Hazard Quotient Research Articles

Atmospheric gaseous mercury and associated health risk assessment in the economic capital of India.

Mercury cycling in coastal metropolitan areas on the west coast of India becomes complex due to the combined effects of both intensive domestic anthropogenic emissions and marine air masses. The present study is based on yearlong data of continuous measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentration concurrent with meteorological parameters and some air pollutants at a coastal urban site in Mumbai, on the west coast of India, for the first time. The concentration of GEM was found in a range between 2.2 and 12.3ng/m3, with a mean of 3.1 ± 1.1ng/m3, which was significantly higher than the continental background values in the Northern Hemisphere (~ 1.5ng/m3). Unlike particulates, GEM starts increasing post-winter to peak during the monsoon and decrease towards winter. July had the highest concentration of GEM followed by October, and a minimum in January. GEM exhibited a distinct diurnal cycle, mainly with a broad peak in the early morning, a narrow one by nightfall, and a minimum in the afternoon. The peaks and their timing suggest the origin of urban mobility and the start of local activities. A positive correlation between SO2, PM2.5, temperature, relative humidity, and GEM indicates that emissions from local industrial plants in the Mumbai coastal area. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) confirm this fact. Monthly back trajectory analysis showed that air mass flows are predominantly from the Arabian Sea and local human activities. Assessment of human health risks by USEPA model reveals that the hazardous quotient, HQ < 1, implies negligible carcinogenic risk. GEM observations in Mumbai during the study period are below the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limit (200ng/m3) for long-term inhalation.

Implications of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Fish Feed, Water, Sediment, and Different Fish Species in a Polyculture System.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in organisms is primarily a result of dietary uptake. The current study examines the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu) in fish feed, water, sediment, and three fish species (Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cyprinus carpio) from different feeding zones in a polyculture pond system. Furthermore, associated human health risks were also evaluated. The fish samples (n = 25 for each species) were collected from 10 different fish ponds in the Kohat district, Pakistan. Heavy metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Results revealed higher concentrations of heavy metals in sediment, followed by water. However, the concentration of heavy metals in fish feed was lower than the standard limits. In the case of fish, the bottom feeder (C. carpio) notably exhibited higher (P < 0.05) levels of heavy metals than the column feeder (L. rohita) and surface feeder (C. catla) fish. Moreover, in the liver of all fish species, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals was higher, followed by the gills. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated a strong correlation of heavy metals in C. carpio gills, flesh, feed, and pond water, while the heavy metals in the liver correlated with the detected metals in sediment. The human health risk analysis shows that bottom feeder fish had higher estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) values (> 1). Consequently, the exposed population may experience adverse health effects. The findings of this study suggest that the bottom feeder (C. carpio) bioaccumulates a higher concentration of heavy metals than column (L. rohita) and surface feeder (C. catla) in the polyculture system.

Shallow groundwater quality and health risk assessment of fluoride and arsenic in Northwestern Jiangsu Province, China

Assessing groundwater quality is critical to regional water resource conservation and human health safety, especially in areas with co-existence of toxic constituents fluoride (F−) and arsenic (As). In this study, fourteen groundwater samples were collected in Feng County, Northwestern Jiangsu Province to identify dominant contaminants and their spatial distribution and health risk. The composition and variation characteristics of major ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, and NO3−) and trace elements (F−, As, and Mn) were analyzed. The hydrochemical results revealed that high F− groundwater was mainly distributed in the northern areas whereas As-riched groundwater was primarily distributed in southern areas. Notably, over 85.7% and 21.4% of the shallow groundwater samples exceeded the drinking water quality standard of 1.5 mg/L for F− and 10 µg/L for As, respectively. Based on the water quality index (WQI) appraisal result, 71.4% of the groundwater in the study area is classified as “poor”, and thus unsuitable for drinking directly. We assessed the human non-carcinogenic health risk of F− (HQFluoride) and As (HQArsenic) and the carcinogenic health risk of As (CRArsenic). The calculated hazard quotient (HQ) for F− indicated nearly all groundwater samples have an unacceptable risk (HQ > 1) for each age group. However, HQArsenic values revealed that 28.6%, 21.4%, 21.4%, and 21.4% of groundwater samples posed potential non-carcinogenic health risks for infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The calculated results of CRArsenic showed that 0%, 21.4%, 28.6%, and 28.6% of groundwater samples posed unacceptable health risks (CR > 1.0 × 10−4) to infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The groundwater irrigation suitability assessment results showed that 21.4% of samples were doubtful to unsuitable for irrigation, and 85.7% owed magnesium hazards. The findings of this study will assist policymakers in formulating proper remedial policies and mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of drinking and irrigation water.

