Cadmium Intake Research Articles

Soil application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 reduced grain cadmium concentration in Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L.)

BackgroundWheat is one of major sources of human cadmium (Cd) intake. Reducing the grain Cd concentrations in wheat is urgently required to ensure food security and human health. In this study, we performed a field experiment at Wenjiang experimental field of Sichuan Agricultural University (Chengdu, China) to reveal the effects of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 on reducing grain Cd concentrations in dwarf Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum L., 2n = 4x = 28, AABB).ResultsSoil application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 (0.04 M Fe3+/m2) significantly reduced grain Cd concentration in DPW at maturity by 19.04% and 33.33%, respectively. They did not reduce Cd uptake or root-to-shoot Cd translocation, but increased Cd distribution in lower leaves, lower internodes, and glumes. Meanwhile, application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 up-regulated the expression of TpNRAMP5, TpNRAMP2 and TpYSL15 in roots, and TpYSL15 and TpZIP3 in shoots; they also downregulated the expression of TpZIP1 and TpZIP3 in roots, and TpIRT1 and TpNRAMP5 in shoots.ConclusionsThe reduction in grain Cd concentration caused by application of FeCl3 and Fe2(SO4)3 was resulted from changes in shoot Cd distribution via regulating the expression of some metal transporter genes. Overall, this study reports the physiological pathways of soil applied Fe fertilizer on grain Cd concentration in wheat, suggests a strategy for reducing grain Cd concentration by altering shoot Cd distribution.

The cadmium content in commercially key species of seafood from Shandong, China: Potential human health risk estimation

Seafood serves as a vital protein source for human nutrition, yet it also significantly contributes to the intake of dietary cadmium. In this study, we measured the cadmium content in 274 samples from 20 species, including fish, shrimp, and bivalves collected across five cities in Shandong province and assessed the associated health risks for local residents with varying consumption habits. The findings revealed a distinct increasing trend in cadmium concentrations from pelagic fish to benthic bivalve species; however, no evidence of biomagnification was observed among the studied species. Health risk assessments indicated that while there were no non-carcinogenic health risks posed by seafood consumption for local residents exposed to cadmium, carcinogen risks exceeded acceptable levels for lifetime cancer risk. Furthermore, children exhibited approximately twice as high risk indices compared to adults. Bivalve consumption emerged as the primary contributor to these health risks.

Dietary exposure to metals/metalloids and persistent organic pollutants in Spanish preschool and primary school children

Diet is a primary source of pollutant exposure. Given children's vulnerability to their effects, this study assessed dietary intake of metals/metalloids and different persistent organic pollutants in children in Tarragona (Spain), compared it with the health-based guideline values (HBGV), and identified the main dietary sources. The analysis included 533 preschoolers and 443 primary school children from the EPINED and ECLIPSES studies. Dietary intake of cadmium (Cd), methylmercury (MeHg), lead (Pb), inorganic arsenic (inAs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) was estimated using validated food frequency questionnaires and a database from the Catalan Agency for Food Safety. Preschoolers and primary school children exceeded the relevant reference value for InAs and DL-PCBs. Only preschoolers exceeded the limit for MeHg and PCDD/Fs. Cd, Pb, and NDL-PCBs intakes did not exceed the limits in either age group. Salted cereals/potatoes were the main source of InAs; fish for MeHg and DL-PCBs; and milk/yogurt for PCDD/Fs, followed by white fish in preschoolers and fatty fish in primary school children. The findings highlight that dietary exposure to some pollutants poses a significant risk to these children, emphasizing the need for public health policies to reduce pollutants in their diets.

