Estimation of health risks due to copper-based nanoagrochemicals.

Abstract

This study estimated health risks due to two types of copper-based nanoagrochemicals (Cu (OH)2 and CuO nanoparticles (NPs)), during inadvertent ingestion of soil and consumption of leafy vegetables for a hypothetical exposure scenario. The dissolution of copper-based nanoagrochemicals in human digestive system was considered for estimating realistic doses. No risk was found during soil ingestion (hazard quotient (HQ) <1). HQ (no dissolution of Cu (OH) 2 nanopesticides) (HQ= 0.015) comes out to be 2 times higher than that of HQ (100% dissolution of Cu (OH)2 nanopesticides into copper ions) (HQ= 0.007). In case of risk from consumption of leafy vegetables, the following order of risk was found (high to low HQ value): Cu (OH)2 (HQ= 1925) >CuO NPs (1402). Combined exposure of Cu (OH)2 nanopesticide through soil ingestion as well as consumption of contaminated edible leafy vegetables resulted in health risks. The calculated maximum allowable applicable concentration values of Cu (OH)2 and CuO NPs without posing risk to human and plant toxicity were found to be 1.14 and 0.45 mg/L, respectively. These findings can be used now for deciding safe use of copper-based nanoagrochemicals.