Daily Intake Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Comprehensive Assessment of the Relationship between Metal Contamination Distribution and Human Health Risk: Case Study of Groundwater in Marituba Landfill, Pará, Brazil

Effective management of urban solid waste in the Metropolitan Region of Belém, State of Pará, Brazil is essential for conserving ecosystems and public health in eight cities, emphasizing the municipality of Marituba. Considering the vulnerability of underground water resources in Marituba to pollution due to the possible impact of leachate percolation from the landfill, this study evaluates the quality of groundwater captured in tubular wells from different adjacent locations potentially used for human consumption. For this purpose, the systematic methodologies of the groundwater quality index and human health risk assessment analysis: non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk to human health were used based on chronic daily intake of heavy metals by consumption and dermal adsorption of groundwater, measured through risk quotients, risk index, and incremental lifetime cancer risk. To evaluate the interrelationships of pollutants, analysis of variance, hierarchical cluster analysis, and principal component analysis were used based on the spatio-temporal quantification of pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, As, Al, Ba, Co, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, U, and Zn. Residents of the study area are not at potential risk, as the results demonstrate that groundwater is within the potability standards of Brazilian legislation, except for aluminum concentrations, which ranged from 53.12 to 378.01 μg L−1 and 3.82 to 339.5 μg L−1 in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively, exceeding the established limit of 200.0 μg L−1. The quality index for groundwater and the heavy metal pollution index demonstrated that groundwater has good drinking quality with low metal contamination. The risk was considered low at all sampling sites in the non-carcinogenic risk assessment. Principal component analysis indicated that the sources of metal pollution are natural origins and anthropogeny. In this sense, they become worried because aluminum is a recognized neurotoxicant that can interfere with the central nervous system’s critical physiological and biochemical processes. Furthermore, despite complying with potability standards, trace concentrations of highly toxic metals such as As, Pb, Cd, and Ni may indicate initial contamination by landfill leachate.

Physio-biochemical Behavior and Health Effects of Pepper Plants Subjected to Lead Stress and Their Responses to Remediating Agents as Microbial Activity and Phosphorus

This work assessed the alleviating effects of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) and phosphorus as environmentally friendly materials on the cultivation of pepper plants in polluted soil with lead (Pb) in forms of PbSO4, and Pb(NO3)2 at rates of 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 µg Pb/g soil. Pot experiments were conducted to study the growth parameters, some physiological factors, biochemical constituents, and yield attributes, as well as the tolerance index (TI), translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and health effects [daily intake of heavy metals (DIM), health risk index (HRI), and carcinogenic risk (CR)]. Increasing the Pb concentration of all Pb salt used in soil severely affected the plant vegetative growth parameters. In comparison with other Pb salt forms, Pb(NO3)2 salt had a strong inhibitory impact. Additionally, the photosynthetic pigments in leaves were negatively impacted by all Pb salt forms. The application of Pb in all salt forms led to changes in the leaf water deficit (LWD), osmotic pressure, and membrane integrity and decreased the total water content, relative water content (RWC), transpiration rate, and leaf succulence. Pollution with Pb salts considerably decreased the yield constituents and various chemical properties of pepper, more so in the presence of Pb nitrate than in the presence of Pb sulfate type. A comparison of the concentration of Pb presence of Pb nitrate was greatly increased than the Pb sulfate in the whole plants. The safe limit of 0.3 mg/kg was exceeded by the Pb concentration in pepper fruits (6.3 and 4.3 mg/kg) cultivated in Pb-contaminated soil [with Pb(NO3)2 and PbSO4, respectively]. Additionally, Pb sulfate had a greater detrimental effect on Pb uptake in several plant organs than other Pb salt forms. The TI of pepper plants treated with salt types was >60% with PbSO4 (75.6%), whereas it was <60% with Pb(NO3)2 (35.2%). The BCF values of pepper plants in the polluted Pb soils varied from 0.10 to 0.41, indicating a moderate accumulator plant. At every level of Pb contamination with all Pb salt types, the sequence of Pb TF values was as follows: roots (TFr) > shoots (TFsh) > fruits (TFf), with TF values < 1. When compared with TFr and TFsh, TFs for shoot to fruits (TFf) had the lowest values (range, 0.07–0.22). The DIM, HRI, and CR values of pepper plants revealed that the Pb of fruit of stressed pepper plants is within safe limits. In addition to reducing the detrimental effects of intolerable Pb levels (2000 and 3000 µg Pb/g soil) on the majority of the aforementioned characters, adding Bacillus bacteria as a bio-agent and phosphorus as a chemo-agent to Pb-polluted soils also stimulated growth, increased yield, controlled plant water relations, protected photosynthetic pigments, and sharply decreased the Pb accumulation in plant organs. The Bacillus bacteria application resulted in some superior characteristics, such as root length, leaf number, leaf length, leaf area, leaf area index, fresh biomass, dry biomass, photosynthetic pigments, quantity yield attributes, reduction Pb accumulation in all plant organs, TI, TFr, TFf, BCF, in health effects trials, whereas phosphorus application improved plant height, leaf width, RWC, LWD, osmotic pressure, total soluble solids, acidity, total carbohydrates, total protein, and TFsh.

