Heavy Metals in the Fish Tenualosa ilisha Hamilton, 1822 in the Padma–Meghna River Confluence: Potential Risks to Public Health

Hilsa shad (Tenulosa ilisha) is Bangladesh’s most important single-species fishery that contributes to 11% of total catch and employment for millions of people. However, heavy metals (HMs) toxicity in the edible organs of T. ilisha and their plausible public health threats have received weak attention. To provide insights on this issue, we determined, using ICP-MS, the concentration of Zn, Cu, Cr (VI), Pb, and Cd in the edible organs of five different sizes of T. ilisha and the surface water collected from the Padma–Meghna River confluence, Chandpur (Bangladesh). Multivariate analysis indicated that T. ilisha gills and liver contained higher HMs than muscle, and the surface water was below the safety limits. The study revealed that only Cr crossed the safety limits and bioaccumulated in the smaller-sized gills and liver. To assess the public health risks, target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ) and carcinogenic (CR) risks were calculated. Only Cr imposed non-carcinogenic risks to consumers, while TTHQ showed higher chronic health risks. There was no CR risk measured for consumers, except for the largest-sized gills for children. Randomly positive relations between HMs and sizes were found; whereas, consistently positive relations were found among the tissue types. The outcomes of our study may aid policymakers in managing pollutants, especially the Cr sources in the greater Chandpur regions.

Download Full-text

Potential Human Health Risks Assessment through Determination of Heavy Metal Contents in Regularly Consumed Yogurts in Bangladesh

Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia ◽

10.13005/bbra/2944 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 603-610

Author(s):

GMM Anwarul Hasan ◽

Mohammed A. Satter ◽

Anuj Kumer Das

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Health Risks ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Carcinogenic Risk ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Metal Contents ◽

Health Risks Assessment ◽

Risks Assessment

This study estimated the concentrations of heavy metals in regularly consumed sour, sweet and homemade traditional yogurts in Bangladesh. A total of 300 yogurt samples (sour, sweet and homemade traditional); 100 yogurt samples of each category were considered for this assay. To assess the health risks, the daily yogurt consumption rate and the value of target carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of these yogurt samples were also determined. In sour yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.398±0.121 mg/kg, 0.774±0.372 mg/kg, 0.087±0.021 mg/kg, 0.131±0.026 mg/kg, 0.011±0.006 mg/kg, 0.031±0.005 mg/kg, 0.445±0.267 mg/kg and 0.029±0.024 mg/kg while in sweet yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.410±0.146 mg/kg, 0.704±0.324 mg/kg, 0.082±0.028 mg/kg, 0.146±0.025 mg/kg, 0.010±0.005 mg/kg, 0.030±0.007 mg/kg, 0.460±0.265 mg/kg, and 0.035±0.026 mg/kg and in homemade traditional yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.410±0.147 mg/kg, 1.502±0.367 mg/kg, 0.085±0.020 mg/kg, 0.120±0.024 mg/kg, 0.011±0.005 mg/kg, 0.020±0.005 mg/kg, 0.251±0.174 mg/kg and 0.025±0.021 mg/Kg for Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Arsenic (As) respectively. Among the analyzed heavy metals, highest concentration of Cu and lowest concentration of Pb was detected in all yogurt types. The values of estimated daily intake (EDI), Target hazard quotient (THQ), Total THQ (TTHQ) and Target Carcinogenic risk (TCR) confirmed that, there have no chances of any kind of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from these yogurt samples.

Download Full-text

ASSESSMENT OF LEVELS AND HEALTH RISKS OF TRACE METALS IN SOILS AND SOME FOOD CROPS CULTIVATED IN FARMS AROUND ENYIGBA MINING SITES, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA.

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/jfp-20-295 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Obasi UCHE Orji ◽

Udu Ama Ibiam ◽

Nonso Joshua Awoke ◽

Otuomasirichi Divine Obasi ◽

Anayo Joseph Uraku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Health Risks ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Metal Extraction ◽

Health Concern ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Food Crops ◽

Potential Health ◽

Mining Sites

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.

Download Full-text

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.

Download Full-text

ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED HEAVY METALS AND ESTIMATION OF HUMAN HEALTH RISK IN SOME COMMONLY CONSUMED FISH IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN - STATE, NIGERIA

Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria ◽

10.46602/jcsn.v46i2.608 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

Author(s):

T. F. Akinhanmi ◽

F. Akinwunmi ◽

O. O. Ajala ◽

E. E. Usanga

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Health Risk ◽

Health Risks ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Human Health Risk ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Ogun State ◽