Assessment of potential health risks associated with heavy metal concentrations in leafy vegetables in Kerman, Iran

ABSTRACT Despite the growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of leafy vegetables, there is a lack of information about the presence of heavy metals and the associated risks in these products. This study aimed to investigate the concentration of heavy metals in leafy vegetables in Kerman City. The research also assessed the intake of heavy metals and the associated drisks for children and adults who consume these vegetables. The study followed the recommended methods by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to evaluate both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic diseases. A total of 400 leafy vegetable samples, including parsley, coriander, Persian leek, and basil, were randomly collected from agricultural farms in the outskirts of Kerman City. The samples were analysed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer to measure the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), and copper(Cu). The results revealed that the levels of heavy metals in leafy vegetable samples exceeded the recommended standards set by international organisations such as FAO/WHO, European countries, and Iran. The total target hazard quotient (THQ) for non-carcinogenic diseases resulting from the consumption of leafy vegetables was higher than one for both children and adults in all studied areas, indicating a potential risk of non-carcinogenic diseases associated with the consumption of these vegetables. Furthermore, the average Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) resulting from exposure to agricultural soil through leafy vegetable consumption exceeded the hazardous and unacceptable range of 104− × 10−6 in both children and adults. This suggests the possibility of carcinogenic diseases caused by Pb and Cd through the consumption of leafy vegetables in all studied areas, with a higher overall risk observed in children compared to adults. In conclusion, while leafy vegetables are widely recognised for their nutritional benefits, our study underscores a critical gap in understanding the presence of heavy metals and the associated risks in these products. The findings reveal that the concentrations of heavy metals in leafy vegetables from Kerman City exceed international standards, posing potential health risks, particularly in children. Further research and regulatory actions are warranted to address this pressing issue and ensure the safety of our food supply.

Bioaccumulation of arsenic in fish (Labeo rohita) in presence of periphyton: ameliorative effect on oxidative stress, physiological condition, immune response and risk assessment.

The present study explores the use of periphyton to ameliorate toxic properties of arsenic (As) to Labeo rohita and also assesses the human food safety aspects. Fish were introduced to arsenite [As(III)] contaminated water (0.3 and 3mg/L) along with periphyton. Biochemical, physiological and immunological parameters, including gene expression, were assessed after 30days of exposure. Periphyton incorporation significantly improved (p < 0.05) the adverse effects of As on respiration, NH3 excretion and brain AChE activity by reducing oxidative stress and As bioaccumulation. The presence of periphyton in As(III) exposed fish (3mg/L) increased the immune response (Immunoglobulin M and Complement C3) in the serum and the regulation of the respective immune genes in the anterior kidney was found to be similar to the control. A speciation study using LC-ICP-MS confirmed the high accumulation of As by periphyton (5.0-31.9μg/g) as arsenate [As (V)], resulting in a lower amount of As in fish muscle. The calculated human health risk indices, Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Target Cancer risk (TCR) indicate that fish grown in periphyton-treated water may lower the human health risks associated with As. The study signifies the importance of periphyton-based aquaculture systems in As contaminated regions for safe fish production with enhanced yield.

Optimization of QuEChERS method for determination of pesticide residues in vegetables and health risk assessment.