Monitoring Toxins and Human Health Risk Assessment of Clarias Gariepinus from Nwangele River in Imo State, Nigeria

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental contaminants which have caused worldwide concerns as toxic pollutant. This study reports the concentrations of 8 PAHs and 4 heavy metals (Al, As, Pb, and Hg) in clarias gariepinus collected from Nwangele River in Imo State Nigeria. The mean concentration of heavy metals was between 0.06-2.67 mg/kg, with Arsenic having the highest concentration. Daily intake of heavy metals was estimated using daily fish consumption of 0.03643kg/person/day from literature. Referenced oral dose RfD for the four metals were: 0.043, 0.003, 0.004, 0.0001 respectively. Health Risk index (HRI) of heavy metals were < 1 for Al and Pb, but were very high for As and Hg. For PAHs, concentrations showed 13, 4.5, 36.6, 19.6, 80.9, 50.2, 5.1, and 22.4 mg/kg for fluorine, phenanthrene, anthracene, benzo(k) flouranthene, benzo(a) pyrene, benzo (b) flouranthene, pyrene, and dibenzyl (a-h) anthracene respectively. The study indicated that with reference to Al and Pb, fish from the river were safe for consumption. Conversely, the fish were unsafe with reference to concentrations of PAHs, As, and Hg. The study recommended prevention measures towards water pollution and consumer awareness of health hazard in consuming contaminated fish

Hair Heavy Metals and Food Consumption in Residents of Chengdu: Factors, Food Contribution, and Health Risk Assessment.

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most pressing issues threatening food security and human health. This study assesses heavy metal (chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel, and lead) exposure via hair metal concentrations in Chengdu residents, reflecting metal intake from food consumption. From June 2020 to February 2021, a sampling survey was conducted on residents' hair (n=182) and food (n=301) in six main urban areas of Chengdu. The concentrations of heavy metals in hair and food were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results showed that the residents of Chengdu City had high hair concentrations of Cd (0.17±0.03 mg kg-1) and Zn (293±21.3 mg kg-1). Gender significantly affected the hair Cr, Zn, and Ni concentrations. Based on the survey results obtained from Chengdu City residents, the habits and diet structure are assessed for the influence of six heavy metals in the hair of the residents. Adolescents' (13-18 years old) hair had significantly higher Pb concentrations than adults (19-59 years old). The concentration of Ni in hair was affected by perming and dyeing habits. For dietary exposure, cereals and meat were the main contributors to the residents' daily intake of heavy metals. The bioaccessibility of Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb in food was 2.45-74.67%, 10.6-78.7%, 13.4-82.5%, 8.89-89.2%, 7.70-85.1%, and 15.4-86.2%, respectively. In health risk evaluation based on the bioaccessible fraction of six heavy metals, the hazard quotient of each heavy metal in food was less than 1, indicating no potential non-carcinogenic risk.