Fish Samples ◽

Metal Levels

Fish is a major source of food in many parts of the world because they contribute to solving the global food problem and provide the well-known proteins, minerals, vitamin and trace elements content. Concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in various parts of the fish (liver, gill, bone and muscle) of Mackerel (Scomber scombrus), Sardine (Sardinella longiceps), Hake (Merluccius merluccius) and Express (Platax scalaris) which were purchased from two major markets in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Heavy metal levels in the fish samples were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS Buck 211). Health risks related to Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd were assessed based on target hazard quotient (THQ). Results obtained showed variations in the levels of heavy metals across the various tissues in the fish samples. The concentration of Fe was highest in all the tissues in the fish samples with the gill recording the highest level. There were higher concentrations of heavy metals in the gills than in other tissues of the fish samples. The trend of heavy metal levels in the tissues was found to be Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd. Highest levels of Pb and Cd in the muscle were 1.92 ± 0.04 and 0.64 ± 0.04 mg/kg in Merlucciusmerloccius and Scomberscombrus respectively. The concentrations of Pb and Cd were higher in the muscles of all the samples than European Community and Food and Agriculture Organization maximum permissible levels. The health risks from Ni and Pb were found highest among all the heavy metals in the fish samples. THQ values of Cu and Cd in Sardinellalongiceps and Cu in Merlucciusmerloccius were higher than 1. Health risk assessment of Ni and Pb in all the fish studied and Cd in Sardinellalongiceps indicates that their consumption may be unsafe.

Download Full-text

Heavy Metal Burden and Evaluation of Human Health Risks in Tomato Fruits Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

Asian Food Science Journal ◽

10.9734/afsj/2019/v9i130001 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

A. I. Yaradua ◽

A. J. Alhassan ◽

A. Nasir ◽

M. Bala ◽

A. Usman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Health Risks ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Risk Level ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Moderate Risk ◽

Tomato Fruits ◽

The Mean

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Tomato fruits cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Tomato fruits in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated tomato fruits were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study has shown that with the exception of the mean values for the heavy metal Pb (1.171–1.21 mg/kg), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Zn (0.558- 1.851), Fe (0.880–1.181), Mn (0.458-0.671) and Cd (0.054-0.062) were below the WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all the samples. All the studied tomato fruits showed the risk level (HI < 1). 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 were in the decreasing order Mn>Zn>Pb>Fe>Cd, for all the tomato fruits respectively. ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd violated the risk. The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed in decreasing order: Daura senatorial zone > Funtua senatorial zone> Katsina senatorial zone for both adult and children. Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied tomato fruits reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adults, while in children it is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). The study suggests that consumption of the studied tomato fruits in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Health Effect of Some Selected Heavy Metals in Maize Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

Asian Plant Research Journal ◽

10.9734/aprj/2019/v2i330048 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

A. I. Yaradua ◽

A. J. Alhassan ◽

L. A. Saulawa ◽

A. Nasir ◽

K. I. Matazu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Health Risks ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Health Concern ◽

Risk Level ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Cancer Risks ◽

Moderate Risk

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in maize cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated maize in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards and asses the health risks to the local consumers. Samples of cultivated maize were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through the intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study have shown that with the exception of the heavy metal Pb the concentration values of Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have also indicated that the estimated daily intake of the heavy metals was lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all samples. 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>Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd, for all the samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the hazard index (HI < 1) with highest in the sample from Dabai and lowest in the sample from Funtua. In adults the ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) in all the studied samples, while the ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for the sample from Kafur which is above the limit (>10−2). In children ILCR for Cd in all samples and Pb for samples from Birchi, Katsina and Malunfashi has reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai, Funtua and Kafur is above the limit (>10−2). The trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied maize samples showed: Kafur> Dabai > Funtua> Malunfashi > Katsina. Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in adults of all the studied maize samples reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for sample from Kafur which is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). While the cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in children of all the studied maize samples is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2) except for sample from Katsina which is within the moderate risk limit (>10−3). Among all the studied samples maize sample from Kafur has the highest chances of cancer risks (ILCR 1.297980 × 10−2 in adults, 1.510018 × 10−2 in children) and sample from Katsina has the lowest chances of cancer risk (ILCR 1.68603093 × 10−3 in adults, 7.775840 × 10−3 in children). The study suggests that consumption of the studied maize samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Download Full-text

The Safety Assessment of Toxic Metals in Commonly Used Herbs, Spices, Tea, and Coffee in Poland

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115779 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5779

Author(s):

Grażyna Kowalska

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Environmental Protection Agency ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

World Health Organisation ◽

World Health ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Plant Materials

