Analysis of physicochemical attributes, contamination level of trace metals and assessment of health risk in mango fruits from Southern region Ethiopia

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most threats that can endanger human health due to accumulation and consumption of fruits. Our study was aimed to evaluate physicochemical quality parameters, level of heavy metals, and assessment of health risks of lead (Pb), Manganes (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in mango fruits from Arba Minch, Wolaita Sodo, and Damote Gale study areas. Quality parameters such as, total soluble solid, moisture, ash, titratable acidity, pH, total sugar, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar, fat and fiber content of mango fruit were ranged between 15.68° and 18.92°B, 81.080-84.320 %,g, 4.040-4.080, 11.56-12.95%, 10.07-12.54%, 1.60-3.83%,0.397-0.673%, and 1.338-2.375% 0.283-1.030 %, 0.311-0.366mg/100g, 4.040-4.080, 11.56-12.95 %, 10.07-12.54 %, 1.60-3.83 %,0.397-0.673 %, and 1.338-2.375 % respectively. The average levels of metals in mango fruits were in the range Fe (1.166-1.486mg/kg), Cu (0.019-0.198mg/kg), Mn (0.121-0.239mg/kg), Zn (0.134-0.321mg/k), Pb (0.035-0.097mg /kg) and Cd (0.193mg/kg). Chromium is not detected in our study, because its level is below the detection limit. On average within metals, the highest level was obtained in Fe in the range 1.166-1.486mg/kg, whereas the minimum level was determined in Pb from 0.035 to 0.097mg/kg. The EDI values of accumulated elements in mango fruits follows the increasing order as; Fe Zn > Mn > Cu > Cd > Pb. Except Damot Gale sample in moderate range, the values of total carcinogenic risks (TCR) in all metals were less than 1 × 10-6, which is considered to be safe. All THQ and HI values were 1, which indicates that the accumulated metals did not contribute risk for human health. The present study clearly indicated that the consumption of mango fruits in the studied areas does not pose any health hazard associated with any of the selected heavy metals.