Assessment Of Heavy Metal Concentrations Research Articles

Assessment of heavy metals concentration and health hazard indices in soil and plants from Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Human dependence, on the plants grown on soil and the threat posed by contaminated soil to the ecosystem and general public has become a source of concern. The health risks caused by heavy metals concentration to the study area were evaluated. Fifteen (15) plant samples and soil samples each from the study area were collected and analyzed using an Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDXRF) for Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn). The Measured concentrations of these heavy metals were in the order of Cd>Ni>Cu>Zn>Pb>Cr for the plant samples and Cr>Cd>Ni>Cu>Pb for soil samples with Cd and Cr as the highest contributors to cancer risk in term of the carcinogenic risk estimate. The Health Hazard Index value for all pathways were found to be 7.34 x 10-1 making non-carcinogenic risk component less significant to the adult population and in case of children, the Hazard Index value was 1.21, a value greater than unity (1), which present a severe non-carcinogenic risk component to children living in the study area. The carcinogenic risk was found to be 8.68 x 10-6 implying that 1 person in every 5882 adults may be affected and 1 in 2725 children may be affected (9.6 x 10-5) These carcinogenic risk values were both higher than acceptable values.

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in pelagic fish species and associated health risks along the Kanyakumari coast, India – a baseline study

ABSTRACT This research examines heavy metal concentration in fish from the Kanyakumari coast of India, emphasising its ecological consequences and possible health hazards for consumers. The study investigates the levels of several heavy metals such as zinc, manganese, iron, cadmium, copper, chromium, cobalt, lead, and nickel in different organs of multiple pelagic fish species obtained from the Kanyakumari fish landing site. Concentrations of heavy metals exhibit considerable variation among different fish organs and species, with distinct patterns identified for each metal. Muscle tissue often demonstrates reduced amounts of heavy metals in comparison to other organs. Except Zn and Fe, other heavy metals in fish muscle were above the acceptable limits set by health organisations. Cadmium was found to be 36-fold higher than the permissible limit, followed by nickel (30.4) and lead (7.6). Copper, nickel, and cadmium provide possible health hazards according to the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). Lead and cadmium exhibit Excessive Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) markedly above tolerable thresholds. Large predatory fish, such as Thunnus thynnus, exhibit elevated levels of contaminants such as cadmium. Environmental conditions, aquatic habitat, and dietary intake affect metal build-up in fish. The research employs multiple analytical methods and statistical methods, such as Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, correlation and Principal Component Analysis, to evaluate heavy metal concentrations and their interrelations. The study underscores the critical necessity for monitoring and mitigation techniques to combat heavy metal pollution in coastal waters and its possible effects on human health through fish intake.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood and radon concentrations in urine samples of workers at selected building material factories in Erbil, Iraq

ABSTRACT A total of 90 blood and urine samples were assessed to evaluate the health risks associated with radon and heavy metals in the Erbil Governorate. The worker group from the building materials manufacturers provided 70 samples, while an additional 20 samples were obtained from a control group. X-ray fluorescence technology was employed to measure and analyse the heavy metal content in the collected blood samples, while radon levels in the urine samples were analysed using a CR-39 detector. The findings indicate that the working group exhibits greater levels of radon and heavy components (Pb, Cd, and Ni) compared to the control group. The statistical analysis revealed that the levels of radon in urine samples of workers were significantly different (p ≤ 0.001) in certain factories, such as the cement plant, lightweight block, and red brick factories, compared to the control group. However, the levels were not statistically significant in other factories. The test showed significant differences in Pb concentrations between the employed and control groups (p < 0.05), with higher average values of Cd and Ni, but not statistically significant (P ˃ 0.05). The study found a positive correlation between the duration of employment and the average concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Ni) in workers’ blood samples. Additionally, smokers and non-smokers had significantly different mean heavy element levels in their blood samples (p < 0.05). There is no statistically significant correlation between smoking status and radon levels (P ˃ 0.05). Remarkably, each urine sample had radon levels below the 200 Bq/m3 International Atomic Energy Agency standard, suggesting that urine is impurity-free. These results are critical and serve as baseline data in the Kurdistan region.