Intake and excretion of cadmium of Japanese adult

ObjectiveIt is the aim of this study if the recent Cd intake and excretion is consistent with the regression equation proposed by Ikeda et al. (Environ. Health Prev. Med. 20 (2015) 455–459) which utilized intake/excretion data of 3 decades ago MethodMatched duplicate diet and spot urine samples were collected in 2017–2019 from 150 Japanese adults (85 females and 65 males, mean age being 44.9) for the estimation of daily Cd intake and urinary excretion. Cd concentration in diet and urine was measured by ICP mass spectrometry. ResultGeometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of Cd intake was 12.1 (1.67) μg/person/day or 0.206 (1.66) μg/kg body wt./day. Urinary Cd concentration was 0.54 (2.6) μg/g creatinine or 0.67 μg/L (2.3) (gravimetric correction). These were lower than those reported previously for Japanese populations. Urinary concentration was significantly higher in females than in males for both creatinine and gravimetric corrections. Dietary intake was higher in males than in females but this difference diminished after body weight correction. There was no significant correlation between Cd intake and urinary concentration on individual basis, which was expected because urinary Cd concentration reflects Cd body burden but not recent intake level. Meanwhile, the geometric mean intake and urine concentration was consistent with the regression equation proposed by Ikeda et al., which was based on intake and excretion surveys for 30 non-exposed Japanese female populations. ConclusionThis result supported that the regression equation of Ikeda et al. could be used for conversion of urinary Cd excretion level of a population to intake level.

Cadmium (Third Edition) (Chemicals and Contaminants).

Exposure to cadmium tends to be higher in Japan than in other countries due to the wide spreading of ore deposits and many mines throughout Japan. The proximal tubule of the kidney is recognized as the most susceptible site to be affected by cadmium exposure. Food Safety Commission of Japan (FSCJ) considered it appropriate to investigate studies of the effects of cadmium intake on renal proximal tubular function using urinary β2-microglobulin concentration of 1,000 μg/g creatinine as a criterion for the dysfunction. Based on these epidemiological studies, FSCJ established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 7 µg/kg bw per week for cadmium. This value is derived from the results of actual dietary surveys and urinary β2-microglobulin concentrations in Japan, and not from the results of application of blood or urinary cadmium levels to theoretical models. Therefore, no uncertainty factor is required. The estimated dietary intake of cadmium in 2022 was 2.03 µg/kg bw per week, approximately 30% of the TWI of 7 µg/kg bw per week. Therefore, it is unlikely that dietary cadmium intake in the general Japanese population would cause adverse health effects.

Tracking Trace Elements Found in Coffee and Infusions of Commercially Available Coffee Products Marketed in Poland.

Coffee is a source of micronutrients, including iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. It may also contain toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium. The effects of coffee on the human body may vary depending on its composition. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of ground and instant coffee with regard to the content of selected trace elements. The concentrations of trace elements, including copper, iron, manganese, and zinc, were determined by ICP-AES, while the levels of lead and cadmium were quantified by GF-AAS methods. Furthermore, the degree of coverage of the recommended intake of elements and the risk assessment for human health (EDI, THQ, PTMI, and TWI) were determined. Our findings indicate that the consumption of a cup of coffee provides the body with only small amounts of these elements. A coffee prepared from 6.33 g of ground coffee beans provides 0.08-1.52% of the RDA value, while a coffee prepared from 6.33 g of instant coffee provides 0.46-13.01% of the RDA, depending on the microelement. The low transfer to the brew (Pb = 7.1%; Cd = 30.0%) of the analyzed ground coffees renders them safe for the consumer, even at a consumption of six cups per day. The percentage of benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL0.1) in the case of lead did not exceed 0.9%. The estimated value did not exceed 0.2% of the provisional tolerable monthly intake of cadmium (PTMI). None of the analyzed coffees exhibited any risk regarding the trace elements.

Phytoremediation potential of Brassica oleracea varieties through cadmium tolerance gene expression analysis

BackgroundBrassica oleracea var. acephala, commonly referred to as kale, is a well-documented plant species, a food crop but well recognized for its capacity to endure and manage the accumulation of heavy metals. In this research, the phytoremediation potential of kale was evaluated based on cadmium intake, utilizing three distinct kale varieties originating from Bosnia and Herzegovina. All kales were grown in controlled conditions, with different concentrations of cadmium (Cd), a known strong pollutant found in small concentrations in soil under normal environmental conditions. After the root length analysis and cadmium atomic spectrometry, we utilized quantitative PCR (qPCR) and cycle threshold (Ct) values to calculate the expression levels of five genes associated with Cd heavy metal response: Mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPK2), Farnesylated protein 26 and 27 (HIPP26, HIPP27), Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 6 (RAMP6), and Heavy metal accumulator 2 (HMA2). ResultsThe atomic reader's analysis of rising cadmium concentrations revealed a proportional decline in the length of kale roots. The gene expression levels corresponded to cadmium stress differently among varieties, but mostly showing notable up-regulations under Cd stress, indicating the strong Cd presence within the plant. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated differences in gene expression behavior among three B. oleracea varieties from Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicating and filtering the Cd-resistant kale, and kale varieties suitable for phytoremediation. For the first time, such a study was conducted on kale varieties from Bosnia and Herzegovina, analyzing the impact of cadmium on the growth and resilience of these species.