The present study focused on the optimization of the QuEChERS extraction method for the determination of 61 pesticide residues and associated health risk assessment in 144 samples of commonly consumed vegetables, viz., eggplant, cabbage, green chilli, okra, and tomato. The samples were collected between January and April 2022 from three different districts within Gujarat, India. The QuEChERS method was optimized and utilized for the extraction of samples. The samples were analyzed by UHPLC-q-TOF/MS and GC-MS/MS. The modified QuEChERS method was successfully validated, and the obtained results were satisfactory as per the 2021 SANTE guidelines. The residue analysis of the vegetable samples showed that about 4% of total samples contained single pesticide residues. Pesticide residues below the quantitation limit (BQL) were observed in eggplant, cabbage, and okra samples. In total, 15.62% (n = 5) samples of green chilli showed the presence of pesticides such as azoxystrobin, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, and propargite whereas 3% (n = 1) tomato samples contained cyfluthrin. In total, 97.22% of the samples had residues that were below the European Union Maximum Residue Limit (EU MRL). Two samples of green chilli had pesticide residues above EU MRL. The Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) were used to assess the health risks associated with green chilli and tomato consumption. The HI and HQ values for adolescents and adults were found to be less than 1. The modified QuEChERS method was found to be easy and effective and can be implemented for routine sample analysis. The study revealed the presence of pesticide residues in tomato and green chilli samples. Further, the outcome provided information pertaining to current pesticide status, concluding that consumption of these commodities is unlikely to pose any health risk, though long-term monitoring studies focusing on dietary health risk assessment must be initiated.

Experimental study for inorganic and organic profiling of toy makeup products: Estimating the potential threat to child health.

Inorganic elements are added to toys as impurities to give desired stability, brightness, flexibility, and color; however, these elements may cause numerous health issues after acute or chronic exposure. In this study, the inorganic profile of 14 elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, Sb, Pb, and Zn) in 63 toy makeup products was identified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after microwave acid digestion method. Additionally, organic allergen fragrance was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The systemic exposure dosage (SED), margin of safety (MoS), lifetime cancer risk (LCR), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard indices were used to assess the safety evaluation. Then, 57 out of 63 samples (90.48%) exceeded the limits at least for one toxic element with descending order Ni > Cr > Co > Pb > Sb > Cd > As > Hg. The SED values were compared with tolerable daily intake values and remarkably differences were found for Al and Pb. The MoS values for 57.15% of samples exceeded the limit value for Al, As, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Sb, and Zn elements. The LCR values were observed at 100% (n = 63), 79.37% (n = 50), 85.71% (n = 54), 77.78% (n = 49), and 18.87% (n = 10) for Cr, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd, respectively. Also, the skin sensitization risks were obtained for Cr and Ni at 26.980% (n = 17) and 9.52% (n = 6), respectively. The HQ values for 80% of samples were found to be ≥ 1 at least for one parameter. The investigation of fragrance allergens in samples did not show any significant ingredients. As a result, toy makeup products marketed in local stores were found to be predominantly unsafe. Children should be protected from harmful chemicals by regular monitoring and strict measures.

Concentrations, Sources, and Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Edible Parts of Broilers from Northeast of Algeria.

Heavy metals contamination of poultry products is a major concern for public health. This study aimed to determine the concentration of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe) in the edible parts of broilers, as well as in feed, drinking water, and litter as sources of contamination and to assess their possible human health risk in the province of Jijel (Northeast Algeria). The range of Hg, Pb, and Fe in edible parts were 0.004-0.007, 0.185-0.480, and 28.536-88.306mg/kg, respectively, and the difference in content was only significant (p < 0.05) for lead. Breast and thigh samples had Pb concentrations above the maximum limit. Spearman coefficient analysis revealed that most correlations were positive between metals detected in feed, water, and litter and those in the edible parts of broilers. But most of them were insignificant (p > 0.05). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of examined metal exceeded the tolerable daily intake (PTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of all metals were lower than 1, suggesting no significant carcinogenic risks. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of Pb was higher than 10-4 for men, women, and children, indicating the presence of carcinogenic risk. Considering the wide consumption of broiler meat, regular national monitoring of heavy metals in the broiler production chain is recommended to protect population health.

Geographical distribution of nitrate pollution and its risk assessment using GIS and Monte Carlo simulation in drinking water in urban areas of Fars province-Iran during 2017-2021.

Pollution of water resources with nitrate is currently one of the major challenges at the global level. In order to make macro-policy decisions in water safety plans, it is necessary to carry out nitrate risk assessment in underground water, which has not been done in Fars province for all urban areas. In the current study, 9494 drinking water samples were collected in four seasons in 32 urban areas of Fars province in Iran, between 2017 and 2021 to investigate the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment. Geographical distribution maps of hazard quotient were drawn using geographical information system software. The results showed that the maximum amount of nitrate in water samples in 4% of the samples in 2021, 2.5% of the samples in 2020 and 3% of the samples in 2019 were more than the standard declared by World Health Organization guidelines (50mg/L). In these cases, the maximum amount of nitrate was reported between 82 and 123mg/L. The HQ values for infants did not exceed 1 in any year, but for children (44% ± 10.8), teenagers (10.8% ± 8.4), and adults (3.2% ± 1.7) exceeded 1 in cities, years, and seasons, indicating that three age groups in the studied area are at noticeably significant non-carcinogenic risk. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation showed that the average value of non-carcinogenic risk was less than 1 for all age groups. Moreover, the maximum HQ values (95%) were higher than 1 for both children and teenager, indicating a significant non-carcinogenic risk for the two age groups.