Risk Profiling of Exposures to Potentially Toxic Metals PTM(S) Through Noodles Consumption. A Case Study of Human Health Risk Assessment

Abstract This study aimed to quantify levels of the toxic heavy metals metalloid arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in commercially available noodles. Analysis was performed via the acid microwave digestion method followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Furthermore, the potential health risks resulting from the consumption of noodles by polish consumers were evaluated using the estimated average daily intake of heavy metals (ADIHMs; µg·kg−1 bw·day−1). Additionally, to assess the potential health consequences due to noodle consumption, the total hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR) were calculated. The average contents of Pb, As, Cd, and Hg in instant noodle samples were determined as 9.241, 8.483, 29.39, and 1.661 µg·kg−1, respectively. THQ values for heavy metal toxicity were found to be below 1, indicating that the consumer is not exposed to carcinogenic health risks associated with the analyzed metals. Additionally, the rank order of max THQ was Pb < Cd < As < Hg, and the mean THQ was Pb < Hg < As < Cd, while both the max and mean CR rank orders were Pb < Cd < As.

Biotransfer of heavy metals along the soil-plant-edible insect-human food chain in Africa

Although mining is Zambia's major economic activity, it is implicated in environmental contamination, particularly with heavy metals. This study investigated the accumulation and transfer of heavy metals along the soil-plant-edible insect-human food chain. Our results revealed the presence of eight heavy metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc) with a 28–60 % increase in soil concentrations at the proximity of the mining facilities. There was a higher accumulation of Cd, Cu, Ni, Fe, Pb, and Zn than As and Cr in plant species near the mine. Among the insect species studied, C. forda accumulated nickel significantly higher (70–81 %), I. obscura had higher cadmium (2–84 %) and lead (10–79 %), while I. rubra and M. falciger accumulated higher iron (41–96 %) and zinc (1–67 %), respectively, than other insect species. The quantity of I. obscura consumed (248 g person−1 day−1) was significantly higher (9–37 %) than other insect species. It was noted that the consumption of insects increased the daily intake of heavy metals, enhanced the target hazard quotient, and increased the associated health risks by up to 9 folds compared to the WHO permissible limits meaning that the daily intake of metals consumed depends on the daily quantity of insects consumed. Our findings suggest that the accumulation of heavy metals along the soil-plant-edible insect-human food chain could pose severe human and environmental health risks along the mining gradients. The potential consequences of heavy metal mobility in the consumer trophic levels and the ecotoxicological consequences are particularly concerning. Furthermore, physiological and biological studies are needed to investigate the abovementioned effects.

Dietary exposure of radionuclides and heavy metals in adult residents in a high background natural radiation area using duplicate diet method

Intake of radionuclides and heavy metals through food consumption is one of the important pathways for long-term health considerations. In this paper, the dietary exposure to radionuclides (210Pb, 210Po, 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, 137Cs and 129I) and heavy metals (As, Hg, Pb, Cd and U) of adult residents in the high background natural radiation area (HBNRA) in Yangjiang, China, was comprehensively assessed using duplicate diet method. The estimated effective dose received by the inhabitants in HBNRA from ingestion of radionuclides was 0.33 mSv/y, and the associated lifetime cancer risk was 1.1 × 10–3. Both the dose and cancer risk to humans were at the acceptable range, and showed no difference between the HBNRA and the control area. With respect to heavy metals, the estimated daily intake of heavy metals (DIM) values for As, Hg, Pb, Cd and U in HBNRA were 0.47, 0.03, 15.0, 0.26 and 0.04 μg/kg bw/d, respectively, and the corresponding target hazard quotient (THQ) were 1.58, 0.09, 3.7, 2.56, 0.18. The DIM and THQ of Cd and U in HBNRA were similar to the control area, but the DIM and THQ of Pb were much higher than the corresponding values of 0.39 and 0.03 in the control area. The hazard index (HI) value of heavy metals in HBNRA was almost twice that of the control area. This suggests that the inhabitants in the HBNRA may have a health risk associated with the heavy metals.

