scholarly journals Study of Atmospheric Pollution and Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study for the Sharjah and Ajman Emirates (UAE)

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1442
Author(s):  
Yousef Nazzal ◽  
Nadine Bou Orm ◽  
Alina Barbulescu ◽  
Fares Howari ◽  
Manish Sharma ◽  
...  

Dust is a significant pollution source in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that impacts population health. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in the air in the Sharjah and Ajman emirates’ urban areas and assesses the health risk. Three indicators were used for this purpose: the average daily dose (ADD), the hazard quotient (HQ), and the health index (HI). Data were collected during the period April–August 2020. Moreover, the observation sites were clustered based on the pollutants’ concentration, given that the greater the heavy metal concentration is, the greater is the risk for the population health. The most abundant heavy metal found in the atmosphere was Zn, with a mean concentration of 160.30 mg/kg, the concentrations of other metals being in the following order: Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Cd. The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr were within the range of background values, while those of Cu, Ni, and Zn were higher than the background values, indicating anthropogenic pollution. For adults, the mean ADD values of heavy metals decreased from Zn to Cd (Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Cd). The HQ (HI) suggested an acceptable (negligible) level of non-carcinogenic harmful health risk to residents’ health. The sites were grouped in three clusters, one of them containing a single location, where the highest concentrations of heavy metals were found.

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sock Yin Tan ◽  
Sarva Mangala Praveena ◽  
Emilia Zainal Abidin ◽  
Manraj Singh Cheema

AbstractIndoor dust acts as a media for heavy metal deposition. Past studies have shown that heavy metal concentration in indoor dust is affected by local human activities and atmospheric transport can have harmful effects on human health. Additionally, children are more sensitive to heavy metals due to their hand-to-mouth behaviour and rapid body development. However, limited information on health risks were found in past dust studies as these studies aimed to identify heavy metal concentrations and sources of indoor dust. The objective of this review is to discuss heavy metal concentration and sources influencing its concentration in indoor dust. Accordingly, high lead (Pb) concentration (639.10 μg/g) has been reported in heavy traffic areas. In addition, this review paper aims to estimate the health risk to children from heavy metals in indoor dust via multiple exposure pathways using the health-risk assessment (HRA). Urban areas and industrial sites have revealed high heavy metal concentration in comparison to rural areas. Hazard index (HI) values found in arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and Pb were 21.30, 1.10 and 2.40, respectively, indicate that non-carcinogenic elements are found in children. Furthermore, most of the past studies have found that carcinogenic risks for As, cadmium (Cd), Cr and Pb were below the acceptable total lifetime cancer risk (TLCR) range (1×10


Author(s):  
Wan-ce Shao ◽  
Yang-yang Zang ◽  
Hai-yao Ma ◽  
Ye Ling ◽  
Zhen-peng Kai

In the present study, a risk assessment of pesticides, phthalates and heavy metals in strawberries (n = 335) in recent years was conducted by determining the out estimate dietary intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) . 128 Pesticides, 18 phthalates and 3 heavy metals were determined in this determination. 51 pesticide residues were detected in the strawberry samples, and 97.91% samples had levels of at least one of the 51 pesticides above the LOD (limit of detection). 2.39% of samples had pesticides higher than the Chinese MRL. Multiple pesticides residues were detected in most samples. Bis-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were detected in the strawberry samples with high frequency of detection. Their detectable rates were 100, 100 and 89.9%, respectively. Most of the samples were detected lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) with the detectable rates 75.76, 92.93 and 92.93%, respectively. Estimated daily intake of analyzed pesticide, phthalate and heavy metal residues appear to be relatively low compared to the ADI. The average THQs and HI were less than one. That means the customers who are exposed to the average contaminants levels may not pose significant health risk. Our results show that the strawberries may be polluted by many kinds of contaminants. Therefore, monitoring of pesticides, phthalates and heavy metal residues in strawberries should be increasingly developed in order to fully protect the health of the consumer.