Detection and assessment of heavy metals concentration in wheat leaves collected from the vicinity of Sahiwal coal power plant, Pakistan, employing a modern data analysis approach

ABSTRACT Heavy metal pollution in food crops has become a global issue, especially in staple crops like wheat and rice. Electricity production utilising coal, ignites this issue in crops grown in the surrounding areas of coal power plants. Keeping this view in mind, the concentration of six heavy metals (HMs) Calcium (Ca), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Lead (Pb) and Magnesium (Mg) in wheat leaves have been assessed in this study. Fifty samples of wheat leaves have been collected from the surrounding areas of the coal power plant in Sahiwal. The samples were prepared using the wet digestion method (WDM). Finally, these samples have been sent for analysis via atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of Quantification (LOQ) of AAS were calculated with the help of blank samples. The concentration of Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Pb and Mg in wheat leaves were 1.0187 ± 0.549 mg/kg, 0.00484 ± 0.00403 mg/kg 00,416 ± 0.00334 mg/kg, 0.0534 ± 0.0351 mg/kg, 0.035 ± 0.018 mg/kg, 0.464 ± 0.200 mg/kg respectively. The concentration of all understudy metals was below the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (WHO/FAO) standards except for Co, in one sample. However, the concentration of heavy metals may increase, which may have profound repercussions. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken in this regard. The neutrosophic approach has been utilised to examine the variation of the heavy metals content in wheat leaves. This study provides a solid scientific foundation for future appropriate actions and management of heavy metals contamination in food crops near coal-fired power stations.

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in the water of major carp breeding River Halda, Bangladesh

Heavy metal contamination in river water is a result of anthropogenic sources like industrial waste, tanneries, used fertiliser, and sewage discharge. Bioaccumulation and toxicity of heavy metals are alarming concerns for the natural carp breeding ground of the one and only river Halda of Bangladesh. Seven heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cr (VI)) were assessed in this study following standard methods by gathering data from 36 sampling points that are situated along the area between the origin of Halda and Kalurghat confluence point of Halda and Karnofuli. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the measurement of the heavy metals, and the correlation between the parameters was determined using principal component analysis (PCA). The concentration of heavy metals ranged from 0.316 to 3.216 mg/L for Fe, 0.023–0.236 mg/L for Mn, 0.022–0.044 mg/L for Cu, 0.022–0.051 mg/L for Co, 0.002–0.008 mg/L for Ni, 0.037–0.282 mg/L for Zn, and 0.013–0.146 mg/L for Cr (VI), respectively. Cu and Mn values in some points were above the permissible limit, but other metal contents were within the permissible limit.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Roadside Soils from Mafraq, Jordan

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Roadside Soils from Mafraq, Jordan

Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentrations in River Totowu: Implication for Environmental Health and Management

Heavy metals are metallic elements that have relatively high densities, atomic weights or atomic numbers. The rapid growth of industrialization and population is a leading cause of heavy metal pollution. In the present study, water, sediment and fish from Totowu River located at Ado-odo, Otta in Ogun State were analysed for concentration of five major heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Cd, Co and Pb) using Atomic Absorption spectroscopy (AAS). 0.016-0.030 mg/L, 0.00-0.123 mg/L and 0.078-0.269 mg/L for Cu, Cr and Pb were obtained respectively for water. Sediments gave concentrations of 0.057-0.137 mg/L, 0.00-0.191 mg/L and 0.102-0.578 mg/L for Cu, Cr and Pb respectively. The result for heavy metals analysis of fish gave concentrations of 0.025-0.103 mg/L, 0.00-0.189 mg/L and 0.111-0.602 mg/L for Cu, Cr and Pb respectively. Cadmium and Cobalt were not detected in all the samples. The obtained results showed that average value of Pb were high in sequence from Fish &gt; sediment &gt; water in the study area and are higher than allowed permissible concentration of WHO. The result confirms that Totowu River is contaminated and could be dangerous for human health. Regular monitoring and effective clean-up are therefore recommended.

