Evaluation of the concentration of minerals and heavy metals in some medicinal plants and the safety of their consumption

Heavy metal accumulation in medicinal plants has increased dramatically in recent years due to agricultural and industrial activities leading to pollution of natural sources. This study is focused on the concentration of trace elements and heavy metals in aboveground parts of 33 medicinal plants from the Eastern Mediterranean of Turkey. Results showed that the Al concentrations varied between 4.368 and 1104.627, the B level varied between 47.850 and 271.479, Ca values ranged between 1971.213 and 22,642.895, Cd concentrations ranged between 0.011 and 0.651, Cr contents varied between 1.371 and 41.692, Cu values varied between 13.278 and 42.586, Fe concentrations varied between 20.705 and 1276.783, K levels ranged between 652.143 and 14,440.946, Mg concentrations varied from 336.871 to 1869.486, Mn contents varied between 46.383 and 849.492, Na concentrations varied between 167.144 and 3401.252, Ni values varied between 0.065 and 9.968, Pb levels ranged between 1.311 and 16.238, and Zn concentrations ranged between 67.250 and 281.954 mg kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values for trace elements and estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) for heavy metals were calculated. The concentrations of heavy metals in some studied plants distributed in industrial and mining regions were found as slightly higher than the acceptable limits determined by WHO. Consequently, in order to prevent this heavy metal accumulation, when collecting medicinal aromatic plants, rural areas, close to clean rivers, or mountainous areas should be preferred, away from highway, mining, and industrial areas.

The study assesses associations between microelement levels, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stress markers in grass carp muscle in the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, various factors were considered, including the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and metal pollution index (MPI), to evaluate potential health risks for consumers. The microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and total mercury was determined using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Fatty acid profiling was realized using gas chromatography (GC) detection with a flame ionization detector (FID). The overall tendency of microelement levels was as follows: Fe > Zn > Al > Sr > Ba > Ni > Se > Cr> Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Li > Hg; <LOQ (below limit of quantification): Cd, and Co. The correlation analysis between concentrations of trace elements (Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Li, Sr, Zn, and Hg) and the fatty acids (C16:0, C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C20:4n6c, EPA, and DHA), as well as between Al, Ba, Fe, or Hg and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase—SOD, glutathione peroxidase—GPx, or total antioxidant status—TAS), revealed statistically significant interactions in different seasons. THQ values were lower than 1; TTHQ values ranged from 0.27 to 0.76. The main toxic elements forming TTHQ were Hg and Ni (49%). The calculated health risk assessment indices indicate a low concentration of observed elements and low risks associated with the consumption of grass carp muscle from the tested location, although concentrations and THQ of mercury and nickel may be of slight concern.

Soil and water from the trans-Himalayan high-altitude region contain high concentrations of various heavy metals. Vegetables and cereals such as cabbage, spinach, and wheat are most prone to heavy metal accumulation from soil and water which can be toxic for human consumption. It has yet to be studied how consumption of vegetables and cereal with excess heavy metal content can affect human health in high altitude areas. To this end, the objectives of this study are (a) quantify the concentrations of Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), Boron (B), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn) in three crops (wheat, cabbage, and spinach), and (b) evaluate the health risk of excess dietary heavy metal consumption in the local adult population using non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic parameters. A total of 60 samples were analyzed for minerals and potentially toxic elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results found that spinach has a high mineral content than wheat and cabbage. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of each metal in each crop was less than the limit of permissible value. The hazard index (HI) of three plant species, and target hazard quotient (THQ) were less than the threshold level (< 1). The carcinogenic risk (CR) value in all the crops was less than the unacceptable risk level (1 × 10-4). These findings suggest that consumption of wheat, spinach, and cabbage does not have any significant effect on human health due to presence of elevated heavy metals at this high altitude region. .

Gills and muscles of Tilapia fish from Naik lake of Nagpur city were estimated for heavy metals (Zinc, Lead, Nickel, Copper and Cadmium) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results showed higher concentrations of heavy metals in gills than in muscles of tilapia fish. Trends of heavy metal concentrations in gills and muscles of tilapia fish were found Zn > Pb> Ni> Cu >Cd. Highest lead and cadmium levels in muscles of the fish were 83±0.07 µg/g dw and 13±0.21 µg/g dw respectively. These levels were above the maximum permissible limits of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organisation (WHO). The results confirmed that tilapia fish from Naik lake are not safe for human consumption. Further, the health risks related to Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd were assessed based on target hazard quotients (THQ). The health risks from lead and cadmium were found to be the highest among all heavy metals in the study. THQ values of lead and cadmium were 4.0108, and 2.450, 0.818 and 2.57, 1.53 and 0.513 for person who eat tilapia fish from Naik lake five times, three times and once a week respectively. Maximum allowable daily consumption rate (CRlim) for lead and cadmium in tilapia fish from Naik Lake was 0.0015 kg/day and 0.0024 kg/day respectively. Highest allowable weekly (CRwm) and monthly (CRmm) consumption rates for lead and cadmium in tilapia fish from Naik Lake were 0.0105 kg/week , 0.0168 kg/week and 0.198 kg/month, 0.318 kg/month respectively. Above these values of highest allowable daily, weekly and monthly consumption rates for lead and cadmium are unsafe for inhabitant who eats tilapia fish from Naik lake. Health risk assessment of lead and cadmium in tilapia fish from Naik lake suggests that consumption of fish from Naik lake might be unsafe for humans. Regular assessment of heavy metals in fish in Naik lake must be conducted to assure food safety. Key words: Health risk estimation, heavy metals, tilapia fish, allowable daily consumption, target hazard quotients.

