Abstract
Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) is a common vegetable native to southwest China, and grown for consumption. The results suggested that THg contents in all parts and MeHg in underground parts of HCT in Hg mining areas were much higher than those in non-Hg mining areas. The highest THg and MeHg content of HCT were found in the roots, followed by the other tissues in the sequence: roots > leaves > rhizomes > aboveground stems (THg), and roots > rhizomes > aboveground stems > leaves (MeHg). The average THg bioaccumulation factor (BCF) of HCT root in the Hg mining area and in non-Hg mining areas could reach 1.02 ± 0.71 and 0.99 ± 0.71 respectively, indicating that HCT is a Hg accumulator. And the THg and MeHg contents in all tissues of HCT, including the leaves, were significantly correlated with THg and MeHg content in the soil. Additionally, preferred dietary habits of HCT consumption could directly affect the Hg exposure risk. Consuming the aboveground parts (CAP) of HCT potentially poses a high THg exposure risk and consuming the underground parts (CUP) may lead to a relatively high MeHg exposure risk. Only consuming the rhizomes (OCR) of the underground parts could significantly reduce the exposure risk of THg and to some extent of MeHg. In summary, HCT should not be cultivated near the Hg contaminated sites, such as Hg tailings, as it is associated with a greater risk of Hg exposure and high root Hg levels, and the roots should be removed before consumption to reduce the Hg risk.
Highlights
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic, mobile, and chemically stable element 1
X. et al 17 investigated 259 wild plants belonging to 49 genera in 29 families growing on wasteland comprising tailings in Wanshan Hg mining area to screen for possible phytoremediation species, and Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HCT) was the only one has relatively high Hg accumulation ability that potently consumed in large quantities by the local population
Varying dietary habits between regions mean that different parts of HCT are often preferred: underground parts, including roots and rhizomes, or aboveground parts, including aboveground stems and leaves
Summary
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic, mobile, and chemically stable element 1 It presents health concerns because of the risk of exposure to humans through various pathways, including inhaling contaminated air, consuming contaminated food and drinking water, and direct skin contact[2]. Previous studies have confirmed the ability of HCT to strongly uptake lead 13, arsenic 14, and cadmium 15, 16 It is a good candidate species for soil remediation at sites contaminated by heavy metals. Previously studies didn’t pay much attention on the Hg distribution among different tissues of HCT and their associated health risk implications, since the eaten part of HCT varied considerable among regions in China, and different dietary habits may lead to significant regional differences in Hg exposure. Our overall aim was to provide insights into the potential risks associated with HCT consumption
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