Health risk assessment via consumption of Pb and Cd contaminated vegetables collected from fresh markets in the lower north of Thailand

This study aimed to investigate the Pb and Cd contamination and health risk assessment for population via consumption of vegetables sold in fresh markets around the lower north of Thailand. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in various vegetables such as root/tuber, stem, inflorescence, fruit, and leaf vegetables were analyzed using an atomic absorption spec-trophotometer. Human health risks of these metals in vegetables were assessed based on target hazard quotient (THQ). The results indicated that more than 80% of the Pb and Cd in almost all vegetable samples exceeded the maximum allowable concentration by National Food Institute criteria with an average range of 0.96–3.39 and 0.48–1.40 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of Pb and Cd via dietary consumption of vegetables were between 0.001–0.010 and 0.002–0.008 mg/kg/d, respectively. All EDIs of Pb contaminated vegetables were higher than the reference dose recommended by the USEPA except for leaf edible vegetables, while all EDIs of Cd contaminated vegetables were higher than the reference dose recommended by the USEPA. THQ indicated that the consumption of Pb contaminated root/tuber, stem, inflorescence, and fruit edible vegetables and Cd contaminated leaf vegetable for the local population in the lower north of Thailand could be a severe health risk problem.     

Concentrations of Selected Trace Elements in Marine Bivalves and the Dietary Risk to Residents of Dalian City,Northern China

To assess the potential health risks associated with selected trace elements due to consumption of bivalves, a screening-level risk assessment was conducted through consideration of internationally accepted dietary guidelines and the calculation of hazard quotients. Seventeen edible bivalve species were collected from a local market in Dalian City, China. The ranges obtained for the trace elements analyzed in mg/kg dry weight were as follows: Cu (1.8–133), Zn (56–693), Mn (5.7–150), Se (0.2–3.8), Ni (0.56–7.67), Cd (0.04–10.3), Cr (0.48–2.23), Pb (0.01–1.63), Hg (0.07–0.35), and As (0.22–4.00). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of bivalves was 15.0–255.1 times lower than the RfD guidelines for all the trace elements studied. Further, the calculated hazard quotients (HQs) of the trace elements analyzed were well less than 1. Therefore, there were no potential human health risks to Dalian City consumers of marine bivalves.     

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in shellfish collected from Fujian,China

Abstract

With industrialization and human activities, shellfish may be contaminated by various pollutants such as heavy metals. This study aims at the concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb and Pb in shellfish collected from Fujian of China, and the risk of heavy metals in shellfish on human health based on target hazard quotients (THQ). Results showed that the THQ values of the elements were far below 1, except for As with an average value of 1.148 in razor clam. No detrimental health effects of heavy metals on humans health was observed by daily consumption of mussel and oyster, but the exposed population to short-necked clam, scallop and razor clam might experience noncarcinogenic health risks because each of the total THQ values was above 1 for the three shellfish.     

Human Health Risk from Metals in Fish from Saudi Arabia: Consumption Patterns for Some Species Exceed Allowable Limits

Fish are a healthful source of protein, but contaminants in some fish pose a risk. While there are multiple risk assessments from Europe and North America, there are far fewer for other parts of the world. We examined the risks from mercury, arsenic, lead, and other metals in fish consumed by people in Jeddah area, Saudi Arabia, using site-specific data on consumption patterns and metal levels in fish. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Hazard Quotient (HQ) and cumulative Hazard Index (HI) for non-cancer endpoints and Carcinogenic Index for cancer were used to determine the health risk based on fish consumption rates. Of the 13 fish species examined, HQ was greater than 1 (indicating elevated risk) in two species for arsenic, and seven species for methylmercury. The cumulative HI for all metals was above 1 for all but three species of fish at the mean consumption rates. Generally, fish species with HI above 1 for one sampling location, had HI above 1 for all sampling locations. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of strategies for reducing risk from fish consumption while encouraging dietary intakes of fish with low mercury and arsenic levels.     