UiO-66@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as an adsorbent in dispersive solid phase extraction of metformin in surface water and wastewater

Abstract Metformin, an anti-hypoglycemic medication, has been used for decades due to its efficiency and is the most consumed pharmaceutical drug worldwide. Consequently, monitoring its concentration in environmental water is important due to its suspected effect on human health and aquatic life. This study reported the extraction, preconcentration, separation and determination of metformin (MET) in waters. Dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) using UiO-66@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as a sorbent was used to extract and preconcentrate MET. The high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) achieved the separation and quantification of MET in the samples. Experiemental design was used to optimise influential variables in the extraction and preconcentration of MET. The linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for MET were 0.5-100 µg/L (R2 = 0.9987), 0.16 µg/L and 0.53 µg/L, respectively. The intraday (n = 10 same-day replicates) and interday (n = 5 consecutive days) precisions reported as relative standard deviations (RSD %) were less than 5%. The accuracy of the method expressed as percentage recovery (%R) ranged from 84 to 112%. The method was applied to extract and preconcentrate MET in wastewater and river water samples. The MET was detected in greater concentrations in wastewater than in river water samples. The validation based on specificity, trueness, linearity, precision, and application to the analysis of MET in real samples showed that the combination of dSPE and HPLC-DAD methods is applicable for MET monitoring in surface water and wastewater. Furthermore, the dSPE/HPLC-DAD method was rapid, simple and suitable for estimating the concentrations of MET in South African surface water and wastewater for the first time. Lastly, the environmental risk caused by the occurrence of MET in surface water was investigated in terms of hazard quotient (HQ). The HQ values were less than unity, suggesting a low possibility risk for the aquatic organisms.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risk Associated with Cultivated Vegetables along Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, Bangladesh.

The purpose of this research work is to evaluate the degree of eight heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) contamination and health risks of three regularly consumed vegetables (papaya, bottle gourd, and esculent) near one of Bangladesh's busiest roadways, the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. The heavy metal concentrations in 45 vegetable samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). These samples were collected from five different sampling sites based on various land use patterns adjacent to the highway. The average concentrations (mg/kg) of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, and Ni were found to be 9.86, 246.8, 16.9, 28.0, 9.02, and 2.02, respectively, for papaya; 14.9, 281.2, 387.6, 49.0, 10.1, and 2.92, respectively, for bottle gourd; and 17.6, 183.4, 107.2, 80.7, 7.98, and 2.34, respectively, for esculent. The mean concentrations of Cr, Zn, and Mn in papaya, bottle gourd, and esculent were higher than the acceptable limit. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between Fe-Cu, Zn-Fe, Cu-Fe, and Fe-Zn in papaya; Cu-Zn, Fe-Cr, Zn-Ni, and Cr-Fe in bottle gourd; and Mn-Cr, Mn-Ni, Mn-Fe, and Cr-Ni in esculent, thereby indicating their common anthropogenic sources like agricultural activities, waste from the commercial area, filling station, and vehicular emissions. Health risk assessment through target hazard quotient (THQ) revealed the highest THQ of 9.52 for Cr in bottle gourd, which poses a high non-carcinogenic health risk to the localities upon the intake of these contaminated vegetables. Target cancer risk (TCR) was found to be highest for Cr in papaya (0.013) and bottle gourd (0.014). TCR trends were found for Cr in the following order: bottle gourd > esculent > papaya. This study contributed the greatest concern for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health impacts through ingesting contaminated vegetables.

Chemical characterization of road dust during diwali festival in Guwahati city of Assam, Northeast India.