Time-Domain Transfer Learning for Accurate Heavy Metal Concentration Retrieval Using Remote Sensing and TrAdaBoost Algorithm: A Case Study of Daxigou, China

Traditionally, the assessment of heavy metal concentrations using remote sensing technology is sample-intensive, with expensive model development. Using a mining area case study of Daxigou, China, we propose a cross-time-domain transfer learning model to monitor heavy metal pollution using samples collected from different time domains. Specifically, spectral indices derived from Landsat 8 multispectral images, terrain, and other auxiliary data correlative to soil heavy metals were prepared. A cross time-domain sample transfer learning model proposed in the paper based on the TrAdaBoost algorithm was used for the Cu content mapping in the topsoil by selective use of soil samples acquired in 2017 and 2019. We found that the proposed model accurately estimated the concentration of Cu in the topsoil of the mining area in 2019 and performed better than the traditional TrAdaBoost algorithms. The goodness of fit (R2) of the test set increased from 0.55 to 0.66; the relative prediction deviation (RPD) increased from 1.37 to 1.76; and finally, the root-mean-square deviation (RMSE), decreased from 8.33 to 7.24 mg·kg−1. The proposed model is potentially applicable to more accurate and inexpensive monitoring of heavy metals, facilitating remediation-related efforts.

Assessing health risks from metal contamination in Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758) along the Black Sea

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of heavy metal concentrations in anchovy samples collected from the coasts of Samsun and Sinop, Black Sea, with a focus on evaluating potential health risks for three distinct age groups. The mean metals were 0.0039, 0.0131, 0.0189, 0.1271, 3.53, and 2.471 mg/ kg wet wt. for Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn and Fe, respectively. The Estimated Daily Index for infants, children, and adults indicated that the potential exposure to heavy metals through anchovy consumption remained well below established safety thresholds, thus confirming the safety of anchovy consumption for all age groups. Furthermore, the health risk analysis, using the Hazard Quotients, showed that the noncarcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in the anchovy samples were negligible, with total hazard quotients consistently below 1. This suggests no potential chronic health risks for consumers. Consumption of anchovy does not pose a carcinogenic risk regarding the Carcinogenic Risk Index calculated between 8.39 ×10−8 and 2.33 ×10−7 for Pb.

Human and Ecological Risk Assessment of Soil and Plants Metal Contamination in a Tropical Municipal Solid Waste Dumping Site

ABSTRACT The growing open waste dumpsite contributes to heavy metal leaching, harming public health and ecosystem services. Hence, the study’s novelty lies in its integrated assessment of heavy metal concentration (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil and plants, incorporating risk assessment using both single and combined indexes in the largest active waste dumpsite in Kelantan, Malaysia. Heavy metal in soil samples Cu (164.896 ± 205.096), Pb (122.177 ± 93.309), and Cr (32.74 ± 26.569) were recorded to exceed the standards, while in the studied plants (castor bean, papaya, pea eggplant, and water spinach), Pb concentrations in all plant parts have surpassed the Malaysia Food Regulation (1985) and FAO/WHO guidelines (2016). Translocation factor (TF) in Cu, Cr, and Pb in water spinach and Cr, Cu, and Cd in pea eggplant have TF > 1. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) was < 1 in pea eggplant and water spinach except for Pb in pea eggplant. Correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between heavy metals in the soil while contrasts in the plants. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) reveals that the soil waste dumpsite is contaminated with heavy metals. The hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values of heavy metals on the soil surface had negligible non-cancer risks posed to adults and indicate that soil ingestion and dermal absorption were the two primary carcinogenic risk exposure routes. These findings implied that Beris Lalang waste dumpsite is a potential source of toxic pollutants to the environment and the local population. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and design an implementation plan for leachate treatment plant. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the specific contaminants present in the leachate and their potential impacts on the environment should be conducted to inform targeted and effective treatment strategies.

