Abstract
Application of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) to marginal soil enhances crop growth but could also serve as source of pollutants into agroecosystem. There is scanty report on bioavailability of potentially toxic element (PTE) and the health risk of consuming popcorn kernel harvested from field fertilized with MSWC. Field trial was carried out in 2017–2019 to evaluate bioavailability of PTEs in kernel of popcorn harvested from field fertilized with MSWC. The trial was conducted at the experimental field of North-West University, Mafikeng campus South Africa. The treatments comprised three rates of MSWC including 0 t/ha (unamended, control), 4 t/ha and 8 t/ha arranged in randomized complete block design and replicated four times. One seed of popcorn was sown at 20 × 70 cm spacing per hole of 3 cm depth in a 6 × 4.2 m plot size. Growth and yield data were collected at maturity. Ears were harvested at maturity and the kernels were dried to 12% moisture content. Air-dried kernels (50 g) samples were collected and analyzed for essential mineral nutrient and some heavy metal(loid)s using ICP-MS. Measured concentrations of these heavy metal(loid)s were then used to calculate the health risk for adults and children. The results showed that uptake concentration was in the order K+ > HPO42− > Mg+2 > Ca2+ > Fe2+ > Cr6+ > Zn2+ > Mn2+ > Cu2+(mg/kg). Uptake concentration of metalloids: Al and Pd was significantly higher in the unamended. Bioavailability of PTE was highest in unamended plots. The average daily intake of the PTEs was within the recommended permissible level. The risk index value for oral pathway was < 1 for both adult and children population. Amending Ferric Luvisol with 80 t/ha MSWC enhanced popcorn growth and, concentration of accumulated PTEs in kernels at this rate, cannot pose health risk to both adult and children population.
Highlights
Popcorn (Zea mays everta L.), a low-fat whole-grain snack is a pleasant delight in many homes, parks and recreational centers
The compost used is rich in essential plant nutrients, alkaline in nature with substantial amount of organic carbon which was 86% higher than the organic carbon in the soil
The concentration of toxic metals found in the soil prior to application of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) was in trace quantity below the risk threshold
Summary
Popcorn (Zea mays everta L.), a low-fat whole-grain snack is a pleasant delight in many homes, parks and recreational centers. The popped kernel is a rich source of vitamins, insoluble fiber and antioxidants, especially phenolic acids (Coco & Vinson, 2019). Its nutritional value is far greater than many commonly consumed grain or potato based snacks. According to Nguyen et al (2012), consumption of popcorn as a chow is more beneficial in reducing cardiovascular incidence in humans. The kernel is low in calories and rich nutrient source as grub than veggies, fruits and some other whole grain like wheat (de Graaf, 2006, Grandjean, 2008). Popcorn belongs to the family poaceae and performs excellently well on well drain fertile soil
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
