scholarly journals Human Risk from Exposure to Heavy Metals and Arsenic in Water from Rivers with Mining Influence in the Central Andes of Peru

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1946
Author(s):  
María Custodio ◽  
Walter Cuadrado ◽  
Richard Peñaloza ◽  
Raúl Montalvo ◽  
Salomé Ochoa ◽  
...  

Water pollution by heavy metals is one of the leading environmental concerns as a result of intense anthropogenic pressure on the aquatic environment. This constitutes a significant limitation to the human right of access to drinking water. In this context, the risk to humans from exposure to heavy metals and arsenic in water from rivers subject to mining influence in the Central Andes of Peru was assessed. Water samples were collected from seven rivers at 63 sampling sites, and concentrations of Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, and As were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cluster analysis was used to group 21 sampling sites into four groups with similar chemical characteristics, and principal component analysis was used to simplify the complex relationship between the toxic elements by generating two main components with a total percentage of variation of 86%. Fe, Zn, and As had higher percentages of contribution in the Mantaro, Cunas, and Chia rivers. The hazard quotient was highest for children and adults. The hazard index for ingestion of all the studied heavy metals and As was higher than the threshold value (HIing > 1). HIing in 43% of the rivers indicated that the adult population is at risk of non-carcinogenic effects, and HIing in 14% of the rivers revealed a very high health risk. The risk of cancer by ingestion for children varied from medium to high risk and for adults from low to high risk.

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6832
Author(s):  
Md. Foysal Hasan ◽  
Md. Nur-E-Alam ◽  
Mohammed Abdus Salam ◽  
Hafizur Rahman ◽  
Shujit Chandra Paul ◽  
...  

Despite significant contributions to the national economy of Bangladesh, various urban developments, massive industrial and growing shipping activities are making the water of many urban rivers, including Karnaphuli River, extremely polluted. To find out the pollution sources and their possible health effects, 45 water samples were collected from 15 sampling stations. Investigation of six physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, conductivity, salinity, and turbidity) through in-situ measurements and eight heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) status using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was carried out in this research. Both the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO)’s permeable threshold limit. The calculated hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) ingestion values indicate non-carcinogenic risk both for adults and children, but dermal exposure was within the safety limit. Carcinogenic risk analysis revealed that Cd could cause a risk of cancer in those using the river water for a long period. Spatial analysis and metal pollution index (MPI) results exhibit that downstream of the river water is more polluted than upstream of the river. Overall, the findings of this study imply that polluted water is a threat to human health and the results will also help to undertake proper management strategies and incorporate monitoring programs that study river water for the implementation of safety measures to protect human health.


2013 ◽  
Vol 680 ◽  
pp. 86-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Zhe He ◽  
Qiang Feng ◽  
Pei Long Sun

As the consumption of honey is booming because of its multiple health-promoting effects, the possible health risks resulting from long-term exposure to metals contained in this honey need to be evaluated. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, As,Hg and Zn) in three sources of honeys collected from China, were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) and hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) after microwave-assisted digestion. The rangs obtained for the element analyzed in ug kg-1 were as follow:Cd(4.9)Comparing with safety intake levels for these heavy metals recommended by US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), both the Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for single heavy metal and the Hazard Index (HI) value for all six heavy metals were far below 1, indicating no chronic-toxic risks from these heavy metals due to daily consumption of 0.01 kg of honey for a 70 kg individual.


2021 ◽  
pp. 096032712199321
Author(s):  
M Charehsaz ◽  
S Helvacıoğlu ◽  
S Çetinkaya ◽  
R Demir ◽  
O Erdem ◽  
...  

In this study, the level of arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and also essential elements in beer samples consumed in Turkey were investigated using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The heavy metal-induced non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were calculated. For essential elements, the calculated estimated daily intake of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and cobalt (Co) from beer consumption were compared with their toxicity reference values. Tukey post-hoc test showed that As was found at a significantly higher level when compared to Pb. Also, a significant correlation was found between As level and alcohol by volume percent. All samples had a hazard quotient and hazard index <1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to single or multiple heavy metals. Some samples exceeded the threshold limit of acceptable cancer risk for As in the high beer consumer group. This assessment showed that in addition to health implications based on the alcohol content of beer, there might be a carcinogenic risk associated with the heavy metals content of these beverages.


Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 320
Author(s):  
Chuanyou Su ◽  
Yanan Gao ◽  
Xueyin Qu ◽  
Xuewei Zhou ◽  
Xue Yang ◽  
...  