Health Risks Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Cultured Chanos chanos (Bangus) and Scylla serrata (Mudcrab) in Selected Municipalities in Northern Samar

One of the common problem in fishponds is heavy metal contamination. Though there are some heavy metal elements that are naturally occurring, but due to human activities, their concentration goes beyond what is normal. In this study, health risks analysis using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Total Hazard Quotient (THQ), Target Cancer Risk (TCR) were done to assess if the quantities of the heavy metals, such as: Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Mercury, impose risks to consumer. Arsenic had the highest concentration among all other heavy metals in crab aligue, having 46.83 mg/kg. The consumption of bangus meat may result in an EDI that is greater than PTDI, especially for Arsenic [15.22731-18.10317 μg kg−1 BW d−1]. Similarly, consuming crab aligue may also result to a high EDI for Arsenic [2.48197-5.27841μg kg−1 BW d−1]. THQ was also evaluated as well as the sum of individual heavy metal values which is the Hazard Index (HI) that exceeded to 1 multiple times. In terms of TCR levels, all of the heavy metals exceeded the acceptable limit for cancer risks. Shapiro-Wilk Test had shown non-normal distribution of data for EDI, THQ, and TCR. Spearman’s Correlation Test, meanwhile, suggested that there is a significant relationship between the quantities of heavy metals in bangus meat and crab aligue as well as EDI, THQ, and TCR. In general, based on the health risks assessments (EDI, THQ, and TCR), Arsenic, an established carcinogen, can be the greatest contributor in developing risks and disease, while the varying concentration of Chromium and Cadmium in the samples may also pose risks to consumers. This implies that strict management measures should be implemented to mitigate or lessen the discharge of these heavy metals in the aquatic systems.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in roadside soils and plants around the Dexing copper mine: implications for environmental management and remediation.

While land transportation is crucial for social development, it also introduces various pollutants, including heavy metals, which pose risks to both the environment and human health. This issue is particularly acute in mining areas, yet research focusing on heavy metal accumulation in soils and plants along transportation routes in these areas has been limited. Addressing this gap, this study investigates soil contamination levels and heavy metal concentrations in dominant plants along a highway and railway in the vicinity of the Dexing Copper Mine, the largest open-pit copper mine in China, located in Jiangxi Province. These transportation routes are heavily utilized for ore transportation, making them critical areas for environmental monitoring. Results reveal that the primary heavy metal contaminants in the soil were Cu (84.9 to 2554.3 mg/kg), Pb (38.3 to 2013.4 mg/kg), Cd (0.1 to 46.6 mg/kg), Zn (81.3 to 875.8 mg/kg), and As (11.8 to 2985.2 mg/kg), with significantly higher concentrations found in soils adjacent to the railway compared to the highway. Specifically, for plants along the highway, Cyperus rotundus showed a significant enrichment in Cd and demonstrated a notable capacity to translocate heavy metals from its roots to aerial parts. This is evidenced by the elevated concentration of Cd in the plant's aboveground tissues (0.87 mg/kg). Notably, both the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) values exceeded 1, ranging from 1.07 to 3.62. Contrastingly, despite the elevated heavy metal concentrations in soils adjacent to the railway, plants in these areas did not exhibit hyperaccumulation characteristics. The unique behavior of Cyperus rotundus in accumulating and translocating Cd underscores its potential role in phytoremediation, particularly in the context of environmental management for areas impacted by mining activities, such as those surrounding China's largest copper mine.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in industrial samples near Byrnihat, Meghalaya: Implications for human health

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in industrial samples near Byrnihat, Meghalaya: Implications for human health

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations and bioaccumulation in the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and associated risks to human health

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an invasive species that can be used as a raw material in the food industry and also as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in the environment. In this study, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, and Pb were determined in water, bottom sediment, muscle, liver, gills, and gonads of round goby from Dąbie Lake, Szczecin Lagoon, and Puck Bay (all in southern Baltic Sea) using atomic absorption spectrometry. Fulton’s condition factor, gonadal and hepatosomatic indices (GSI, HSI) were calculated. Based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR), we assessed the human health risk related to the consumption of heavy metals in the round goby. The fish had length and weight ranges of 15.0–16.7 cm and 55.3–80.9 g, respectively. Fulton’s condition factor ranged from 1.26 to 2.48 and was highest (p < 0.05) for fish from Dąbie Lake. The range of metal concentrations (in μg kg−1) ranged from 2.92 (Cd in muscles of fish from Szczecin Lagoon) to 106.4 (Ni in muscles of fish from Dąbie Lake). The highest concentrations of Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb were found in livers, Ni in muscles and gonads, and Cr in gills. The calculated EDIs were below the reference oral dose (RfD) and maximum for Cd (1.6% RfD) and Pb (15.1% RfD). The hazard quotient was less than 1. In conclusion, the round goby has a higher potential to accumulate metals from water than from bottom sediments. Consumption of its muscle should not pose a health risk (cancer risk can be considered acceptable). Due to Pb accumulation, moderate consumption should be recommended for pregnant women and children. Finally, our results indicate that the round goby (especially its liver) can be used as a bioindicator to monitor metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Condensate from Selected Air Conditioners at Ofrima, Senate Building and Library, University of Port Harcourt