Impact of old environmental burden in the Spiš region (Slovakia) on soil and home-grown vegetable contamination, and health effects of heavy metals

Due to several centuries of ongoing mining activities, Middle Spiš (Slovakia) is one of the areas with a damaged environment. The contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg were determined in the soils and home-grown vegetables (potatoes, carrots, tomatoes). Except for Pb, the contents of heavy metals in the soils of some plots were higher than the limit values. Based on the values of Contamination factor (Cf), Degree of contamination (Cdeg), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and Pollution load index (PLI), very high Fe, Cd, and Hg contamination (Cf ≥ 6), very high soil contamination (Cdeg ≥ 20), extremely heavy Fe and Hg contamination (Igeo > 5), resp. moderately pollution to non-pollution (1 < PLI ≤ 2) was found in all plots. In vegetable samples, the maximum levels were exceeded for Cu, Pb, Hg (potato), Pb (carrot, tomato), and Hg (carrot, plot E). Bioaccumulation factor values BAF > 1 were for Cu (carrots, potatoes). Estimated daily intake values for all heavy metals were lower than their tolerable daily intake. Chronic daily intake of heavy metals ranged 2.495E−06 (Hg)—0.1416 (Fe) mg/kg/day. Based on Hazard index values, potato consumption poses a risk (0.8068–1.3057). The results showed that the monitoring of soils and cultivated production is necessary for the investigated area.

Risk Assessment of Toxic Metals from Drinking Water of Taluka Ghorābāri, Sindh, Pakistan

In the current study, the quality of groundwater used for drinking purposes was assessed in Taluka Ghorābāri, Sindh, Pakistan. Twenty-five sampling locations were selected for the collection of groundwater. Samples were analyzed for physicochemical and heavy metal analysis, followed by standard methods. Detection of heavy metals was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Heavy metals which exceeded the WHO safe limit included Cr (28%), Fe (16%), Mn (48%), and Ni (16%) from the drinking water of the study area. The Cu and Zn were found within the safe limit in all drinking water samples of the study area. The Daily Intake of heavy Metals (DIM) and Health Risk Indexes (HRI) Assessments were calculated to determine risk assessments; the order of mean DIM values was observed as Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cr while HRI was observed in the order of Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Zn &gt; Fe &gt; Cr. The HRI values were observed less than one for both adults and children, which shows the lack of possible health hazards for the people of the study area.

Concentrations and human health risk assessment of selected heavy metals in soils and food crops around Osukuru phosphate mine, Tororo District, Uganda

This study investigated the concentrations of heavy metals, particularly chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd); lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in the soil and crops. The accumulation of heavy metals in the crop system, the probable daily intake of heavy metals, and the assessment of potential health threats associated with the uptake of metals by the residents around the Osukuru phosphate mine in Tororo, Uganda. The concentrations were assessed with the assistance of an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The crops studied were amaranthus (Amaranthus hybridus) leaves, pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) leaves, maize (Zea mays) grains, and cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) leaves. A total of 200 samples were collected from five villages of Osukuru Sub County. The findings of this study showed that elemental concentrations of heavy metals in the soil were within the standard recognized limit for agriculture as documented by World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU). While more noticeable levels of these elements were detected in crop samples, especially amaranthus. Chromium composition was lower than the detection level in all samples. The transfer factor results showed elemental intake by the crops in the sequence; Fe > Cu > Cd > Pb. The probable daily intakes of the elements were below the daily threshold values endorsed by WHO/FAO. The health threat index showed high values for Pb and Cd from maize but low values of Cu and Fe in all samples and therefore these crops may not be very safe for human intake.