Arsenic, lead and cadmium concentration in food and estimated daily intake in the Cuban population and the health risks using a Total Diet Study

This study estimates the intake of arsenic, lead and cadmium by the adult population (aged 18–91) of Cuba. The food consumption indices were obtained through 24-h dietary recall surveys applied to 450 people between October 2020 and March 2021. The Estimated Dietary Intake (EDI) of t-As (54.6 μg/day), Pb (118.5 μg/day) and Cd (35.1 μg/day) complied with Cuban legislation but was higher than the EDI for Cd established by the CONTAM Panel. The Target Hazard Quotients for the three contaminants were: iAs (0.220), Pb (0.409) and Cd (0.424), making the value of the Total Target Hazard Quotient 1.05, which indicates potential health risks for the population. Additionally, associated carcinogenic risks were: iAs (1.0·10−4), Pb (7.2·10−4) and Cd (25.9·10−4). Therefore, 10, 72 and 259 persons per 100,000 inhabitants are likely prone to developing cancer due to the ingestion of iAs, Pb and Cd, respectively.

Lead, cadmium and mercury determination and human health risk assessement in foods from Cyprus

An accredited method using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied for the determination of lead, cadmium and mercury in food. Up to 96% of the samples were contaminated with at least one of the three metals. Concentrations ranged between 0.003 and 0.045 mg kg–1, 0.0007 and 0.38 mg kg–1, 0.002 and 0.32 mg kg–1 for lead, cadmium and mercury respectively. No health risk was concluded from the dietary exposure assessment to lead. Less than 1% of the Cyprus population was found to exceed the health-based guidance value (Tolerable Weekly Intake, TWI), as regards to mercury. However, 9 to 15% of the younger population in Cyprus exceeded the TWI for cadmium intake. Dietary exposure to heavy metals was found to be independent of the geographical area in Cyprus and gender. Exposure to lead was a result of the consumption of several food categories. Molluscs (21%) and potatoes (18%) were the highest contributors to cadmium intake. In the case of mercury, fish (25%), meat (21%) and milk (12%) contributed the most to the total exposure of the population in Cyprus.

Cadmium in Selected Organs of Game Animals from Areas with Different Degrees of Industrialisation and Its Intake by Human Consumers.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of cadmium (Cd) in the organs of game animals from areas with different degrees of industrialisation and to assess its intake following the consumption of the livers of these animals. The material for this study consisted of liver and kidney samples taken from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) from five regions differing in land use and industrialisation. Compared to the kidneys, the liver was an indicator of the current state of the environment and Cd intake, while the kidney was used to assess the long-term accumulation of Cd in the body. The cadmium concentration in the samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The cadmium concentrations of the organs were found to vary according to geographical location, with the highest levels being observed in Southern Poland, i.e., areas characterised by the highest degree of industrialisation and the presence of heavy industry. However, high Cd concentrations were also reported in the northeastern region. Examples of excessive cadmium levels in the kidneys were noted in all tested regions. Cd intake by humans was evaluated by calculating the estimated daily cadmium intake, and this was compared with the tolerable weekly intake (TWI). The TWI was only exceeded by children frequently consuming wild boar liver from the southwest region.

Cadmium induces microcytosis and anisocytosis without anaemia in hypertensive rats.

Dietary cadmium (Cd2+) intake is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and anaemia, but there is a paucity of information on the haematological changes in hypertensive conditions. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate the effects of Cd2+ on blood pressure (BP) and haematological indices in the Sprague-Dawley rat model. Three cohorts (n = 10 each) of control and Cd2+-fed male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected. Cd2+-exposed rats received 2.5 or 5mg/kg b.w. cadmium chloride via gavage thrice-weekly for eight weeks, while control animals received tap water. BP and flow were measured non-invasively from rat tails twice-weekly using a CODA machine, while weights were measured thrice-weekly. Haematological indices were assessed using the Cell-Dyn Emerald Haematology Analyzer. Data were reported as mean ± SEM, and statistically analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance. Bonferroni post hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. Cd2+-exposure induced hypertension by significantly (p < 0.05) elevating systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BPs, pulse pressure, and heart rate (HR), and increased (p < 0.05) blood flow. Mean cell volume (MCV) and haemoglobin (MCH) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced, and red cell distribution width (RDW) significantly (p < 0.01) increased by exposure to 5mg/kg b.w. Cd2+. Haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell, platelet, mean platelet volume, and white blood cell counts were unaffected by Cd2+-exposure. Cd2+ induced hypertension, microcytosis, hypochromicity, and anisocytosis without anaemia, which may be precursor to microcytic anaemia and coronary artery disease. This study is important in Cd2+-exposed environments and warrants further investigations.