Drinking water quality and risk implications for community health: A case study of shallow water wells and boreholes in three major communities in Northern Cross-River,Southern Nigeria

The quality of water sources and its potential health implications to adults and children populations of respective major communities in Northern Cross-River was assessed. Water samples (n = 10/water source/site) were collected from three (Okpoma, Okuku and Ugaga) communities and heavy metal concentrations (Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), and Zinc (Zn)) were evaluated using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Overall, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Co were higher than drinking water guidelines, while only Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn were within the permissible limits. The estimated average daily intake (EADI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) were used to determine risk implications for adult and children consumer populations. The EADI for Pb in adults for borehole water, Pb and Cr by child consumer population for borehole and shallow well water exceeded the reference dose (RfD) by USEPA. The THQ for adult population were >1 for Pb in borehole water and >1 for Pb and Cr across all sites for the child consumer population. Overall, our findings indicate toxicity and higher hazard risk for both adult (Pb) and children (Pb and Cr) populations that source drinking water from borehole and shallow well water in these communities.     

Health Risk Assessment of Consumption of Heavy Metals in Market Food Crops from Sialkot and Gujranwala Districts,Pakistan

This study was performed to investigate the potential health risk of heavy metals (HMs) through consumption of market food crops (MFCs) in the Sialkot and Gujranwala districts, Pakistan. Both study areas are located in industrialized regions of the country, where atmospheric pollution is a problem and irrigation of food crops is mostly practiced on the use of wastewater/contaminated water. For the purpose of this study, MFCs samples were collected and assessed for HMs (Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe) by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Concentration of HMs such as Pb and Cd exceeded the Food and Agriculture/World Health Organization's recommended limits in all MFCs, while Cr in most of the vegetables of the Sialkot and Gujranwala districts also exceeded that limit. The health risk index was >1 in Triticum aestivum for Pb and Cd intake in the Sialkot district and only Pb in the Gujranwala district. Therefore, this study suggests pretreatment of wastewater and its utilization for lawns and green belts irrigation, rather than for food crops. This study also suggests a regular monitoring of HMs in the irrigation water, subsequent soil, air, and MFCs in order to prevent or reduce health hazards.     

Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Metalloids Toxicity through Polluted Vegetables from Waste Water Irrigated Area of Punjab,Pakistan: Implications for Public Health

Rapid urbanization has no doubt provided prosperity to inhabitants but on the other hand, it has caused severe environmental problems, particularly soil and water pollution. This research was done to determine the magnitude of metal and metalloid contamination at two sites in soil and a potential vegetable crop, sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) irrigated with wastewater in the region of Sargodha, Pakistan. The results demonstrated that the metal and metalloid levels in the soil samples were relatively below the respective maximum permissible limits of various metals analyzed. Transfer factor for metal contents was greater at site-II than that observed at site-I. Health risk was also worked out due to the inhabitants' intake of L. cylindrica irrigated with municipal wastewater. At both sites, the health risk index was greater than 1 due to Mn, Mo, Pb, Cd, Cu and As, and Ni at site-1 and Zn at site-II, whereas less than 1 due to Fe, Se, and Co. It was concluded that the dietary intake of L. cylindrica was not free of risk for inhabitants around the sampling sites. To reduce the health risk effects, it is suggested to treat the industrial wastes properly and phyto-extract the overload of heavy metals and metalloids from polluted sites. But with increase in vegetable consumption by the community the situation could worsen in the future.     

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils and Vegetables from a Typical Greenhouse Vegetable Production System in China

There is growing concern about food safety and environmental contamination due to potential health risks to consumers. The aims of this study are to elucidate the accumulation status, influencing factors, and potential risk of selected heavy metals in soils and vegetables from a typical greenhouse vegetable production system in China. The potential health risks of heavy metals through soil contact and vegetable consumption were evaluated for greenhouse and corresponding open field production. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cu, and Zn in greenhouse vegetable soils were greater than those in open field soils. Leaf vegetables had relatively higher concentrations and transfer factors of heavy metals than root and fruit vegetables, especially for Cd. The target hazard quotient of heavy metals through vegetable consumption was greater than 1 for leaf vegetables, and was also higher for greenhouse vegetables than those from open field. The risk of exposure to heavy metals through direct contact with soil and vegetable consumption was higher for children than for adults and seniors. Planting patterns with different vegetable types and soil properties can affect bioavailability and crop accumulation of heavy metals.     