The presented study was aimed at the determination of the level of contamination with heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) in 240 samples of plant materials, i.e., herbal raw materials, spices, tea, and coffee. Moreover, a probabilistic risk assessment (noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks) was estimated by models including target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR). The samples were subjected to microwave mineralisation with the use of HNO3 (65%), while the determination of the content of the elements was performed with the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP–MS) and a mercury analyser. The element which was characterised by the highest level of accumulation in the analysed samples was lead (from 0.010 to 5.680 mg/kg). Among the heavy metals under analysis, the lowest concentration was noted in the case of mercury (from 0.005 to 0.030 mg/kg). A notably higher level of contamination with heavy metals was noted in the analysed samples of herbs and spices (0.005–5.680 mg/kg), compared to samples of tea and coffee (0.005–0.791 mg/kg). According to the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) concerning the limits of contamination of samples of herbal raw materials with heavy metals, lead levels exceeding the limits were only noted in 24 samples of herbs (18%). In all of the analysed samples of spices, tea, and coffee, no instances of exceeded limits were noted for any of the analysed heavy metals. The values of TTHQmax (in relation to the consumption of the analysed products) were as follows: up to 4.23 × 10−2 for spices, up to 2.51 × 10−1 for herbs, up to 4.03 × 10−2 for China tea, and up to 1.25 × 10−1 for roasted coffee beans. As the value of THQ ≤1, there is no probability of the appearance of undesirable effects related to the consumption of the analysed group of raw materials and products of plant origin. The CR value for As (max. value) was 1.29 × 10−5, which is lower than the maximum acceptable level of 1 × 10−4 suggested by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Download Full-text

Multiannual Assessment of the Risk of Surface Water Erosion and Metal Accumulation Indices in the Flysch Stream Using the MARS Model in the Polish Outer Western Carpathians

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11247189 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (24) ◽

pp. 7189

Author(s):

Wiktor Halecki ◽

Tomasz Kowalik ◽

Andrzej Bogdał

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Surface Water ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Regional Scale ◽

Arable Land ◽

Water Erosion ◽

Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines ◽

Agricultural Activity ◽

Outer Western Carpathians

The anthropogenic problems in richly sculpted areas (mountain and submontane) are mainly related to agricultural activity, which shapes the quality of surface waters. This paper presents an analysis of the results of the hydrochemical tests carried out in the years 2007–2018 at check-control spots. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI < 100) indicated a low risk for aquatic organisms. The statistical calculations obtained by means of multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) designated that the hazard quotient (HQ) index can be combined with the electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved substances (TDS) parameters used in the assessment of water erosion. The HQ index showed that the concentration of individual heavy metals is lower than their value in the 0.5 percentile of the value. In subsequent studies, it should be assessed whether the size of arable land has an impact on the increased concentration of heavy metals in the surface water. We recommend small retention reservoirs as a potential management measure to improve the quality of the surface water at a regional scale. This study has great potential to mitigate the degradation processes related to the insufficient storage capacity, and to promote natural water retention.

Download Full-text

Bioconcentration, Potential Health Risks, and a Receptor Prediction Model of Metal(loid)s in a Particular Agro-Ecological Area

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app9091902 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 1902 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kui Cai ◽

Zefeng Song

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Prediction Model ◽

Soil Properties ◽

Health Risks ◽

Agricultural Soils ◽

Hazard Quotient ◽

Target Hazard Quotient ◽

Potential Health ◽

Food Structure ◽

Accumulation Index

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.

Download Full-text

Consumption of Raw Herbal Medicines Is Associated with Major Public Health Risks amongst Ugandans

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2020/8516105 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Fred Ssempijja ◽

Keneth Iceland Kasozi ◽

Ejike Daniel Eze ◽

Andrew Tamale ◽

Sylvia Anurika Ewuzie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Heavy Metals ◽

Developing Countries ◽

Health Risks ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

World Health ◽

Health Concern ◽

Vernonia Amygdalina ◽

Increased Risk

Background. Community consumption of herbal plants in developing countries is a common practice, however, scarcity of information on their physiochemical composition is a major public health concern. In Uganda, Vernonia amygdalina is of interest in rural communities due to its therapeutical action on both bacterial and protozoal parasites, however no studies have been conducted to assess the heavy metal concentrations in traditional plants used in alternative medicine. The aim of the study was to establish concentrations of heavy metals in Vernonia amygdalina, model the estimated daily intake (EDI), and assess both the non-cancer-related health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the risk related to cancer through the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the Ugandan population. Methods. Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina were collected from 20 georeferenced villages and processed into powder in the laboratory using standard methods. These were then analyzed in the laboratory using an atomic absorption spectrometer for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Concentrations were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The EDI, THQ, and ILCR were modelled and significance was measured at 95% confidence. Results. The study showed that mean ± SEM concentrations of heavy metals were highest in the order of Cr, 121.8 ± 4.291 ppm > Ni, 84.09 ± 2.725 ppm > Zn, 53.87 ± 2.277 ppm > Pb, 40.61 ± 3.891 ppm > Cu, 28.75 ± 2.202 ppm > Fe, 14.15 ± 0.7271 ppm > Co, 7.923 ± 0.7674 ppm > Cd, 0.1163 ± 0.005714 ppm. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, and Ni were significantly higher than the WHO limits. The EDI was significantly higher in children than in adults, demonstrating an increased risk of toxicity in children. The THQ and ILCR were over 1000 times higher in all Ugandans, demonstrating the undesirable health risks following oral consumption of Vernonia amygdalina due to very high Cr and Ni toxicities, respectively. Conclusion. Consumption of raw Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a high carcinogenic risk, demonstrating a need to enact policies to promote physiochemical screening of herbal medicines used in developing countries against toxic compounds.

Download Full-text