The effects of dietary cadmium on growth, antioxidant defence system and feed evaluation performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary cadmium exposure on growth performance, changes in manganese, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, and cadmium metals in liver and muscle tissue, liver antioxidant enzymes, and the histology of the fish. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with weights of 39.45 ±1.13 g was used in the experiment conducted in 2 groups and three replicates. The Control group was fed a cadmium-free diet, and the Cadmium group was fed a diet containing 5.03 µg/kg of cadmium twice a day until satiation. It was determined that cadmium intake through the diet affected growth rate and the feed evaluation performance negatively. In fish exposed to cadmium, manganese, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase values in both muscle and liver tissues were significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased, whereas cadmium levels in muscle and liver and malondialdehyde levels in liver were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased. The histopathological examination of the liver revealed that cadmium caused liver damage. These results showed that rainbow trout exposed to dietary cadmium were highly sensitive to the metal, and the decreased levels of metals such as copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium in the liver tissue, which are involved in the antioxidant defence system, can be considered an indicator of the weakening of the antioxidant defence system.

Dynamics of changes in cadmium levels in environmental objects and its impact on the bio-elemental composition of living organisms.

As a result of intensive anthropogenic impact in the biosphere there is a rapid process of accumulation of heavy metal salts. They have led to the aggravation of problems associated with the pollution of ecosystems and basic food products of plant and animal origin. Environmental pollution by these compounds is caused by their persistence in environmental objects, migration ability, accumulation by plants. This contributes to their accumulation in the human environment. A number of studies have shown that heavy metals have mutagenic, toxic effects and affect the intensity of biochemical processes. Therefore, the presence of heavy metals in the environment is extremely undesirable. Moreover, the ecological state of the environment is directly related to changes in the human internal environment. Deficiency or excess of certain bioelements in soils and drinking water or non-compliance with its stable chemical composition causes the development of dysmicroelementosis. The ecological situation of the Carpathian region is closely related to the state of soils and water resources. In this regard, it is advisable to study and control the level of cadmium compounds in the environment of the region. The study of the effect of cadmium intoxication on the macro- and microelement composition of the brain and myocardium of experimental animals is also worthwhile. Materials and methods. Soils and drinking water of the plain, foothill and mountainous zones of the region, as well as organs and tissues of experimental animals served as the object of research. Cadmium levels in drinking water and myocardial tissues and brain of experimental animals have been measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results and discussion. The study of soils in the Prykarpattia region has revealed an increase in the toxic element cadmium. Its content is 1.1-1.5 times higher than background levels. The analysis of drinking water allowed to establish that a significant number of people living in the plain and foothill zone of the region consume water with a high content of cadmium. The main stages of cadmium intake and accumulation in plants have been analyzed. Significant disorders in the body of experimental animals under conditions of excessive intake of cadmium compounds have been revealed. It was accompanied by the accumulation of cadmium in the myocardium and brain, on the background of redistribution of vital macronutrients calcium and magnesium along with micronutrients copper and zinc. Thus, excessive intake of cadmium salts causes the development of dysmicroelementosis, which is accompanied by a violation of the homeostasis of a living organism. It is suggested to conduct continuous monitoring of the level of toxicants in the ecosystem as an integral component of environmental monitoring.

Estimation of daily cadmium intake in the United States through food analysis in 1980

Estimation of daily cadmium intake in the United States through food analysis in 1980

Assessment of long-term dietary cadmium exposure in children in Germany: Does consideration of data from total diet studies reduce uncertainties from food monitoring programmes?