Dietary Intake of Pesticides Based on Vegetable Consumption in Ismailia,Egypt: A Case Study

The objective of this study was to assess pesticide residues in tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, and potatoes collected from local markets in Ismailia, Egypt, and to assess dietary intake and health risk implications of pesticide residues through food consumption. Vegetable selection was based on their popularity and consumption. Selection of pesticides was based on their impact on humans, and on their heavy use. The majority of the analyzed samples contained detectable levels of pesticides. Residues of some organophosphorus pesticides, including malathion, ethion, and profenofos and some pyrethroid pesticides such as fenpropathrin and cypermethrin were found in some samples at concentration equal to or exceeding their European Union's maximum residue limits (EU-MRLs). The fungicide bupirimate detected in potato samples exceeded the EU-MRL by 1500%. Phentohate and profenofos were the most frequently detected pesticides in 30 and 27% of analyzed samples, respectively. Data were used to estimate the potential health risks associated with exposure to these pesticides by ingestion of food. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of pesticides ranged from 0.03% to 40% of the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs), depending on pesticide concentration and vegetable consumption. Overall, the EDIs of the different pesticides from vegetable consumption are not considered a public health problem.     

Metals and arsenic in marine fish commercialized in the NE Brazil: Risk to human health

Abstract

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in fish is the result of long-term biomagnification in the food chain and is of public concern, due to the toxicity they engender. The objective of this research was to determine the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in 13 species of marine fish broadly commercialized in Aracaju, SE, Brazil and to evaluate the risks of fish consumption associated with these trace elements, using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). As, Cd, and Pb levels were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and mercury was analyzed via cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicate a large variability in concentrations for arsenic (0.07–2.03?mg kg^–1) and mercury (0.01–1.44?mg kg^–1), associated with the animal dietary category. Cadmium (0.04–0.19?mg kg^–1) and lead (<0.01–0.45?mg kg^–1), on the other hand showed a mild variability. None of the evaluated specimens had As, Cd, and Pb THQ values higher than 1. The THQ values for mercury were higher but indicated no consumption risk, except for amberjack, and snook fish. Overall THQ indicates lower risk of consumption in fish that are at the base of the food chain, than in those that are top predators.     

Concentrations of organophosphorus pesticides in rice (Oryza sativa) and human health risk assessment from Songhua River,Northeast China

The aim of this study was to investigate organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) concentrations in rice grains and estimate potential health risk to inhabitants. A total of 102 rice samples were collected from the Irrigated Area of Songhua River, located in Jilin province, one of the most important rice production areas and a key agricultural area in China. The twelve OPs were determined by gas chromatography coupled with flame photometric detector. Results showed that OPs concentrations in rice grains did not exceed maximum residue limit. The mean concentrations obtained for the detected twelve OPs in µg kg^?1 were as follows: omethoate (0.60), diazinon (0.56), parathion-methyl (0.54), dimethoate (0.38), isocarbophos (0.38), phorate (0.31), fenitrothion (0.24), parathion (0.23), fenthion (0.23), malathion (0.13), dichlorvos (0.13), and methamidophos (0.08). Diazinon (39.2%), omethoate (31.4%), and parathion-methyl (25.5%) had the highest frequency in the detected twelve OPs. 69.6% of samples contained more than one OP, 24.5% of samples detected one OP, and only 5.9% samples did not find any OPs. The average target hazard quotients were all less than one and average hazard index for adults and children were 0.273 and 0.238, respectively. Overall, results indicated that the intake of rice may be safe for consumers.     

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Potatoes Grown on Calcareous Soils of the Hamedan,Western Iran

This study was conducted to investigate heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils and their transfer in a soil-potato system. A total of 59 pairs of potato and soil samples, representing different locations were collected from Hamedan, western Iran and subjected to heavy metals analysis. Average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 1.2, 13.1, 161.4, 13.2, 3.2, 19.5, and 41.5 mg kg^?1 dry weight in potato tubers, respectively. A sequence of decreasing plant transfer factors values: Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni ≥ Mn > Fe was obtained. Furthermore, the health risk index (HRI) values were within the safe limit (<1) except for Cd and Pb. HRI values for Cd and Pb were higher than 1, indicating potential health risk, especially for children. The results indicated that daily intakes of Cd and Pb in potato in the study area may present a future hazard.     