This study analyzed the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in the water and cultured oysters (Crassostrea iredalei) of Cañacao Bay, Philippines and assessed the health risks associated with these heavy metal contaminations. Oyster and water samples from three sampling stations were collected from October 2016 to January 2017 for heavy metal analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results showed low Pb and Cd concentrations in water and C. iredalei, which were within the maximum limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Pb concentrations in oysters ranged from &lt; 0.1 to 0.4 ± 0.1 mg/kg while Cd ranged from 0.027 ± 0.006 to 0.083 ± 0.006 mg/kg. Pb and Cd bioaccumulated in oyster tissues, but only Pb exhibited seasonal variation in concentration. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) were used to estimate noncarcinogenic health risks for Pb and Cd through oyster consumption. All THQs were below 1.0 indicating that there was no appreciable risk to the general population for developing noncarcinogenic effects caused by Pb and Cd in cultured oysters. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals in aquaculture areas and seafood is warranted to ensure food safety among consuming public.

Heavy metal accumulation and health risk assessment of crayfish collected from cultivated and uncultivated ponds in the Middle Reach of Yangtze River

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of eight heavy metals in lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit samples collected from orchards of the Dehradun and Haridwar districts in Uttarakhand, India. Lychee fruit samples were collected from ten (10) sampling locations from May to June 2023 and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results showed that lychee fruit samples showed varying levels of selected heavy metals, i.e., Cd (0.009–0.095 mg/kg), Cr (0.079–0.960 mg/kg), Cu (0.095–0.258 mg/kg), Fe (0.254–0.531 mg/kg), Pb (0.000–0.011 mg/kg), Mn (0.862–1.903 mg/kg), Ni (0.166–0.310 mg/kg), and Zn (0.076–0.149 mg/kg). It was observed that lychee fruit sampling sites near urban and industrial areas had higher concentrations of heavy metals as compared to those in rural and agricultural areas. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) and clustered heatmap dendrogram results showed that several sites had significant similarities in terms of heavy metal availability. Overall, the levels of all heavy metals were below the safe limits as suggested by health risk studies. The selected indices such as daily intake of metals (DIM), health risk index (HRI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) did not exceed the standard limit which indicated consumption of lychee fruit was safe at all sampling sites. The results of this study emphasize the need to regularly monitor lychee heavy metal levels and implement sustainable agricultural and environmental practices to reduce contamination sources.

Medicinal plants play a significant role in treatment of both animal and human diseases especially in rural Africa. In Kenya, majority of rural population depends on the medicinal plants and their formulations for healthcare needs as they are cheaper, accessible and believed to be safer. However, recent studies have shown some of these medicinal plants contain high concentrations of elements and other pollutants above WHO permissible limits. In this study the levels of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe), in soils and seven commonly used medicinal plants (MP) in the management of diabetes and anemia in Nyamira County-Kenya were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The levels were used to evaluate the health risk and the carcinogenic health risks associated with their consumption. The levels of the heavy metals (HM) ranged from Cd to Fe with 0.56 to 11,093.03 and 0.58 to 11,122.22 mg kg−1 in soils from Ekerenyo and Borabu respectively. The amounts of the HM in MP were: Fe (31.12–338.84), Cu (3.32–13.32), Zn (5.36–88.49), Cr (0.14–2.21), Mn (9.64–25.90) Cd (not detected—Nd-0.26) and Pb (Nd-1.04) mg kg−1 and the levels of the heavy metals between Ekerenyo and Borabu medicinal plants were not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Most medicinal plants had the estimated daily intake (EDI) values for most heavy metals of below recommended oral reference dosage (RfD) except for Mn that was slightly above acceptable limits and the non-carcinogenic health risks assessment, target hazard quotient (THQ) were less than one for most heavy metals, indicating that the MP were safe for consumption. The combined effect of all the heavy metals (HI) in each medicinal plant was greater than one indicating that the non-carcinogenic health effects may be caused as a result of prolonged usage. Carcinogenic assessment (TCR) revealed that for all the heavy metals in each medicinal plant were greater than the threshold limit and the consumption of the MP from the study areas should be consumed with caution.