Author(s):  
Elizêne Veloso Ribeiro ◽  
Antônio Pereira Magalhães Junior ◽  
Adolf Heinrich Horn ◽  
Wallace Magalhães Trindade

Este trabalho apresenta resultados da avaliação da qualidade da água na secção do Rio São Francisco no segmento entre Três Marias e Pirapora. Foram monitorados parâmetros físico-químicos e os elementos Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, Ba, Ni, Al, Mn, Ca, Mg e Fe durante um ano; as concentrações dos metais foram obtidas por leitura em ICP-OES. Vários elementos apresentaram altos níveis de contaminação nas áreas urbano-industriais de Três Marias e Pirapora. No segmento de influência rural entre os dois centros urbanos e a jusante de Pirapora, foram observadas alterações para os metais pesados (Cd, Cu, Cr, Co e Ni), que evidenciam a necessidade de um estudo de contaminação dos solos agrícolas, principalmente irrigados, na região. A variação sazonal marca a diferença da qualidade da água no segmento no que se refere aos metais em suspensão com maiores concentrações na estação chuvosa. O Índice de Contaminação foi definido pela razão entre a concentração encontrada e os limites ambientais da Resolução Conama 357/2005. Os resultados evidenciam a degradação da qualidade da água nos centros urbano-industriais, cujos altos Ic decorrem das elevadas concentrações de Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr e Ni. Chamam atenção principalmente os valores que foram obtidos para os metais dissolvidos devido à maior possibilidade de efeitos tóxicos.. Ressalta-se a necessidade de intervenção nas áreas de maior Ic adjacentes aos centros urbano-industriais visando a melhorar a qualidade da água e responder à população local que tem forte relação com o Rio São Francisco.Palavras-chave: Metais Pesados, Qualidade da Água, Índice de Contaminação, Rio São Francisco e Uso do Solo. ABSTRACT: HEAVY METALS AND WATER QUALITY OF THE SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER IN SEGMENT BETWEEN TRÊS MARIAS AND PIRAPORA –MG: INDEX OF CONTAMINATION. This work presents heavy metal concentration measurements taken across a section of the São Francisco River, between Três Marias and Pirapora, to evaluate water quality. The physicochemical parameters and the elements Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, Ba, Ni, Al, Mn, Ca, Mg and Fe were monitored during a one year period; the concentration levels of metals were determined by ICP-OES. High contamination levels were found for many elements in Três Marias and Pirapora urban-industrial areas. The section under rural influence, located between the two urban areas and downstream from Pirapora, presented anomalous heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Cr, Co and Ni) readings. That indicates that soil contamination studies are needed, especially on irrigated soil, in agricultural areas within the region. The index is defined by the ratio between the concentrations found which results from environmental limits established by Resolution CONAMA 357/2005. The results show the degradation of water quality in urban-industrial centers, which high rates of contamination result from high concentrations of Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr and Ni. The values obtained for dissolved metals are especially worth of attention, due to the greater risk of toxic effects caused by them. We stress the need for intervention in the areas showing the highest contamination index - which are located next to urban-industrial centers - to improve water quality and meet the expectations of the locals, whose lives are strongly intertwined with the São Francisco River.Keywords: Heavy Metals, Water Quality, Contamination Index, São Francisco River and Soil Use


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-204
Author(s):  
Md. Abu Rayhan Khan ◽  
◽  
Muhammad Shamim Al Mamun ◽  
Mosummath Hosna Ara ◽  
◽  
...  

Background: Fish is a source of nutrition; however, toxic substances and heavy metals may enter human body due to consuming contaminated fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of heavy metals and DDTs in Liza parsia, a fish species, and assess the health risk of the contaminants in the fish samples. Methods: The extracted fish lipid was added with n-hexane and H2SO4 and was kept for long time. The upper organic part was collected for the analysis of DDTs by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. The fish samples were homogenized by wet digestion method, and the heavy metal contents were analyzed, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The health risks of the fish samples were assessed based on target hazard quotient and target cancer risk. Results: The pesticide contents of DDT, DDD, DDE and DDTs in the fish samples were 0.0414, 0.000253, 0.015 and 0.0567ng/g, respectively. Also, the mean concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were 35.42±10.05, 318.75±242.45, 41.67±4.78 and 281.25±5.42 mg/kg, respectively. Of note, the Cd and Pb contents were below the detection limits. The concentrations of other heavy metals were above the reference limits, which can cause various disease processes. Conclusion: The contents of four heavy metals and DDTs in the samples were above the limits. The main sources of these substances are likely due to human anthropogenic activities. Fish and other edible aquatic animals should be monitored regularly and the heavy metal levels be determined and declared to the public.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collin J. Weber ◽  
Alexander Santowski ◽  
Peter Chifflard