The present study focuses on the elemental analysis of road dust in Guwahati, the largest city of Assam and the largest metropolis of Northeast India during the Diwali festival. Road dust samples were collected on pre-Diwali (PD), the Day after Diwali (DaD), and one week after Diwali (WaD) from two sites (Lankeshwar; LKW and Patharquarry; PTQ). Three composite samples were collected from 3 points at each site. The elemental concentration was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of Ba and Sr increased by 1.6 and 1.7 times, respectively, after Diwali. Among other firework-related elements (FREs), Mg, Al, K, and Cu increased at LKW following Diwali (both DaD and WaD), whereas Mg, Al, and K increased in DaD dust at PTQ. The average concentration of Traffic Related Elements (TREs) at PTQ was significantly higher than at LKW (p < 0.05; 75.40mg/kg vs 63.96mg/kg). Cd had the highest enrichment (EF), followed by Ni and Zn. EF for Cd, Ni, and Zn ranged from high to extremely high enrichment. Ni and Cd exhibited moderate contamination (CF). The ecological risk (ER) values for Cd at LKW and PTQ were 54.32 and 56.71, respectively, indicating a moderate ER. Pearson's correlation was performed to study the relationship between elements, while PCA analysis was used to identify the main sources of these elements. Although the health hazard indices presently do not suggest any immediate danger, hazard quotient (HQ) values for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure were higher for children than adults. In children, the contribution of HQing to HI (total risk) was the highest, accounting for more than 65% of all elements. There is no apparent lifetime cancer risk due to road dust exposure through inhalation.

Essential and toxic elements analysis of wild boar tissues from north-eastern Romania and health risk implications

IntroductionThe level of essential minerals in meat is an important factor in human nutrition and health. Meat from responsibly managed wildlife is an alternative raw material with considerable nutritional benefits. Meat from hunted animals has essential and non-essential elements for the human body. It is important to carefully monitor the levels of heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of hunted animals in polluted areas to ensure food safety and environmental contamination. High levels of heavy metals in food and the environment can pose a danger to human health.MethodsThe study aims to investigate the levels of essential mineral elements and heavy metals in the muscle tissue and organs of wild boar harvested through the herd density control plan over the last decade in north-eastern Romania.Results and discussionThe statistical analysis indicates that the age of the animals had a significant impact on Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in Longissimus lumborum. In the kidney a highly significant difference in Fe content by sex, with males showing higher values than females. The sex was shown to significantly influence the Mg levels. However, there are concerns about the accumulation of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), which may hurt the health of game meat consumers in the study area. Cd level it shows significant differences according to both age and sex, with higher concentrations in adults and males. Statistical analysis shows a negative correlation between Fe and Zn concentrations in muscle samples, while a positive correlation was found between Fe and Mn in kidney samples. There was also a positive association between Zn and Cu in muscle samples, but a negative association in kidney samples. Principal component analysis shows significant variation in essential element and heavy metals data between muscle and kidney samples. The loading plot shows a direct correlation between Pb and Cu and between Pb and Cd. However, an opposite correlation also is observed between Cu and Mg, Cd and Mg, and Pb and Mg. HQ (Hazard Quotient) for children compared to adults indicates a potentially higher risk associated with meat consumption among children because children are more vulnerable than adults. We report for the first time, to the best authors’ knowledge, various levels of essential minerals and exceeded maximum admitted level of heavy metals in the muscle tissues and kidneys of Sus scrofa ferus from Romania intended for human consumption, moreover, our findings highlight the need for strict monitoring and implementation of appropriate corrective measures, given the significant percentages of muscle and kidney samples exceeding the allowable limits for two of the most common toxic metals in the environment.

Heavy metal levels and human health risk implications associated with fish consumption from the lower Omo river (Lotic) and Omo delta lake (Lentic), Ethiopia.

