scholarly journals Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils and commonly consumed food crops from quarry sites located at Isiagwu, Ebonyi State

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi ◽  
Donatus Chuka Belonwu ◽  
Mattew Owhonda Wegwu

Abstract In view of ensuring healthy agricultural foods for human consumption, this study assessed the human health risk implicated in selected heavy metals in some commonly consumed vegetables, tubers, nuts and fruits grown around the quarry sites at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Samples from agriculture area of Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, constituted the control. The concentration of Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb, were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers which included Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Cu while carcinogenic health risk using Cancer Slope Factors (CSF) was established for Cd and Pb. Relative abundance of heavy metals across the locations and all samples was in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. There was statistical significant effect of quarrying activities on the concentration of the heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) at p < 0.05 level. Based on the observed bioconcentration factors, cassava showed more hyperaccumulation potential compared to other samples. Pumpkin and bitter leaf also could be used in remediation owing to their high bioaccumulation index for Pb and Zn. THQ obtained for Mn and Pb were >1 indicating that the residents at the quarry site may be exposed to potential non-carcinogenic health risk due to Mn and Pb intoxication. With respect to US EPA prescriptions, average carcinogenic risk values obtained for Pb and Cd in this study indicated a lifetime (70 years) probability of contracting cancer suggesting that they be placed for further consideration as chemicals of concern with respect to the assessed locals.

Author(s):  
I. Felagha ◽  
M. O. Monanu ◽  
B. A. Amadi

Heavy metals pose a threat to human health and their presence in specific matrices is anthropogenic. The work focuses on the penetration of the food chain through the ingestion of mollusk proteins. This study evaluated the composition of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb and Zn) in three species of mollusks (Limicolaria flammea, Viviparus contectus, Egeria radiata) from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria and the health risk associated with their consumption. Heavy metals concentration was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Health risk associated with consumption of the samples were assessed by Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR). EDI, THQ and CR were done by calculation following standards. Heavy metals concentration range in the samples were: Cd (0.289±0.00 mg/kg - 0.667±0.00 mg/kg), Mn (0.816±0.00 mg/kg - 0.934±0.00 mg/kg), Pb (0.082±0.00 mg/kg - 0.092±0.00 mg/kg) and Zn (4.114±0.00 mg/kg - 8.534±0.00 mg/kg); Cr was not detected in neither of the samples.  EDI of heavy metals through consumption of these samples were within acceptable limits for all heavy metals detected. THQ ranges were as follows: Cd (0.4949-1.1420), Mn (0.000017-0.000019), Pb (0.0401 - 0.0450) and Zn (0.0016 - 0.0066).  THQ values indicate that there is no human risk concern of risk for humans except Cd (in E. radiata). CR values for Cd were as follows: L. flammea (3.8×10-3), E. radiata (4.34×10-4) and V. contectus (1.88×10-4). CR values were within acceptable limits with the exception of Cd in L. flammea. The present study shows that the samples contained detectable levels of heavy metals however their consumption do not pose any form of health risk with the except for Cd in L. flammea, hence the carcinogenic role of L. flammea stands out for its high content of Cd.


Author(s):  
Ebimobowei Assayomo ◽  
Solomon Brepi Patrick ◽  
Ruth Angobrakumor Ajimmy ◽  
Eyidenghabofa David Odikeme ◽  
Ahiakwo Bright Ogbo

Aims: Man-made activities such as excessive oil exploration, automobile emissions, gas flaring and agricultural activities tend to elevate the concentrations of heavy metals in the surrounding. Heavy metals have the tendency to accumulate in plant roots, which may result to heavy metal contamination. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the concentration of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel and Zinc (Zn) in Pawpaw fruits, seeds, leaf and Scent leaf from Amosoma community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The concentrations of these metals were used to assess the human health risk melted to the consumers of the vegetables and fruits. Materials and Methods: Sixteen different vegetables and fruit samples comprising of Pawpaw and Scent leaves were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (F-AAS). Results: The result of the present study reviewed that Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn ranged from 1.090 ± 0.01 - 5.990 ± 0.06; 0.213 ± 0.03 - 1.317 ± 0.02; 2.810 ± 0.04 - 4.767 ± 0.09; and 0.793 ± 0.01 -5.303 ± 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni in some of the analyzed pawpaw and scent leaf samples exceeded the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO, EC/CODEX and NAFDAC respectively. The concentrations of Zn were below the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd exceeded the oral reference dose (RfDo) however; Ni and Zn fall within the oral RfDo. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values of Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn were less than 1. The Carcinogenic Risk (CR) of Cd and Ni exceeded the range of permissible predicted lifetime risks for carcinogens as recommended by US EPA, meanwhile, the carcinogenic risk of Pb was within the permissible predicted lifetime risks as recommended by USEPA. Conclusion: The result from the present study indicate that the fruits and leaves from pawpaw and scent leaf may be contaminated with Pb, Cd, and Ni and the exposed population may be at risk of developing cancer due to carcinogenic ingestion of Cd and Ni over time.


