scholarly journals Heavy Metals Contamination and Human Health Risk Asssessment Via Consumption of Medicinal Plants from Amassoma Community, Bayelsa State of Nigeria

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):  
Ahiakwo Bright Ogbo ◽  
Kingsley C. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu

Background: Anthropogenic activities such as excessive oil exploration, automobile emissions with agricultural activities, etc tend to elevate the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil. These metals are accumulated by plant roots, thereby resulting to heavy metal contamination of such plants. Objectives: This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals namely: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Iron (Fe), and Copper (Cu) in edible vegetables from selected communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State, Nigeria, and the concentrations of these metals were used to assess the human health risk posed to the consumers of the edible vegetables. Materials and Methods: Sixteen different vegetable samples comprising Vernonia amygdalina, Talinum triangulare, Abelmoschus esculentus and Telfairia occidentalis were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (F-AAS). Results obtained from this study were used to estimate the human health risk of these heavy metals. Results: The results showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni, As, Fe, and Cu ranged from 0.168-4.908; 0.364-2.977; 2.780-10.241; 0.157-2.633; 61.589-101.520 and 12.029-46.540 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and As in some of the analyzed vegetable samples exceeded the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO, EC/CODEX and NAFDAC respectively. The concentration of Fe and Cu were below the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd exceeded the permissible tolerable daily intake of metals (TDI) but fall within the upper tolerable daily intake (UTDI) recommended by Institute of medicine, FDA, also Ni, Fe, and Cu fall within the recommended TDI and the UTDI. The EDI values of As exceeded the recommended TDI and the UTDI. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values of Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni were greater than 1. The Life Cancer Risk (LCR) of Pb were within the range of permissible predicted lifetime risks for carcinogens as recommended by US EPA. Conclusion: The result from the present study indicate that the exposed population may be at risk of Pb, Cd, Ni and Cu toxicity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (05) ◽  
pp. 46-54
Author(s):  
Thiep V. Vo

Siganus fuscescens Houttuyn, 1782 is one of the common fish species in Quang Binh province and consumers are favored by its high nutritional value. However, the consumption of Siganus fuscescens may pose potential risks to human health since they can accumulate significant amounts of heavy metals in their tissues. From July to October 2019, a total of 50 individuals of Siganus fuscescens were randomly collected through fishermen at local markets in Quang Binh province. Liver, gills, and muscles were dissected and analyzed for cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, and iron contents by the flame atomic absorption spectrometer, and the cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometer for mercury content. The metal content in all tested samples was lower than the threshold limit value by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MoH). The risk to human health by the intake of metal contaminated Siganus fuscescens was evaluated by estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). All the EDI values were below the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) set by the MoH, and all of THQ and HI values for male and female consumers did not exceed 1, indicating that there was no potential human health risk in consuming Siganus fuscescens from coastal areas of Quang Binh province.


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):  
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.


Biologija ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ijeoma Patience Oboh ◽  
Benjamin Chima Okpara

Consumption of fish is a primary route of exposure to heavy metals that could be detrimental to human health due to the tendency of bioaccumulation and biomagnification along the food chain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of heavy metals (Ni, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Cr) in two commercially available fishes, Clarias gariepinus and Parachanna obscura, and to estimate the health risks they pose to humans through consumption. Twenty-four (24) fish samples (triplicates for each month for the two species) were collected between July and October 2017. Heavy metals were identified using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the health risk to consumers was evaluated using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and the Hazard Index (HI). The THQ for the individual metals in C. gariepinus and P. obscura occurred in the decreasing order of Cr > Pb > Ni and Cr > Pb > Ni > Fe with risk values of 0.015, 0.004, and 0.001, and 0.014, 0.010, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively. The hazard index for C. gariepinus and P. obscura were 0.021 and 0.027, respectively. The values of the hazard index values of the two fish species were below the threshold value of 1, an indication of no potential health risk to consumers of the fishes. However, with the occurrence of bioaccumulation of metals in the studied fishes, regular monitoring of the river is recommended.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koh Han Dee ◽  
Faizuan Abdullah ◽  
Siti Nor Aini Md Nasir ◽  
Suganthi Appalasamy ◽  
Rozidaini Mohd Ghazi ◽  
...  

Corbicula fluminea serves as traditional food to the local people in Kelantan, Malaysia. Concerns regarding river contamination, smoking method, and associated adverse effects on public health had been increasing. Hence, this study aims to measure the level of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and assess human health risk in C. fluminea consumption at Kelantan. Heavy-metal analysis was done using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while human health risk was assessed using provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) for all metals was found within PTWI, while THQ for Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn was 0.12, 0.06, 0.04, 0.41, and 0.03, respectively. The HI was calculated at 0.61 which is less than 1, considered as the safe consumption level. Therefore, C. fluminea consumption in this study was found safe from the health risk of noncarcinogenic effect over a lifetime.


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):  
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.


Food safety is of great concern in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria because of its pollution levels. Shell fish is one of the major diets of the people of Rivers State and they affect a large market and customer target in the region. This study was aimed at assessing the human health risk from consuming oysters bought from different markets in Rivers State namely; Creek Road market Borokiri, Mile 3 Market and Choba Market while Oysters harvested from ARAC (Buguma) were used as control. Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co) and Nickel (Ni) were analysed in all samples using the Atomic absorption spectrometer. Cobalt had the highest concentration in all the samples from the markets except Mile 3 market, it ranged from 0.011-0.014mg/kg, while Lead ranged from 0.007-0.012 mg/kg, Chromium ranged from 0.008-0.010 mg/kg, Nickel ranged from 0.008-0.021 mg/kg and Cadmium ranged from 0.001-0.007mg/kg .The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of these metals were calculated, Target Human Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) derived. EDI values were within tolerable limit. THQ and HI calculated indicated likely risk from oyster consumption since the values obtained were above the threshold of one (1) for lead, Cobalt and Cadmium, long term consumption may lead to health risk.


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