The heavy metal content of condensate from air conditioners in Ofrima, the Senate Building, and the University of Port Harcourt Library was evaluated. The primary objective was to determine the concentrations of Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in condensate samples and compare these with WHO permissible limits. AC water samples were collected using amber bottles to prevent contamination and analyzed with a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Model: S4=71096) following a wet digestion method using sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and perchloric acid. Results indicated that the levels of Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and iron (Fe) in all samples exceeded the guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO): Pb ranged from 0.016 mg/L to 0.085 mg/L, Cd from 0.002 mg/L to 0.357 mg/L, Cr from 1.345 mg/L to 4.677 mg/L, and Fe from 2.310 mg/L to 4.677 mg/L. Zn concentrations were below permissible limits except in the Ofrima sample, which was 3.142 mg/L. These heavy metals, particularly Pb and Cr, indicate that the condensate water is unsuitable for drinking. However, it may be used for non-potable purposes such as cleaning laboratory glassware, cleaning laboratories, and watering plants, especially during peak dry seasons with water shortages. The study concludes that while AC condensate water poses health risks if consumed, it has potential uses in specific non-drinking applications, particularly in water-scarce regions. Further research is recommended to assess the microbial content and variability across air conditioning units.

An Investigation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Sera of Cattle Grazed in Different Locations in the Kars Province of Türkiye.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure of cattle to low levels of environmental pollution on trace metal metabolism. The assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood samples is essential to evaluate the potential effects of pollutants on cattle production and to measure the uptake of pollutants by animals.For this purpose, cattle raised in villages at varying distances to the center of the Kars province were sampled for blood, and heavy metal concentrations were measured in the extracted sera. In total 150 blood samples were collected from 4-to 5-year-old cattle from 15 regions. Sera were extracted from the blood samples from the selected foci and analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) device for essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn, Se, V) and non-essential (Pb, Cd and Hg, As, Al, Sn) heavy metals. Heavy metals were detected in the serum samples in the following order: Sn > Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > V > Ni > Mn > Hg. A confidence interval of 95% was used to evaluate all tests. Differences between the villages were insignificant for the Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Al, Co concentrations (p > 0.05), whereas differences between the villages were significant for the Fe, As, Ni, Mn (p < 0.05), Zn, Cr (p < 0.01), V and Sn (p < 0.001) concentrations.The results of this study show that heavy metals detected in bovine sera from the sampling area do not exceed the maximum permissible limits, suggesting limited exposure to heavy metals and no associated health risk to animals in the region.

Assessment of heavy metals concentrations in five marine organisms from Lianyungang in China and the corresponding health risk

This paper determined the concentrations of heavy metals (i.e. Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb) in the edible portions of five marine organisms (Larimichthys polyactis, Sphyraenus, Litopenaeus vannamei, Portunus trituberculatus, and Scapharca subcrenata) caught from Gaogong Island in the coast of Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, between September 2022 and March 2023. Human health risks were evaluated by calculating non-carcinogenic risks (target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI)) and carcinogenic risk (cancer risk (CR)). The results revealed substantial variations in heavy metal concentrations among different sampling months and marine organisms. Notably, the mean concentrations of Zn (77579.07 μg/kg) and As (10326.77 μg/kg) in Portunus trituberculatu exceeded the Chinese standard limit in September 2022, while the mean concentrations of As exceeded the standard limit in Sphyraenus (1517.47 μg/kg), Portunus trituberculatu (8737.90 μg/kg) and Scapharca subcrenata (5612.25 μg/kg) in October 2022. Importantly, the estimated daily intake (EDI), THQ, HI, and CR values utilized to evaluate potential health risks were within acceptable thresholds for human consumption. In March 2023, HI for Scapharca subcrenata exhibited a value of 1.21 (>1), suggesting a need for vigilance. Furthermore, CR values for As in Larimichthys polyacti, Sphyraenus, Portunus trituberculatus, and Scapharca subcrenata exceeded 10−4 in some months, alongside Cd CR values in some months of Portunus trituberculatus and Scapharca subcrenata. Based on these results, continuous monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in Gaogong Island of Lianyungang is recommended to safeguard the health and well-being of individuals consuming marine organisms from this area.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Different Organs of Labeo rohita and Cyprinus carpio