Author(s):  
Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska

The presence of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in popularly consumed fruits in Poland was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Tl, and Zn contents were investigated in 21 fruit species grouped as berry, pome, stone, and shell fruits. The PHE contents belonged to the following ranges (mg/kg wet weight): Cd < limit of detection (LOD)–0.116, Co < LOD–0.062, Cu < LOD–15.5, Ni < LOD–2.23, Pb < LOD–2.07, Sb < LOD–0.240, Tl < LOD–0.110, and Zn 0.37–37.7. Their concentrations exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) set by European Union regulation for Pb only. Bioconcentration coefficient (BC) values, calculated in accordance to the PHE contents in exchangeable and acid soluble forms in soil after first step of the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure, revealed that berry fruits had potential for accumulation of Cu, Ni, Sb, and Tl; stone fruits—Cu, Sb, and Tl; pome fruits—Cu, Ni, and Sb, and shell fruit (walnut)—Cu. Human health risk assessment associated with the intake of PHEs in fruits was evaluated in terms of daily intake rates (DIR), and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk by cancer risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively. For Pb margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used for health risk evaluation. Daily intake rates for all PHEs were below the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) values. The mean total non-carcinogenic risk values were the following: berry fruits HQ = 0.47, pome fruits HQ = 0.36, stone fruits HQ = 0.42, and shell fruits (walnut) HQ = 0.22, indicating no health hazards. The carcinogenic risk for As in walnut only under an adult intake scenario (CR = 1.98 × 10−6) was found to be above the acceptable risk level. The mean Pb health risk, according to Polish statistical intake rates, was acceptable low as the MOE value was equal to 15.7 for adults. In reference to the intake rates recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), MOE values for Pb indicated acceptable low risk both for adults (MOE = 14.0) and children (MOE = 1.64). In general, the finding of this research revealed no health risk arising from PHE consumption with fruits for the population of Poland.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 184-191
Author(s):  
Sajad Faryabi ◽  
Mohsen Ghorbiani ◽  
Hadi Haghbin Nazarpak ◽  
Azadeh Rashidimehr

Introduction. Contamination of food, including animal protein sources, with heavy metals is a major threat to humans. The aim of this research was to determine lead concentrations in eggs from different Iranian regions and assess risks to human health. Study objects and methods. In this study, lead concentrations in eggs produced at laying hen farms in Qom, Isfahan (Kashan city), and Khorasan Razavi (Mashhad city) provinces were measured by an atomic absorption device. Health risk was estimated using the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) model. Results and discussion. The levels of lead in eggs were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) among the three regions. They were lower than the permissible limit (0.1 mg/kg) for Kashan (0.0756 mg/kg) and Mashhad (0.0633 mg/kg), but eggs from Qom contained 0.1163 mg/kg of lead. In all the three regions, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of lead was lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI), indicating no health risk for lead through egg consumption among Iranian consumers. Also, no risks were detected for adults in terms of non-cancer risk, or target hazard quotients (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR) of lead (THQ < 1 and CR < 10–6). Conclusion. The results of this study indicated that lead health risk through egg consumption is within safe limits. However, the nutritional importance and high consumption of eggs among households necessitate a more careful monitoring of lead concentrations to meet public health requirements.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-81
Author(s):  
Minati Sahu ◽  
David Sylvester Kacholi

This study aimed to investigate levels of copper in three commonly edible fruits, namely, Lycopersicon esculenta (tomato), Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) and Cucumis sativus (cucumber) traded in Dar es Salaam city. Also, the study scrutinized risk associated with heavy metal intake in the fruits. The fruits were collected from Buguruni Market, one of the biggest markets in the city, and thereafter, were processed, and analyzed to determine copper levels. The average daily intake and human health risk indices were calculated based on the obtained copper levels. The findings revealed that the mean levels and average daily intake in L. esculenta (0.3267 mg kg-1, 0.0279 mg kg-1 person-1) and C. lanatus (0.2523 mg kg-1, 0.0216 mg kg-1 person-1) did not differ considerably (p = 0.05) from each other while the two fruits had significantly higher values than C. sativus (0.1610 mg kg-1, 0.0137 mg kg-1 person-1). The copper levels and average daily intake values were below WHO/FAO and Tanzania Bureau of Standards permissible limits. The human health index (HRI) was in the order: L. esculenta > C. lanatus > C. sativus and all the values were less than unit, suggesting that there is no health risk from consuming the fruits. Concerning copper levels, the study concludes that the fruits are safe for human consumption.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Hossein Mahvi ◽  
Nader Yousefi ◽  
Maryam Meserghani ◽  
Hamideh Bahrami

Author(s):  
Chee Kong Yap ◽  
Azlini Razali ◽  
Rosimah Nulit ◽  
Shih Hao Tony Peng ◽  
Chee Wah Yap ◽  
...  