This study evaluated chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination in raw milk from industrial areas in China, identified the possible pathways of heavy metals from the environment to raw milk, and made a risk assessment of the consumption of heavy metals from milk consumption. The Cr, As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in raw milk, water and silage were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Cr and As in soil were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. Cd and Pb in soil were determined by a Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Cr and As concentrations in milk from industrial areas were 2.41 ± 2.12 and 0.44 ± 0.31 μg/kg, respectively, which were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those from non-industrial areas, which had levels of 1.10 ± 0.15 and 0.25 ± 0.09 μg/kg, respectively. Chromium was mainly transferred through the soil-silage-milk pathway, As was transferred through the water-silage-milk pathway, while Cd was mainly transferred through the soil (water)-silage-milk pathway. The contributions of each metal to the overall hazard index (HI) followed a descending order of As, Cr, Pb, and Cd, with values of 46.64%, 25.54%, 24.30%, and 3.52%, respectively. Children were at higher risk than adults.


2014 ◽  
Vol 955-959 ◽  
pp. 993-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Na Shi ◽  
Xun Xu ◽  
Xu Dong Zhao ◽  
Xiao Yan Dou ◽  
Qian Qian Zhao

The human risks of As and heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd and Hg) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Xining, China is investigated here in this study. Cu, As and Pb are the most abundant elements in stationary monitoring station for atmospheric pollution and mountain Najia. As, Pb and Cr are the most abundant elements in the park of organisms and Xining Special Steel between the studied metals and metalloids in PM2.5. Pb and As showed a higher bio-accessibility. It has been shown that the carcinogenic risks of As, Cd, Cr and Ni in PM2.5 via dermal contact and inhalation exposure are within the acceptable level (<1×10-4) for both children and adults, but there is a potential carcinogenic risk posed by Pb via ingestion. As for non-carcinogenic health risks, the hazard index values for all the studied elements suggested no health risks via ingestion and dermal contact, but a potential one via inhalation of adults. Values of hazard quotient and hazard index indicated the non-carcinogenic risks from the studied metals and metalloids to children via ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation pathways during heating period in Xining given the present air quality .


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saleem ◽  
Javed Iqbal ◽  
Munir H. Shah

The present study is carried out for the assessment of water quality parameters and selected metals levels in surface water from Mangla Lake, Pakistan. The metal levels (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Average levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb were higher than the allowable concentrations set by national and international agencies. Principal component analysis indicated significant anthropogenic contributions of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb in the water reservoir. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment was then evaluated using Hazard QuotientHQing/dermand Hazard IndexHIing/dermfollowing USEPA methodology. For adults and children, Cd, Co, Cr, and PbHQing>1emerged as the most important pollutants leading to noncarcinogenic concerns via ingestion route, whereas there was no risk via dermal contact of surface water. This study helps in establishing pollutant loading reduction goal and the total maximum daily loads, and consequently contributes to preserve public health and develop water conservation strategy.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (10) ◽  
pp. 3099-3114
Author(s):  
Pravina Jeevanaraj ◽  
Aliah Ahmad Foat ◽  
Halimah Tholib ◽  
Nurul Izzah Ahmad

PurposeMalaysians are the highest seafood consumers in the region; be it fresh or processed. Environmental pollution has put the safety of seafood at stake, heavy metals among others. This study was done to assess the health risk associated with selected heavy metals ingestion from processed seafood.Design/methodology/approachThe most preferred processed seafood type and the intake rates were determined from a cross-sectional survey among communities in Shah Alam, Selangor (n = 90). The processed seafood were then purchased from local traders (n = 81), underwent homogenization, acid digestion (0.5 g) in Multiwave 3,000 and heavy metal quantitation (Hg, Pb, Cd, As) using ICP-MS. Estimated weekly ingestion (EWI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), lifetime cancer risk (LCR), and target risk (TR) were used to estimate the risk associated with processed seafood consumption.FindingsArsenic was the highest metal detected, acetes topping the list (10.05 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Mercury was detected at significantly higher level in salted fourfinger threadfin (0.88 ± 0.09 mg/kg) while Pb and Cd in toli shad (2.67 ± 0.16 mg/kg; 0.32 ± 0.22 mg/kg). Non-cancer risk was estimated for consumption of dried/salted food types with hazard index (HI) anchoives (5.2) > salted fourfinger threadfin (1.8) > toli shad (1.7). Besides, an unacceptable cancer risk was estimated for all food types for continuous consumption (Total risk (TR) > 10–4), except the dried acetes.Research limitations/implicationsThis study implies that although the concentration of most heavy metals were well below the permitted value, significant amount of risk present for consumption of several species. In addition, for selected heavy metals such as Hg and As, speciation analysis followed by risk assessment would provide a clearer picture.Practical implicationsThere is a need to refer back to the local permissible level of heavy metals in processed seafood and formulate safe consumption guide.Social implicationsThe food types are advised to be consumed with caution especially by the sensitive group.Originality/valueThis study estimated the risk of cancer and other non-cancer disease from processed seafood consumption among Malaysian women.


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.


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