Comparative Study of Heavy Metal Concentration in Eggs Originating from Industrial Poultry Farms and Free-Range Hens in Kosovo

The aim of the present study was to determine the most significant heavy metal concentration in hen eggs, in particular to compare the heavy metal concentration in eggs originating from industrial poultry farms versus free-range hens. The sampling process was carried out between October and December 2018, in the Republic of Kosovo. In total, 22 random egg samples were collected, with 54.5% and 45.5% of samples coming from poultry farms and free-range hens, respectively. The measurements of the heavy metals were taken by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), using a wide range of elements, and only the most important elements were reported, such as Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb within the range of 0.48–8.45, 38.77–289, 4286.59–15383.74, 0.45–144.74, 61.68–550.59, 1078.04–11378.56, 0.29–35.42, 0.27–6.54, and 0.04–1.41 μg kg−1, respectively. This study revealed that the heavy metals in eggs from free-range hens are richer in essential elements such as Mn, Fe, and Zn, while poultry farm eggs contain a higher contribution of Cr, Cd, As, and Pb. However, the daily intake of heavy metals from egg consumption was lower than the WHO-FAO advised provisional daily intake. Therefore, egg consumption does not exceed the safety levels of toxic metals and does not pose any risk to human health.

Daily intake of heavy metals and minerals in food – A case study of four Danish dietary profiles

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in the food supply chain is a crucial environmental and health issue in need of urgent risk reduction action plans. This study assesses the daily intake of four HMs, i.e. cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic, and four minerals; chromium, nickel, selenium and zinc. 456 Danish food items were grouped in six food categories (grains, fruits and vegetables, oils and condiments, food rich in fats, sugar and alcohol, milk and dairy and protein-rich). A model of four different Danish diets (standard, carnivore, vegetarian and vegan) is presented. The probability of exceeding the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) of HMs and minerals for the four different Danish diets were calculated applying a Monte Carlo approach. While the sources to the total intake differ, there is no significant differences in the risk of exceeding the PTDI across the four dietary profiles. The risk of exceeding the PTDI across the four dietary profiles was on average 60%, 17% and 16% for cadmium, mercury and lead respectively. For total arsenic the risk of exceeding the provisional daily intake was 33%. Concerning minerals, the average probability of exceeding the recommended daily intake was 29% for chromium, 80% for selenium, 73% for nickel and 0% for zinc. Regarding the toxic limit value the probability was 12% for chromium, 17% for selenium, 52% for nickel and 0% for zinc. The results of our study emphasize the importance of implementing measures to reduce the risk cycle of HMs threatening environmental health and food safety.

Heavy metal content of herbal health supplement products in Dubai \u2013 UAE: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic intoxication have been associated with the use of health supplement (HS) products. The aim of this study is to estimate the concentration of heavy metals in HS products that are on sale in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, premises and to compare estimated daily metal intake with regulatory standards.MethodsDubai-area premises selling HS products were identified by searching the Dubai Municipality database to identify all pharmacies, para-pharmacies and nutrition and healthcare shops. A total of 859 premises were identified in the Deira and Bur-Dubai areas. Data collection was performed between September 1 and December 12, 2016. During that period, all premises that had been identified within Dubai were visited and samples for laboratory testing were collected.ResultsA total of 200 HS products were tested for lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and arsenic. High proportion of samples were found to contain metals less than the limits of the detection (LOD) of the method. It was found that 93% of products contained Arsenic (As) < LOD, 94.5% of lead (Pb) < LOD, 100% of Cadmium (Cd) < LOD, 99% of Mercury (Hg) < LOD and 23.5% of Chromium (Cr) < LOD. Using the single imputation method to account for LOD, estimates for the average daily intake of lead was 0.88 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 20 μg, daily intake of mercury was 0.09 μg (TDI = 20 μg), daily intake of cadmium was 0.83 μg (TDI = 6 μg) while for arsenic it was 0.92 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake of 10 μg. The average daily intake of chromium was 7.57 μg with no internationally established TDI. Assuming users followed the manufacturers’ instructions, daily intake of arsenic, lead and mercury would not exceed TDI for any of the 200 products. However, the daily intake of cadmium exceeded or approximated the TDI for three products.ConclusionsIn this study we found low levels of metals in the products that were available for sale in Dubai. With few exceptions, if the products were used according to the suppliers’ instructions, average daily intake of heavy metals will be well below the recommended tolerable daily intakes.