Abstract. Heavy metals are known to be among the one of the major environmental pollutants especially in urban areas and, as is generally known, can pose environmental risks as well as direct risks to humans. This study deals with the spatial distribution of heavy metals in different pavement joints in the inner-city area of Marburg (Hesse, Germany). Pavement joints, defined as the joint between paving stones and filled with different materials, have so far hardly been considered as anthropogenic urban soils. Nevertheless, they have an important role as possible sites of infiltration for surface runoff accumulation areas, and are therefore a key feature of urban water regimes. In order to investigate the spatial variability of heavy metals in pavement joints, a geospatial sampling approach was carried out on six inner-city sampling sites, followed by heavy metals analyses via ICP-MS, and additional pH and organic matter analyses. To obtain a risk assessment of heavy metal pollution, different pollution indices were calculated based on regional geochemical background values. Pavement joints examined consist mainly of basaltic gravel, sands, organic material and anthropogenic artefacts (e.g., glass, plastics) with an average joint size of 0.89 cm and a vertical depth of 2–10 cm. In general, the pavement joint material shows high organic matter loads (average 11.0 % by mass) and neutral to alkaline pH values. Besides high Al and Fe content, the heavy metals Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb are mainly responsible for the contamination of pavement joints. From the Geo-accumulation Index, the pollution in pavement joints regarding those metals, can be considered as moderate to high. Deterioration of soil quality was reported according to the Pollution Load Index (PLI) for 82.8 % of all sampling points, as well as a very strong potential Ecological Risk (RI) for 27.6 % of the points. The identified spatial pattern of maximum heavy metal loads in pavement joints, could not be attributed solely to traffic emissions, as commonly reported for urban areas. Higher concentrations were detected at runoff accumulation areas (e.g., drainage gutters), and at the lowest sampling points with high drainage accumulation tendencies. Additional Spearman correlation analyses show clear positive correlation between runoff accumulation value and PLI or RI index (rsp = 0.83; p 


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
K. I. Matazu ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  

Vegetables play important roles in human nutrition and health. They can also contain some undesirable components that can be harmful, e.g.  Pesticides and heavy metals. The objectives of the study were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) in sampled Baobab leaf in Katsina state Nigeria and assessed the human health risks associated with the consumption of the Baobab leaves. The content of these metals was assayed by the AAS method. The health risk to the local inhabitants was evaluated by estimating daily heavy metal intake and computing the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for cancer and non-cancer risks. The results were compared with the safety standards established by the WHO/FAO and USEPA. With the exception of the heavy metal Pb (0.526-0.981) the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.116-0.352), Cd (0.041-0.054), Fe (1.016-1.951) and Zn (0.940-1.229) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Fe>Pb>Cr>Cd, for all the baobab leaf samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the risk level (HI < 1). ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) for cancer in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai and Daura have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in rest of the samples and ILCR for Cd of all the samples are beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The consumption of the Baobab leaf sample may contribute to the population cancer burden.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (01) ◽  
pp. 22-32
Author(s):  
R. Odoh

Honey and honey trade is an important economic activity for many tropical rural and urban areas worldwide. In West Africa and other part of the world, honey and honey products holds high socio–cultural, religious, medicinal and traditional values. Therefore, to maximize benefits or to enhance profit, a variety of components are added to the raw, fresh and unprocessed honey, introducing the possibility of heavy metals contaminants. Therefore the honey sold in various places, markets and shops  in some states in Northern Nigeria (Benue, Nassarawa and Taraba) including Abuja FCT, in Nigeria was analyzed to determine the level of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn).All the honey samples contain heavy metals. The results ranged from 0.028–0.070, 0.023–0.058, 0.042–0.092, 4.231–8.589, 8.115–14.892, 0.078–0.922, 0.044–0.092, 0.041–0.087 and 18.234–28.654 μg/L for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn respectively. The mean concentration (μg/L) of the heavy metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn of the regularly marketed honey is significantly higher than the mean concentration observed in raw, fresh and unprocessed honey. However, continued consumption of honey with high heavy metal content might lead to exposure to chronic heavy metal poisoning.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-141
Author(s):  
U. Bawa ◽  
A. Ahmad ◽  
J.N. Ahmad ◽  
A. G. Ezra