Total diet studies (TDS) and food monitoring programmes are different approaches for collecting occurrence data on substances in food. This case study evaluated the practical applicability of TDS data (BfR MEAL Study) and monitoring data for the assessment of long-term cadmium exposure in children in Germany. Cadmium data from both programmes were combined with food consumption data from the KiESEL study. Uncertainties associated with both assessments were systematically described. Using monitoring data resulted in cadmium intakes approximately 3 times higher than the use of BfR MEAL Study data. Incomplete data and neglect of market shares and consumption weights were considered by conservative data adjustments to the monitoring data and mainly explain the higher estimates. Fewer data adjustments were necessary for BfR MEAL Study data, which covered almost the entire diet and considered consumer behaviour during sample collection and sample preparation. In sum, the use of the BfR MEAL Study data resulted in less uncertainty and more reliable exposure estimates for chronic assessments over the entire diet. However, description of variability and upper tails of substance distributions in food remain essential features of monitoring data. The integration of both programmes into a complementary system further improves food safety.

Changes in the level of trace elements in the rat brain after exposure to low doses of cadmium

Cadmium is one of the most common toxic elements. Due to its great chemical similarity to calcium, copper and zinc, it can replace them. Food is the main route of cadmium intake into the human body. There are very few studies on the effect of low doses of cadmium on the metabolism of trace elements, so it is of interest to study the effects of exposure to low levels of cadmium in brain tissues.&#x0D; The study aims to evaluate the accumulation of cadmium in the brain of experimental animals and its effect on the level of trace elements.&#x0D; We have divided the animals into four groups (n=10): the first group served as a control, groups two, three and four, received one, ten and 100 micrograms of cadmium per kg of body weight (Cd1, Cd10, Cd100), respectively, for 30, 60 and 90 days. The researchers injected cadmium chloride solution daily through a gastric tube. The content of cadmium, calcium, copper and zinc in the brain was assessed using atomic absorption analysis.&#x0D; The results of this study showed that cadmium chloride intoxication did not lead to metal accumulation in the brain in the Cd1 and Cd10 groups, and the value of cadmium concentration in the Cd100 group did not depend on the time of exposure. The researchers have observed statistically significant changes in zinc and copper concentrations after three months of exposure to cadmium. The zinc content increased depending on the dose, and the copper content decreased.&#x0D; Exposure to cadmium for three months in small doses does not lead to significant accumulation in the brain, but causes an imbalance of essential elements such as calcium, zinc and copper.&#x0D; Ethics. The study was conducted in accordance with the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experiments or Other Scientific Purposes (ETS No. 123), Directive 2010/63/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union dated 09/22/2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and approved by the Bioethical Commission of the Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Medicine and Human Ecology.

Heavy metal levels and flavonoid intakes are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an NHANES analysis (2007–2010 to 2017–2018)

BackgroundThe association between exposure to environmental metals and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is preventing chronic lung diseases. However, little is currently known about the interaction between heavy metals and flavonoids in relation to the risk of COPD. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by leveraging The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to evaluate thecorrelation between blood levels of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury) and the intake of various flavonoid compounds (isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, total flavonoids). Additionally, appropriate dietary recommendations are provided based on the study findings.Materials and methodsCross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2007–2010 and 2017–2018 NHANES data. Specialized weighted complex survey design analysis software was used for data analysis. Multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to evaluate the relationship between blood heavy metal levels, flavonoids intake, and COPD incidence in all participants, and to explore the effect of different levels of flavonoids intake on COPD caused by heavy metal exposure.ResultsA total of 7,265 adults aged ≥ 40 years were analyzed. Higher levels of blood cadmium (Cd), blood lead and Anthocyanidin (AC) intake were independently associated with an increased risk of COPD (Cd highest quantile vs. lowest: OR = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.25–2.3; Lead highest quantile vs. lowest quantile: OR = 1.44, 95% CI, 1.11–1.86; AC highest quantile vs. lowest: OR = 0.73, 95% CI, 0.54–0.99). When AC intake exceeded 11.56 mg/d, the effect of Cd exposure on COPD incidence decreased by 27%, and this finding was more significant in smokers.ConclusionHigher levels of Cd (≥ 0.45ug/L) and lead (≥ 0.172 ug/L) were positively correlated with the risk of COPD among participants aged 40 years and above, while AC intake (≥ 11.56 mg/d) could reduce the risk related to blood Cd.