This study is the first to determine the levels of heavy metals in commercially important fish species, namely Lates niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus and the potential human health risks associated with their consumption. A total of 120 fish samples were collected from the lower Omo river and Omo delta, with 60 samples from each water source. The fish tissue samples (liver and muscle) were analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer for nine heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The human health risk assessment tools used were the target hazard quotient (THQ), the hazard index (HI), and the target cancer risk (TCR). The mean levels of heavy metals detected in the liver and muscle of L. niloticus from the lower Omo river generally occurred in the order Fe > Zn > Pb> Cu > Mn> Cr > Co > Ni and Pb > Cu > Mn > Co > Ni, respectively. The mean levels of metals in the muscle and liver tissues of O. niloticus were in the order Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Co > Ni and Pb > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu > Co > Ni, respectively. Similarly, the mean levels of heavy metals detected in the liver and muscle of L. niloticus from Omo delta occurred in the order Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Mn > Cr > Co > Ni and Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Co > Cr > Ni, respectively. The mean levels in the muscle and liver tissues of O. niloticus from the Omo delta were in the order Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Co > Ni and Pb > Fe > Zn > Mn > Co > Cu > Ni, respectively. The study revealed that the THQ values were below 1, indicating that consumption of L. niloticus and O. niloticus from the studied sites does not pose a potential non-carcinogenic health risk. Although the TCR values for Pb in this study were within the tolerable range, it's mean concentration in the muscle and liver tissues of both fish species from the two water bodies exceeded the permissible limit established by FAO/WHO. This is a warning sign for early intervention, and it emphasizes the need for regular monitoring of freshwater fish. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the pollution levels and human health risks of heavy metals in fish tissues from lower Omo river and Omo delta for environmental and public health concerns.

Metals and metalloid in medicinal plants: occurrence and risk assessment to human health

Aim: This study was aimed at determining the levels of trace elements in six medicinal plants of tropical origin. Methods: The levels of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Albizia glaberrima (AG), Aristolochia ringens (AR), Brysocarpus coccineus (BC), Ipomoea asarifolia (IA), Sansevieria liberica (SL), and Telfairia occidentalis (TO) were determined using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The estimated dietary intakes of the metals, hazard quotients (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated. Results: The highest levels of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Fe were detected in IA. BC had the highest levels of Mn and Ni while AR had the highest levels of Cu, Co, and As. However, the levels of the metals were mostly below the permissible limits in the plants. The estimated dietary weekly intakes (EWIs) were below the provisional tolerable weekly intake for each chemical element. The EWIs range values were 21.566–643.114 µg/kg per day (kg is the unit of body weight), 0.008–1.529 µg/kg per day, 0.6–7.815 µg/kg per day, 67.569–215.889 µg/kg per day, 4.305–185.451 µg/kg per day, 0.225–1.704 µg/kg per day, 1.03–10.2 µg/kg per day, 0.933–2.286 µg/kg per day, and 62.554–854.4 µg/kg per day for Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, As, and Fe, respectively. The HQ values of the elements were less than 1 except for Cu in AR (1.321). The values of lifetime cancer risks exceeded the permissible limit in all the plant materials. Conclusions: The findings from the study revealed that the consumption of TO, SL, and AG for medicinal purposes has no inherent non-carcinogenic toxicity while the consumption of AR, IA, and BC has some risks of non-carcinogenic toxic. However, the six plant materials showed inherent risks of carcinogenic events, as such their use for medicinal purposes must be cautious, maybe by reducing both the ingestion rate and the frequency of intake.

Dissipation, processing factors and dietary risk assessment of the bioinsecticide abamectin in herbal plants belonging to Lamiaceae family from open field to herbal tea infusion

Abamectin, the mixture of avermectin B1a and B1b, is widely used as a bioinsecticide and is an alternative to chemical pest control from insects. To our knowledge, its behaviour is not fully recognized, especially in herbs. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the environmental fate of abamectin in herbal plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, its dissipation in open field studies laboratory processing treatments and dietary risk assessment. Three medicinally and culinary important species of herbs: Melissa officinalis L., Mentha × piperita L. and Salvia L. were treated with single and double dose than recommended on the label during their cultivation (BBCH 11–29). Residues were monitored using the QuEChERS method followed by the LC-MS/MS. The dissipation pattern of the sum of avermectin B1a and B1b and their persistence were observed 14 d after spraying. Abamectin decline was very rapid in plants and followed the first-order kinetics model. The half-life (t1/2) was in the range of 0.96–1.08 d (single dose) and 0.93–1.02 d (double dose). The pre-harvest intervals (decrease to the level of 0.01 mg kg−1) were 7.29–7.92 d at single and 7.99–8.64 d at double dose application. Herbal infusion preparation in previously washed and dried mint, lemon balm and sage leaves was the key processing step in the removal of abamectin residues. The reduction of initial deposits after single dose treatment was noted up to 65% (PF = 0.35–0.67) and up to 79% after double dose application (PF = 0.21–0.72) in herbal tea. Acute risk assessment of children and adults for the highest residues in EFSA PRIMo model at single and double dose expressed as hazard quotients (HQ) were <1, indicating no risk to humans via consumption of the herbal products. The data provide a better understanding of abamectin behaviour in herbal plants and can help assure herbs' safety for consumers.