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in crops in a wastewater irrigated zone and health risk assessment

Industrialization and urbanization have produced a large amount of wastewater. Part of the municipal wastewater has been used as an irrigation source in urban/suburban areas. Its utilization, although economically beneficial, can significantly deteriorate the integrity of the ecological systems (e.g., in terms of quality of soil and resulting food products). The objectives of this study are to investigate the spatial distribution and bio-accumulation of heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in food crops (and topsoil) and associated health risks of their consumption in the area of Mangla Dam, Pakistan. To this end, studies were conducted to assess the risk factors such as the bioconcentration factor (BCF), health risk index (HRI), and daily intake of heavy metals (DIM). Accordingly, there was more contamination in Mangla Dam water irrigated zone (DWI) than in the groundwater irrigated zone (GWI). Co exhibited the maximum BCF of 7.45 for Eruca sativa and 6.61 for Brassica campestris in the GWI zone. Likewise, enhanced risk to human health was seen from of Cd, Cr, and Pb in Triticum aestivum and Eruca sativa grown in the DWI zone. It is recommended that the quality profile of wastewater discharge into freshwater ecosystems should be continuously monitored and regulated.

Distribution and health risk assessment to heavy metals near smelting and mining areas of Hezhang, China.

Mining and smelting areas in Hezhang have generated a large amount of heavy metals into the environment. For that cause, an evaluative study on human exposure to heavy metals including Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Bi, Be, and Hg in hair and urine was conducted for their concentrations and correlations. Daily exposure and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk were estimated. Sixty-eight scalp hair and 66 urine samples were taken from participants of different ages (6-17, 18-40, 41-60, and ≥65years) living in the vicinity of an agricultural soil near mine and smelting areas. The results compared to the earlier studies showed an elevated concentration of Pb, Be, Bi, Co, Cr, Ni, Sb, and Zn in hair and urine. These heavy metals were more elevated in mining than in smelting. Considering gender differences, females were likely to be more affected than male. By investigating age differences in this area, high heavy metal concentrations in male's hair and urine existed in age of 18-40 and ≥66, respectively. However, females did not present homogeneous age distribution. Hair and urine showed a different distribution of heavy metals in different age and gender. In some cases, significant correlation was found between heavy metals in hair and urine (P>0.05 and P>0.01) in mining area. The estimated average daily intake of heavy metals in vegetables showed a great contribution compared to the soil and water. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk values of total pathways in mining and smelting areas were higher than 1 and exceeded the acceptable levels. Thus, the obtained data might be useful for further studies. They can serve as a basis of comparison and assessing the effect of simultaneous exposure from heavy metals in mining and smelting areas, and potential health risks from exposure to heavy metals in vegetables need more consideration.

Heavy metals in vegetables sold in the local market in Jordan

ABSTRACTHeavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in various vegetables (cabbage, green onion, lettuce, parsley, rocket, spinach, carrot, onion, potato and cauliflower) from the market in Jordan were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn ranged from 0.009–0.275 mg kg−1 wet weight, 0.004–0.060 mg kg−1, 0.003–0.401 mg kg−1, 0.105–3.51 mg kg−1, 0.15–1.15 mg kg−1, 0.93–14.39 mg kg−1, 0.044–0.702 mg kg−1, 0.072–0.289 mg kg−1 and 2.23–6.65 mg kg−1, respectively. Parsley, followed by spinach, contained the highest concentration of heavy metals. Onion contained high levels of toxic heavy metals. The content of Cu in parsley and spinach and Pb in onion exceeded the Codex limits. However, the daily intake of heavy metals from the tested vegetables was lower than the maximum limits for allowable intake.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Rice-Producing Soils of Hunan Province, China and Potential Health Risks.