Accumulation characteristics of metals in human breast milk and association with dietary intake in northeastern China

The trace elements present in breast milk play a vital role in the growth and development of infants. Nevertheless, numerous studies have reported the presence of toxic metal contamination in breast milk from various countries and regions, which poses potential risks to breastfed infants. This article aimed to investigate the characteristics of trace elements in breast milk and explore the relationship between breast milk and diet in Dalian, a coastal city in northeastern China. Breast milk samples and representative local food samples were collected from Dalian for research. The results revealed that 57 % of breast milk samples significantly exceeded the WHO safety limit (0.6 μg/L) for arsenic, with a measured mean value of 0.96 μg/L. Moreover, the levels of chromium (mean value: 2.63 μg/L) in 34 % of breast milk samples exceed the WHO recommended safety level (chromium: 1.5 μg/L). Aquatic foods accounted for 60 % to 90 % of the total intake of arsenic, cadmium, vanadium, mercury, and lead. The Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive correlations among breast milk metal elements, including copper-zinc (r = 0.68) and nickel‑chromium (r = 0.89). Furthermore, the food-to-milk accumulation factors (FMAF) of strontium, nickel, arsenic, vanadium, cadmium, and mercury were relatively low (median values <0.005). While the FMAF values for chromium and lead were higher, with median values of 0.038 and 0.07, respectively. The results indicated potential risks of the toxic metal arsenic in breast milk from Dalian, China for breastfed infants. Therefore, continuous monitoring of breast milk for toxic metals and foodborne contamination is necessary.

Detection of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Concentrations and Hazards in Some Baby Food Samples

This study was conducted to detect the concentration of lead and cadmium in baby foods, (18) samples were examined, which are the most available from various local markets in the city of Baghdad (at a rate of (9) samples of baby food consisting of cereals and (9) samples of baby foods consisting of vegetables). All samples were examined using an atomic flame absorptiometry (AAS-7000), all results showed the presence of lead and cadmium and the highest concentration value of lead in baby foods consisting of cereals (1.0986) and cadmium in baby foods consisting of vegetables (0.0015) ppm. Lead exceeded 100% limitations and cadmium did not exceed that. The results reported on the risks of contamination, as the mean daily intake (g/kg/d) for lead (1.3538) and cadmium amounted to (0.010), and the target hazard quotient index was high for the index (THQ&gt;10) for lead in most of the samples examined and reached (THQ&lt;10) in some samples examined, while cadmium all samples reached an index of (THQ&lt;10). The study showed an increase in lead concentrations and perceptible risks and did not report an increase in cadmium concentrations outside the determinants, but it warns of imperceptible risks to the consumer. The study showed statistically significant differences between the levels of lead and cadmium and between the studied species and did not show statistically significant differences between the origins at the level of significance (0.05). It has been shown that these products pose a risk to children when consumed, so these products must be banned and ways must be found to reduce or prevent these pollutants with these products or find appropriate alternatives.&#x0D;

Dietary intake and trophic transfer of cadmium and lead from three daily consumption vegetables in Quito, Ecuador

The presence of toxic metals in vegetables of daily consumption is a concern for human health. Little is known about the concentration of toxic metals in vegetables sold in markets in Quito, Ecuador, and the corresponding risk to the population. This study aimed to measure the concentration of cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce, to estimate the risk for human health, and to determine the trophic transfer factor using Drosophila melanogaster flies. Vegetable samples were obtained from four local markets in Quito to measure the concentration of Cd and Pb (expressed in mg/kg of dry weight) in the vegetables by microwave-assisted acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Drosophila melanogaster flies were fed with contaminated vegetables to determine de trophic transfer factor of metals in the trophic chain. Our results showed the highest accumulation of Pb and Cd occurred in lettuce. In all cases, the Pb and Cd concentrations exceeded the maximum levels established by the Food and Agriculture Organization. However, the daily intake of metals and the health risk index showed no risk from daily consumption. Pb’s trophic transfer factor was excessively high in the tomato-fed flies, showing transference and accumulation in the flies. Cadmium concentration in tomato-fed flies was also the highest among the three vegetables. The trophic chain transfer of toxic metals from vegetables to Drosophila has been observed through a high accumulation of these metals in flies, and this suggests a negative impact on both human health and ecosystems.