽

Can Okan Altan ◽

Demet Kocatepe

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Human Health ◽

Health Risks ◽

Metal Pollution ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Pollution Indices ◽

Potential Health ◽

Limit Values ◽

Human Health Risks

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.

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Formaldehyde Exposure and Its Potential Health Risk in Some Beauty Salons in Kumasi Metropolis

Journal of Toxicology ◽

10.1155/2020/8875167 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Noah Kyame Asare-Donkor ◽

James Kusi Appiah ◽

Vincent Torve ◽

Ray Bright Voegborlo ◽

Anthony Apeke Adimado

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Health Risks ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Health Hazard ◽

Potential Health ◽

Air Sampler ◽

System Service ◽

Exposure Limit ◽

Beauty Salons ◽

Number Of Customers

Cosmetologists may be potentially exposed to high levels of formaldehyde as a result of their exposure to formaldehyde released from the various cosmetic products used in the beauty salons. In order to assess the exposure of cosmetologists to formaldehyde, the indoor air in sixty beauty salons across the ten submetros in Kumasi were sampled to determine the formaldehyde levels and the associated noncarcinogenic human health risks. Sampling was done using System Service Innovation Incorporation air sampler model 1000i, and the MBTH spectrophotometric method was used for analysis. The mean levels of formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 88.67 to 170.67 µg/m3. Out of the sixty salons sampled, 36 salons had formaldehyde levels above the WHO permissible limit of 100 µg/m3 for an eight-hour working period and also exceeded the 55 and 9 µg/m3 for chronic and acute reference exposure limit, respectively, set by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. The results of this study revealed that the number of customers that visit the salon in a week, number of salon services offered, and age of salon had a positive significant correlation with the level of formaldehyde determined in each salon. The health risk study also revealed that about 50% of the salons had hazard quotient (HQ) above the safety limit (HQ = 1) and may, therefore, pose health risks to cosmetologists in these salons. Results from the analysis of the questionnaire revealed that hairdressers in salons that provide the entire range of salon services captured in the study are at higher risk to the effects of formaldehyde.

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Heavy Metal Concentration of Wheat Cultured in Golestan Province, Iran and Its Health Risk Assessment

Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development ◽

10.18502/jehsd.v5i2.3386 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mahdi Sadeghi ◽

Mina Noroozi ◽

Fatemeh Kargar ◽

Zahra Mehrbakhsh

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Human Health ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Heavy Metal Concentration ◽

Human Beings ◽

Potential Health ◽

Plastic Bags ◽

Aggregate Risks ◽

Microwave Apparatus ◽

Golestan Province

Introduction: Exposure of grain products in polluted soil lead to adverse effects on human health. In this study, concentrations of HM (As-Cr-Hg) were analyzed in wheat grain cultured in Gonbad-e-Kavus City, Golestan province, Iran. Furthermore, its potential health risk was evaluated among residents. Materials and Methods: The sampling sites were located in arable lands. After separating the wheat grains and cleaning them, the seeds were collected in plastic bags for analysis by ICP/MS method. Digestion of samples was performed with Multi wave PRO microwave apparatus. Results: The mean concentrations of Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), and Nickel in wheat seeds were 0.186 ± 0.08, 0.9 ± 0.07, 0.021 ± 0.019, and 0.5 ± 0.17, respectively. The results showed that concentrations of HM in wheat were as follow: Cr > Ni > As > Hg. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) was significantly different among various HMs. The largest HQ was related to As ranging from 0.33 to 13.3. The lowest HQ was attributed to Cr, which may be related to its high RfD = 1.5 mg kg−1. Conclusion: Different HMs varied largely in terms of their HQ. Regarding the exposed people, As and Hg had the highest contributions to the aggregate risks of HMs, while Cr had the lowest contribution. Although the findings showed low environmental concentrations of the studied elements and implied no danger to human health, it should be considered that many non-cancerous conditions weaken the immune system and prone the human beings to cancerous diseases.

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