This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and iron (Fe) in different parts of guava (pulps, peels and seeds) and its topsoil collected from Kluang, Malaysia, and to assess their effects on human health. The level of metals was determined using acid digestion method and atomic absorption spectrometry. The result showed that the concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in all parts of guava were above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. However, the value of heavy metals in the topsoil were below the WHO limit. The concentration order of the metals in the guava's pulps was Fe > Cu > Zn > Pb > Ni. The contamination factor (Cf ) calculated from the topsoil were low for Cu, Zn and Ni and moderate for Pb. However, potential ecological risk (Er) of individual metal ranged from 0.25-7.58 for Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni was low. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers was assessed using estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ). The contribution of heavy metals to the EDI for all consumers followed the order of Fe > Cu > Zn > Pb > Ni. The THQ values are all below 1 for all five metals tested, indicating no potential risk to the consumers. We suggest that the Kluang's guava is safe to consume. However, regular monitoring and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in the guava is recommended to be carried out.


Author(s):  
Chima Fausta Nnodum ◽  
Kafeelah Abosede Yusuf ◽  
Comfort Adetutu Adeniji

Abstract: Introduction : Heavy metals are known to cause deleterious effects on human health through food chain. Aims: The study is aimed at assessing heavy metal concentrations in the tissues of four highly consumed fish species and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with their consumption. Materials and Methods: The concentrations of Cu, Cd and Pb were analyzed in the tissues of Titus (Scomber Japonicus), Croaker (Pseudolithus Elongatus), Scumbia (Ilisha Africana) and Shrimps (Pipeus Notialis) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) after digestion of the samples. Results: The results showed that Cd was not detected in the tissues of all fish species. There were variations among Cu and Pb concentrations in the tissues of the fish species. Cu had the highest concentrations (1.00 µg/g) in the tissues of croaker and shrimps respectively while Pb had the lowest concentrations (0.25 µg/g) in the tissues of Scumbia . The levels of all metals in the present study were lower than the limits permitted by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO), European Community Regulation (EU) and European Commission (EC). Assessment of noncarcinogenic health hazard using Target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) indicated no concern from consumption of these fish species. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of the studied metals through fish consumption was below the permissible tolerable daily intake. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is no potential human health risk from consumption of the selected fish species. Keywords: Heavy metals, Hazard index, Target hazard quotient.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-203
Author(s):  
Ami Akter ◽  
Anowar Hosen ◽  
Md Amjad Hossain ◽  
Farzana Khalil ◽  
Tonima Mustafa

This study was conducted to estimate the concentration of selected heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) as well as the possible risk to consumer health from the flesh of three wild and cultured fishes (Labeo rohita, Mystus cavasius, and Heteropneustes fossilis) collected from the Meghna river, Narayangonj and Rajoir fish farm, Madaripur district respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometric method. The average concentration of heavy metals were found in the wild fish samples in the range as Cr (0.295-1.647), Mn (0.900-1.294), Ni (0.063-0.198), Cu (0.179-0.529), Zn (5.487-8.343), Cd (0.004-0.009) and Pb (0.193-0.290) mg/kg dry weight while in the cultured fish samples in the range as Cr (0.043-0.315), Mn (0.975-2.36), Co (BDL), Ni (0.005-0.095), Cu (0.238-0.978), Zn (5.487-8.305), Cd (0.004-0.009), and Pb (0.238-0.286) mg/kg dry weight respectively. The hierarchy of mean concentration of heavy metals in wild fishes was Zn> Mn> Cu> Pb> Cr> Ni > Cd and in the cultured fishes, the order was found Zn> Mn> Cr> Pb> Cu> Ni > Cd. The present study showed that the wild fish accumulated higher concentration of heavy metals in their muscles than the cultured fish. The analyzed Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were below the allowable level specified by international agencies (FAO, WHO, EU, CE, USEP). In order to assess the human health risk, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Target carcinogenic Risk (TR) were calculated. The TR values suggested that the fishes posed low to moderate carcinogenic risk from Cr, Ni and Cd. Consequently, continuous and excessive consumption of these fish species over a lifetime will increase the possibility of causing cancer. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 189-203, 2021


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-263
Author(s):  
Hasnawati Amqam ◽  
Dahlan Thalib ◽  
Daud Anwar ◽  
Saifuddin Sirajuddin ◽  
Anwar Mallongi

AbstractWater pollution by heavy metals due to discharge from gold mining activity has threatened the aquatic environment and human health of the community around Kao Bay. This report review explores the level of mercury and arsenic in the fish and the health risk of fish consumption within the community around Kao Bay. Fish from 10 spots in the bay were analyzed for mercury and arsenic using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Community members around Kao Bay were interviewed for details of their fish consumption. Daily intake of metals and health risk level were also calculated. All of the fish caught contained mercury (mean of 0.2110 ug/g) and arsenic (mean of 0.422 ug/g). This heavy metal concentration exceeds the allowable level for food standard. The human health risk assessment showed that the fish caught from Kao Bay were not safe for human consumption (RQ>1). The hazard risk quotient based on cancer and non-cancer was more than one. As many as 49 of 52 people living around Kao Bay have a risk from mercury and arsenic exposure via fish consumption. The magnitude of HQ and ECR values for most fish indicates that it is not safe for consumption.


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