The current study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals in rohu (Labeo rohita) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of three sites namely Rawal Lake Islamabad, Head Balloki, and a private fish farm in Muridke were selected. Fish were dissected and tissues from the liver, kidneys, gills, and muscles were separated. Chemical digestion of samples was carried out with aqua regia. Three metals namely chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) were detected by using atomic absorption spectroscopy in the labs of Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PSCIR), Lahore, Pakistan. All metals were found at a higher level in different tissues of both the fish species. The overall trend of metals in the two fish species namely rohu and carp was recorded as Hg &gt; Cd &gt; Cr. It was observed that the level of Hg remained very high as compared to other metals. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and significant differences at p &lt; 0.001 were noticed for the metals in different organs. While, independent sample t test showed non-significant differences at p &gt; 0.483 between the two fish species. The liver was found to have the highest metal load, followed by the kidneys and gills. The metal load was above the permissible limit set by World Health Organization (WHO). However, the heavy metals concentration in muscles was below the permissible limit. It was noticed that heavy metal contamination was higher in Rawal Lake as compared to the private fish farm. It was concluded that contaminated water bodies are affecting the exposed organisms. So, there is a need to save them from pollutants for the best survival of aquatic life.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in Scophthalmus maximus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Black Sea coast: Implications for food safety and human health

The present study aimed to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe) in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) samples collected from the Black Sea coast in 2022. The research involved analysing male and female turbot samples for their potential to accumulate these metals and assessing the associated health risks for different age groups (infants, children, adults). Metal analyses were conducted using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometry (ICP-MS), and risk assessment was performed using the Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Risk Index (RI) methods.Results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in both male and female turbots were consistently below the established safety limits set by national and international regulatory authorities. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and THQ values for all metals were found to be well below the corresponding reference doses, indicating no significant noncarcinogenic health risks associated with turbot consumption. Furthermore, the RI values for metals with available Cancer Slope Factors (CSF) were extremely low, suggesting negligible carcinogenic risk from consuming turbot.

Comparative Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Some Edible Spinach (Amaranthus hybridus) in Southern Taraba (Ibi, Wukari and Donga), Nigeria

This study focuses on the assessment and comparative concentrations of some heavy metals in spinach (Amaranthus hybridus), cultivated in Wukari, Ibi, Donga local government area of Taraba State in Nigeria. The research is motivated by the indiscriminate use of bulk chemicals for farming activities in the communities under review. The study employed random sampling techniques in collecting the samples of the spinach. The edible part were digested and analyzed for the following heavy metal content: Lead, Zinc, Copper, Nickel, Iron, Cobalt, Chromium, Manganese, and Cadmium. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) technique was used to analyze the samples. The results for the main concentration of heavy metal were revealed. The concentration of heavy metals in the spinach obtained from the three different samples varies. It was observed that, the sample obtained from Wukari has the highest accumulation of heavy metals. The concentrations of Pb, Mn and Cr were found to be higher than the permissible limits in Wukari spinach. Cd was not detected in the three (Ibi, Donga and Wukari). Pb was not detected in Ibi and Donga. Cu and Ni were not detected in Donga. Based on the findings from this study, spinach from Ibi and Donga are recommended for consumption compared to Wukari, since most of the heavy metals in this study areas are within the standard permissible limit set by WHO/FAO. Similarly, the daily intake of heavy metal (DIM) and the health risk index (HRI) analysis from the 3 study areas also falls within the acceptable permissible level. Farmers and consumers should be adviced appropriately on the health implications of excessive heavy metal consumption in vegetables.