We studied Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Hg in three agricultural areas of Hunan province and determined the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for residents. Soil and brown rice samples from Shimen, Fenghuang, and Xiangtan counties were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Soil levels of Cd and Hg were greatest, followed by As and Ni. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in brown rice were Cd 0.325, Cr 0.109, As 0.344, Ni 0.610, Mn 9.03, Pb 0.023, and Hg 0.071 mg/kg, respectively. Cd and Hg had greater transfer ability from soil to rice than the other elements. Daily intake of heavy metals through brown rice consumption were estimated to be Cd 2.30, Cr 0.775, As 2.45, Ni 4.32, Pb 0.162, Mn 64.6 and Hg 0.503 µg/(kg·day), respectively. Cd, Hg and As Hazard Quotient values were greater than 1 and Cd, Cr, As and Ni Cancer Risk values were all greater than 10−4. The total non-carcinogenic risk factor was 14.6 and the total carcinogenic risk factor was 0.0423. Long-term exposure to heavy metals through brown rice consumption poses both potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the local residents.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Green Leafy Vegetables Collected From Different Market Sites of Kathmandu and Their Associated Health Risks

The present study was carried out to assess contamination of five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Zn) in five different types of green leafy vegetables viz., mustard (Brassica campestris), garden crees (Lepidium sativum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and spinach (Spinacea oleracea) collected from different market sites of Kathmandu. Atomic absorption spectrometer was used to determine the concentrations of these metals in a total of 45 test vegetables. Results showed a substantial accumulation of heavy metals in roots and leafy shoots of the vegetables. The range of various metals was 0.9-12.0, 2.7-12.5 and 16.8-158.7 mg kg-1 in roots and 3.2-19.1, 5.3- 32.9 and 23.9-223.1 mg kg-1 in leafy shoots of the test vegetables for Cd, Pb and Zn respectively. However, the levels of As and Cr were found below the detection limits. Results revealed that the average concentrations of all metals (both leafy shoots and roots together) in the vegetables were found in order of their abundance as Zn&gt;Pb&gt;Cd. It was also found that Pb and Cd levels exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by FAO/WHO for human consumption. Daily intake of heavy metals through consumption of the vegetables was also investigated. From the present study, we conclude that a monitoring plan and a health risk assessment are necessary to evaluate the levels of metal concentration in vegetables in order to develop the proper measures for reducing excessive build-up of these metals in the food chain. Scientific World, Vol. 11, No. 11, July 2013, page 37-42 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/sw.v11i11.8550

Trace metals intake of Nacella (P) magellanica from the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego (Patagonia, Argentina)

Nacella species and Mytilus species constitute a popular food in the Beagle Channel zone as both of them are well distributed in the area. With the aim to infer the daily intake of heavy metals through the consumption of these gastropod molluscs in the diet, more than one hundred individuals of Nacella (P) magellanica were sampled, separated in viscera and muscle, and then examined with respect to the accumulation of different transition metals. Collection was performed in seven strategic locations along 170 km of the coastal area of the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) in two campaigns during 2005 and 2007. In this study, the intake of the trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn by molluscs was calculated and evaluated in terms of the potential risks to human health derived from their consumption. Particularly, cadmium and lead presented more interest as they are non–essential and very well known toxic metals. Generally, the integrated evaluation of the results evidence that risks for humans seem unlikely for the regular consumption in the area. Further discussion will be provided on this issue.

Daily intake of heavy metals and nitrate through greenhouse cucumber and bell pepper consumption and potential health risks for human

Limited information is available on the health quality of greenhouse vegetables. Lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and nitrate () concentrations in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and their dietary intakes were determined. The non-cancer risk for was determined using the non-cancer hazard quotient. Lead non-cancer risk in children was calculated using the Integrated Exposure–Uptake Biokinetic model. Higher concentrations of cadmium, lead, and chromium were found in bell pepper than cucumber. The mean concentration in the greenhouse cucumber was about 2.7 times higher than the World Health Organization standard limit. Cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium daily intake for different populations groups through consumption of the vegetables were < 0.01–0.04, 0.35–1.00, 0.03–0.24, and 0.05–0.27 µg/g, respectively. The dietary intake of for adult was greater than children. Elevated lead and concentrations in the greenhouse vegetables are important concerns for consumers. Potential health quality problems in greenhouse products have to be considered.