Background Community consumption of herbal plants in developing countries is a common practice, however, scarcity of information on their physiochemical composition is a major public health concern. In Uganda, Vernonia amygdalina is of interest in rural communities due to its therapeutical action on both bacterial and protozoal parasites, however no studies have been conducted to assess the heavy metal concentrations in traditional plants used in alternative medicine. The aim of the study was to establish concentrations of heavy metals in Vernonia amygdalina, model the estimated daily intake (EDI), and assess both the non-cancer-related health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the risk related to cancer through the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the Ugandan population. Methods Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina were collected from 20 georeferenced villages and processed into powder in the laboratory using standard methods. These were then analyzed in the laboratory using an atomic absorption spectrometer for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Concentrations were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The EDI, THQ, and ILCR were modelled and significance was measured at 95% confidence. Results The study showed that mean ± SEM concentrations of heavy metals were highest in the order of Cr, 121.8 ± 4.291 ppm > Ni, 84.09 ± 2.725 ppm > Zn, 53.87 ± 2.277 ppm > Pb, 40.61 ± 3.891 ppm > Cu, 28.75 ± 2.202 ppm > Fe, 14.15 ± 0.7271 ppm > Co, 7.923 ± 0.7674 ppm > Cd, 0.1163 ± 0.005714 ppm. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, and Ni were significantly higher than the WHO limits. The EDI was significantly higher in children than in adults, demonstrating an increased risk of toxicity in children. The THQ and ILCR were over 1000 times higher in all Ugandans, demonstrating the undesirable health risks following oral consumption of Vernonia amygdalina due to very high Cr and Ni toxicities, respectively. Conclusion Consumption of raw Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a high carcinogenic risk, demonstrating a need to enact policies to promote physiochemical screening of herbal medicines used in developing countries against toxic compounds.

Exposure to heavy metals can endanger the health of exposed people in the long term. The consumption of fruit juice is increasing; it is important to estimate the health risk of consumers due to heavy metals. The current study was carried out for the analysis of toxic metals (lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd)) and essential elements (copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)) in 60 samples of traditional and industrial fruit juices (10 samples of different brands of apple, orange, grape, peach, mango, and pineapple) in Hamadan, West Iran, using inductivity coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The validation protocol included precision of the analytical method; recovery, the determination of the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and linearity were measured. Moreover, risk assessment was detected using target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR) by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) model. The ranking of metal concentration in traditional and industrial fruit juices was Zn > Cu > As > Pb > Cd. In all samples, concentrations of heavy metals in industrial fruit juices were higher than traditional fruit juices p < < 0.001. The level of metals in all samples was lower of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Iran Standard (IS) permissible limit set for drinking water. In terms of non-carcinogenic, values of toxic elements for children and adult in traditional and industrial fruit juices were 1.6E-3 and 1.72E-3 and 2.6E-3 and 1.85E-3, respectively. The 95th percentile of CR in adults and children due to both industrial and traditional fruits juices was higher than 1E-6; hence, reducing the concentration of As in fruit juices should be conducted. Consumption of fruit juice can increase carcinogenic risk of consumers. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it with caution.

A novel deep eutectic solvent modified magnetic covalent organic framework for the selective separation and determination of trace copper ion in medicinal plants and environmental samples

ABSTRACTThis research was conducted to assess heavy metal contamination in the environment and within Oryza sativa. The translocation factors (TFs) and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for heavy metals in O. sativa and estimated daily intake (EDI) and health risk index (HRI) were measured. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Pb and Cr concentrations in water samples within and near the electronic-waste dumping area exceeded water quality standards for surface water sources from the Pollution Control Department in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand (PCD). The Pb concentration in soil samples within the area also exceeded soil quality standards for habitat and agriculture from PCD. Most of the metals were highly concentrated in roots, except for Mn which has the highest concentration in leaves. Pb concentrations in rice grains exceeded the FAO/WHO standard (0.2 mg/kg). The average TF values for heavy metals from the soil to roots, roots to stems, stems to leaves, and stems to grains were Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr, Mn > Cr > Ni > Pb, Ni > Pb > Mn > Cr, and Pb > Ni > Cr > Mn, respectively. The average BAF values in O. sativa were Mn > Ni > Pb > Cr. The EDI for Cr, Pb, Mn, and Ni via O. sativa consumption were 6.19, 6.02, 370.57, and 3.80 µg/kg/day, respectively. The HRI for Cr, Pb, Mn, and Ni via O. sativa consumption were 0.30, 1.50, 2.60, and 0.002, respectively.