Health Risks from Heavy Metals via Consumption of Cereals and Vegetables in Isfahan Province,Iran

The present study was conducted to assess the risks to human health from exposure to arsenic, lead, nickel, zinc, and copper through consumption of wheat, rice, and some vegetables in Isfahan Province, central Iran, using the total non-carcinogenic hazard quotient and cancer risk assessment estimates. Risk contribution from Ni is minimal compared with other metals and it was less than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The results showed that total non-carcinogenic hazard of As and Pb, were greater than 1, and total cancer risk of As slightly greater than 1 × 10^?4 for all age groups. Therefore, the inhabitants who reside in Isfahan Province may experience the adverse health risks via consumption of cereals and vegetables.     

Evaluation and Potential Health Hazard of Selected Metals in Water,Sediments, and Fish from the Gomti River

The health hazard associated with the consumption of fish from the Gomti River in India, contaminated with the heavy metals Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn was assessed in terms of target hazard quotients (THQs). The concentrations of metals (mg kg^?1, wet weight basis) in the muscle tissues of different fish species Mastacembelus puncalus, Clupisona garua, Cyrinous carpio, Botia lochachata, Channa punctatus, Heteropneustise fossilis, Puntius sofore, and Clarious batrachus ranged as follows: Cr (2.2–21.4), Cu (0.3–14.3), Mn (2.3–5.5), Ni (0.5–10.9), Pb (1.0–3.9), and Zn (12.3–46.9). The accumulation of metals in fish muscle tissue was in the order: Zn > Cr > Ni > Mn > Cu > Pb. THQs indicated a potential health hazard to children due to the consumption of fish contaminated with Ni and Pb; their THQs were greater than 1 for almost all fish species except for Ni in C. garua (THQ, 0.07) and C. carpio (THQ, 0.90). For adults, insignificant health hazard was associated with THQs less than 1 for all metals in the different fish species, but long-term exposure to these metals and subsequent bioaccumulation in the body may require additional investigation.     

Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Associated Health Risks in a Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant's Sludge for Its Land Application

The objectives of this study are to monitor the heavy metal concentrations in sludge samples collected from the Ankara Central Wastewater Treatment Plant (ACWWTP) in Turkey, check if these concentrations comply with the Turkish Regulation (Regulation Regarding the Use of Domestic and Urban Sludges on Soil), and evaluate possible health risks of heavy metals in sludge due to ingestion of sludge by a child. Monthly sludge samples were collected from the ACWWTP during 2012 and analyzed for seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn). According to the results from the study, heavy metal concentrations showed no common seasonal trend. All heavy metal concentrations, except for one sample in which Zn was found to be at the limit value, are below the Turkish Regulation limits. In addition, health risks calculations for the “child ingesting biosolids” pathway, which is one of the most critical pathways identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for land application, were carried out. Among the seven heavy metals, Pb contributed the most to the cumulative non-cancer health risks throughout 2012. Nevertheless, the results showed that cumulative non-cancer health risks associated with this pathway are within the acceptable non-cancer health risk level suggested by USEPA.     

Human health risk assessment of toxic elements in fish species collected from the river Buriganga,Bangladesh

Abstract

Multielement (48) analysis was carried out of various fish species collected from river Buriganga, the most polluted river in Bangladesh to assess human health risk by toxic elements. Sixteen elements that is, Be, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Ba, Hg, Pb, Bi, and U, were taken into account due to their toxicities on human health. Results show that concentrations of elements in various fish species were higher in winter than those in monsoon. Among 16 elements, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, Pb were above Food Safety Guideline in some fishes in winter. THQ and TTHQ/HI values were less than 1 for all fishes in monsoon while THQ and TTHW/HI values were more than 1 for most of fishes in winter. These results suggesting non-carcinogenic health hazard through consumption of contaminated fishes. Only As showed low cancer risk while no cancer risk was observed for other toxic elements in monsoon. In winter, Pb showed only moderate cancer risk for Mystus vittatus (site-7) while for other fishes low cancer risk was found by Pb. It can therefore be concluded that there is human health risk in consuming of fishes collected from river Buriganga especially in winter.     

Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in drinking water of Sistan and Baluchistan,Southeastern Iran

Access to safe and clean drinking water is an essential element of healthy life also known as the primary human needs. The present study was conducted to investigate heavy metal (HM) concentrations of drinking water. Excess health risk of HM (Cr, Pb, and Cd) intake is related to the drinking water consumption in local population. HMs concentrations were analyzed by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer and were compared with permissible limits regulated by country and World Health Organization (WHO). The hazard quotient (HQ) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) were determined to show the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of HMs, respectively. HQs were found in the order of Pb > Cd > Cr and subsequently HI index was also estimated for all HM in two age groups (children and adults). The comparisons indicate no possibility of non-carcinogenic effects to the local population. The values for ELCR were found in the order of Cr > Cd > Pb. The ELCR index was found above acceptable risk levels for chromium and cadmium in both children and adults groups. Furthermore, intermetal correlation results revealed that heavy metals have common sources resulting from geogenic and anthropogenic activities and these are major sources of water contamination in Sistan and Baluchestan province.     

Heavy Metals in the Tissues of Commercially Important Fish of Amurskii Bay,Sea of Japan

The concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cadmium, and mercury in tissues and organs of Pacific herring, Far Eastern navaga, and spotted flounder from Amurskii Bay, Sea of Japan, were determined using an atom-absorption method. The distribution of these elements has been studied in organisms of the fish. The greatest concentration of iron, copper, cadmium, and mercury is found in the liver of the fish, manganese is mostly accumulated in the bone tissue, and zinc is found in the skin. Some specific features of metal accumulation in the fish of Amurskii Bay have been revealed. For example, the concentration of iron in the liver of herring and flounder significantly increased the mean concentration known from other areas. A sanitary–hygienic evaluation is provided for the recent levels of metal concentrations in these three species of commercially important fish.     

Exposure to Metals through the Consumption of Fish and Seafood by the Population Living Near the Ebro River in Catalonia,Spain: Health Risks

The health risks due to metal exposure from consuming various fish and seafood species were assessed for the Catalan population living near the Ebro River (Spain). The concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, nickel, and lead were determined in samples of mussel, clam, hake, sole, cuttlefish, sardine, and anchovy randomly acquired in various localities of the zone under evaluation. In general terms, metal concentrations were similar or lower than the levels recently reported in the literature. The current dietary intake of metals is analogous to that recently estimated for the non-exposed population of Catalonia. Metal exposure through fish and seafood consumption would only mean a slight increase of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for arsenic, whereas the remaining elements showed risk values below the corresponding threshold levels.     

Dietary Intakes and Health Risk of Toxic and Essential Heavy Metals through the Food Chain in Agricultural,Industrial, and Coal Mining Areas of Northern India

Minerals can enter the food chain through industrial and mining activities. Soil-to-vegetable transfer is higher than soil-to-cereal, but human consumption of metals is attributable to balanced diets containing both vegetables and cereals and drinking water. However, the impact of location on intakes of metals from predominantly cereal-based Indian diets is not clear. Hence, the present study was undertaken in selected Agricultural, Industrial, and Coal Mining Areas (AA, IA, CMA) around the Allahabad District in Northern India to compare transfer of toxic metals, Pb, Cd, Cr and essential metals, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co in soil and water to common crops: cereals (rice, wheat, maize) and vegetables (spinach, potato), and to assess Daily Intake of Metal (DIM) and consequent Health Risk Index (HRI). The overall content of all metals, except Cu, in water, soils, and crops followed the pattern CMA > IA > AA. Transfer factors (TFs) followed the sequence spinach > potato > cereals. Quantitatively, however, cereals contribute maximally to a balanced diet, so DIM and HRI were higher from cereals than vegetables. Even though spinach had the highest TFs, cereals contributed maximally to HRI. CMA had the highest metal content so locally grown cereals contributed significantly to intake of both toxic and essential metals.