Heavy metals bioaccumulation in agricultural crops fumigated with pesticides has growninto a major concern globally. This study assessed heavy metals concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) in commonly consumed crops and their corresponding soil from agricultural farm lands in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the studied crops ranged from 0.17-100.75, 0.17-54.33, 0.83-28.75, 0.17-5.50, 0.5-0.5mg/kg for Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd respectively. The trend of heavy metals in the crops were in decreasing order of Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd and their concentrations varied in different parts of the crops. The mean concentration of Cd, Pb, and Cr in the studiedcrops were above the WHO, (2019) permissible limits and therefore a call for concern. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the soil varied from 0.5-0.5, 2.50-13.83, 3.67-5.75, 11.83-26.33, and 41-89.50 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn respectively and were below the UNEP, (2013) permissible limits for agricultural soil. The result showed that Pb had the highest transfer factor (1.91) in (Capsicum annuum) and Zn had theleast. Similarly, the result revealed high Pollution index value for Pb compared to other metals. Hazard quotient and Hazard index of all the crops were less than 1; thus the consumption of these crops is unlikely to pose health risks to the target population. However, the result showed health risk from daily intake of some of the studied crops for Pb ((Brassica oleracea, Lactucasativus, Zea mays, Spinaciaoleracea, and Capsicum annuum). Hence, regular monitoring and screening of pesticides for heavy metals should be employed by government agencies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 56-63
Author(s):  
L.U Usman ◽  
R. Yerima

Ingestion of vegetables containing heavy metal is one of the main ways in which these elements enter the human body. Once entered, heavy metals are deposited in bone and fat tissues, overlapping noble minerals. Slowly released into the body, heavy metals can cause an array of diseases. This study aimed to assess the heavy metals residues in some vegetables and potential health risk among consumers within Katsina Metropolis. Six different vegetable samples comprising of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), red pepper (Piper nigrum) and tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus) were randomly collected from two main irrigation farmland located in Katsina Metropolis (Kofar sauri and Kofar marusa). Their level of toxic metals namely (Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, Chromium and Lead) were assessed using standard materials and methods. Results obtained were used to estimate the health risk of these heavy metals via consumption of the vegetable samples. The results from the study showed that the mean heavy metal concentration ranged between 1.10±0.00 mg/kg to 4.45±0.16 mg/kg, 1.78±0.07 mg/kg to 4.9±0.11 mg/kg, 0.02±0.00 mg/kg to 1.28±0.02 mg/kg, 1.51±0.02 mg/kg to 4.34±0.02 mg/kg and 1.05±0.01 mg/kg to 2.86±0.02 mg/kg for Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb respectively. The concentration of Cu and Zn were found to be below permissible limit while Cd, Cr and Pb concentration exceeded the permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO. Health risks associated with the intake of these metals were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). EDI value of Cu and Zn were found to be below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The HQ of all the metals were >1, suggesting health hazards risk for the population. Moreover, HQ of Cd and Pb were greatly higher through consumption of cucumber, cabbage, lettuce and red pepper indicating significant health risks. HI was found to be higher >1 (3.32 mg/kg and 3.91 mg/kg) in adult and children respectively for consumption of spinach; however, it was much higher >1 (10.49 mg/kg and 12.4 mg/kg) in adult and children respectively for consumption of cabbage, suggesting more adverse health effects from cabbage consumption than spinach. The findings of this study shows the health risks associated with the consumption of heavy metals through the intake of some the selected vegetables within Katsina Metropolis, therefore, there is need for biomonitoring of these heavy metals in the vegetable because these are some of the main sources of food for humans in many parts of the world. Keywords: Heavy metal, Estimated Daily Intake, Hazard Quotient, Hazard Index, Consumption


Author(s):  
Usman Abubakar Adamu ◽  
Adamu Baba Mohammed ◽  
Friday Yuguda ◽  
Buhari Magaji

Aim: The present study was aimed to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu and Cd) in waterleaf (Talinum triangulare), lettuce (Lectuca sativa) and spinach (Amaranthus hybridus) from three farmlands. Study Design and Place of Study: The research was carried out at Kwadon in Yamaltu Deba local Government of Gombe State, Kwadon is located between latitude 10.270ºN and longitude 11.28ºE. Methodology: The heavy metal concentration in the vegetables was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The result showed that the heavy metals concentration in the vegetables across the farms ranges from 2.0–34.4 mg/kg for Mn, 0.025 mg/kg for Cd, 1.7–23.7 mg/kg for Cr, 0.2–1.0% for Cu. The concentration of Mn and Cr are higher than the permissible limit of FAO/WHO in vegetables. To assess the health risk associated with the heavy metals concentration from these vegetables, daily intake of metal (DIM), health risk index (HRI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated. The daily intake of metals in vegetable species for Mn (0.17–2.81), Cd (2.1), Cu (0.02–0.08), Cr (0.1–2.0) are significantly higher than the recommended daily intake of metals and the upper tolerable daily levels. Conclusion: This result reflects the risk associated with exposure for the period of life expectancy considered and the inhabitant, are highly exposed to the health risk associated with these metals.


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