Heavy metals from electronic waste (e-waste) accumulate in the environment and can affect human health. The purpose of this study was to determine As, Cd, Cr and Pb concentrations in water, sediment and three species of edible aquatic plants (Ottelia alismoides, Ipomoea aquatic and Marsilea crenata) near an e-waste open dumpsite. Samples were collected from six sampling points surrounding an e-waste open dumpsite and heavy metal concentrations were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were evaluated in the plants. The Pb concentration in the water samples exceeded the quality standard. The order of the heavy metal concentrations in the sediment was Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As &gt;Cd, and these concentrations were within the limits of the quality standard. The order of the heavy metal concentrations in O. alismoides, I. aquatic and M. crenata was Cr&gt;Pb&gt;As&gt;Cd, Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As&gt;Cd and Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As&gt;Cd, respectively. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr and Pb in O. alismoides and As, Cr and Pb in I. aquatic and M. crenata exceeded the quality standard of food consumption. Most of the BAF values of the heavy metals in O. alismoides were more than one, but in I. aquatic and M. crenata, they were less than one. The order of the EDI values in O. alismoides, I. aquatic and M. crenata was Cr&gt;Pb&gt;As&gt;Cd, Pb&gt;Cr&gt;As&gt;Cd and Cr&gt;As&gt;Pb &gt;Cd, respectively. The HQ values were greater than one for As, Cd and Pb in O. alismoides; Pb in I. aquatic; and As and Pb in M. crenata. The HQ and CR values show that the consumption of edible plants from an e-waste open dumpsite is a human health risk.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the mineral and heavy metal contents of Acacia caven (Mol.) Molina pollen, a South American plant which grows in the Northwest of Argentina, for studying its behavior as bio-indicator of environmental pollution and their consequences as dietary supplement. Mineral and heavy metal contents were determined by flame atomic absorption / emission spectrometry (FAAS and FAES, respectively), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). The obtained results demonstrated that some mineral contents (K, Ca, P, Fe, Mg, Na, Zn and Se) of Acacia caven pollen met the requirements of both, the Food and Nutritional Board (FNB) and the Argentinean Alimentarius Codex (AAC) to be used as a dietary supplement. Nevertheless, some heavy metals analyzed such as Al, Cu, Ni, V, Cr and Cd, exceeded the upper levels (UL) established by FNB and AAC, probably due to environmental contamination. Beyond the high level of some heavy metals found in the Acacia caven pollen, this could be an important dietary supplement by their high Fe and low Na contents. Considering that the suggested doses of commercial pollen by pharmacists and companies advice is 13.5 g/day, an only doses of Acacia caven pollen would satisfy the recommended daily intake (RDI) of Fe given by FNB for an adult individual. In spite of this promising date, further studies on the Fe bioavailability and heavy metal toxicity from Acacia caven pollen should be carried out for being used this pollen as dietary supplement.

IntroductionHeavy metal pollution in industrial areas around the world is a significant problem that is worsening day by day. Heavy and toxic metals are detrimental to human health and ecology in a region. Hence, determining their level and potential is critical to form effective pollution control strategies for reducing the risks associated with them. Study areaIslamabad is the capital city of Pakistan with a dedicated industrial zone. PurposeThis study evaluated the heavy metal pollution levels in the soil and water of Islamabad's industrial area and radionuclides activity in the soil using statistical, geospatial tools as well as their subsequent health and ecological hazards. Materials and methodsElemental analysis in this study was performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The radionuclides activity in the soil was quantified using High Purity Germanium Detector (HPGe). ResultsThe soil of Islamabad's industrial area is highly polluted with heavy and toxic metals. The risk posed by heavy metals to the eco-system was calculated using Ecological risk factor and was found to be above recommended level. Principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson's correlation and inverse distance weighting interpolation (IDW) revealed that the soil near the steel mills, landfill and marble processing plants is extremely polluted with heavy metals. Health hazards from heavy metal exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact were also calculated. Cr posed a carcinogenic risk to children via the three exposure pathways with the value being 4 × 10−4. Natural radioactivity levels for Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 were found to be 25.96±12.50, 15.84±2.59, 469.48±52.38 Bqkg−1, respectively. Elemental analysis of water samples coupled with geospatial analysis showed that water samples collected near the industrial complexes have elevated levels of Sb. The water quality for irrigation was assessed and the water from Islamabad's industrial area was found to be suitable for irrigation. ConclusionIn conclusion, the soil of Islamabad's industrial area is highly polluted with heavy metals and has lower levels of natural radioactivity. The water near the industries also has elevated levels of some heavy metals.