Health risk assessment of occupational exposure to heavy metals among green space workers in Iran.

Exposure to heavy metals can result in various adverse health effects. Tehran is rated as one of the world's most polluted cities. Green space workers are continuously exposed to such pollutants in this city. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the health risks caused by exposure to heavy metals among green space workers. Eighty-eight workers and office personnel in two regions with different air quality levels were chosen for sampling. Air samples were collected using the NIOSH-7300 method and analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) instrument. The hazard quotient (HQ) and the lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) were calculated to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk levels. The results revealed that the rank order of heavy metals was determined as Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni, Co, and Cd. Workers were subjected to higher concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, and Co than office personnel. Furthermore, the Cd, Co, and Zn exposure levels stood significantly higher in region 6 than in region 14. Non-carcinogenic risk levels for all participants fell within the acceptable range. Moreover, no employee had a carcinogenic risk level within the acceptable range when exposed to Cd. Also, 2.3% of individuals demonstrated Ni's acceptable carcinogenic risk level. Owing unacceptable risk levels, proper interventions are required to minimize occupational exposure to heavy metals. These interventions include optimizing shift schedules, using personal protective equipment, and conducting regular health assessments.

Human Consumption of Non-Native Species in a Circular Economy: Determination of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Invasive Signal Crayfish from a Baltic Coastal River and Its Assessment for Consumption

A circular economy aims at decoupling value creation from waste generation and resource use. The signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus is kept worldwide in aquaculture and after escaping into the wild, may further be used for human consumption rather than eradicated and used for purposes such as fertilizing fields. The level of contamination by two groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in non-native signal crayfish from a Baltic coastal river, was measured in two locations (under anthropogenic pressure and semi-natural pressure) to understand whether its consumption might be a threat to human health. Concentrations of indicators and total compounds of POPs in the edible parts of crayfish (muscular tissue of crayfish) with potential human health risks were determined. The levels of concentrations of POPs meet the requirements of Regulations (EU) No. 836/2011 and No. 1259/2011 for the consumption of crustaceans. Our results also indicate no significant public health risk caused by consumption of the signal crayfish (hazard quotients (HQ) &lt; 1). The results show that the bioaccumulation of POPs depends on the species’ traits and environment.

Evaluation and prediction of anthropogenic impacts on long-term multimedia fate and health risks of PFOS and PFOA in the Elbe River Basin

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have aroused great concern owing to their widespread occurrence and toxic effects. However, their long-term trends and multimedia fate remain largely unknown. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics and periodic oscillations of PFOS and PFOA in the Elbe River between 2010 and 2021. Anthropogenic emission inventories and multimedia fugacity model were developed to analyse their historical and future transport fates and quantify related human risks in each medium for the three age groups. The results show that average PFOS and PFOA concentrations in the Elbe River were 4.08 and 3.41 ng/L, declining at the annual rate of 7.36% and 4.98% during the study period, respectively. Periodic oscillations of their concentrations and mass fluxes were most pronounced at 40–60 and 20–40 months. The multimedia fugacity model revealed that higher concentrations occurred in fish (PFOS: 14.29, PFOA: 0.40 ng/g), while the soil was their dominant sink (PFOS: 179, PFOA: 95 tons). The exchange flux between water and sediment was the dominant pathway in multimedia transportation (397 kg/year). Although PFOS and PFOA concentrations are projected to decrease by 22.41% and 50.08%, respectively, from 2021 to 2050, the hazard quotient of PFOS in fish is a low hazard. This study provides information for the assessment of PFOS and PFOA pollution in global watersheds and the development of related mitigation policies, such as banning fish predation in polluted rivers, to mitigate their risks.

Bioaccumulation of carcinogenic metals in river fish: A quantitative investigation of public health risk

The rivers are severely contaminated by human activities due to its massive outflow and industrial effluents. Three economically significant fish species Sperata seenghala, Wallago attu, and Cyprinus carpio from the river water were selected for the assessment of heavy metals (HMs). The edible part of the collected fish from the river sampling sites were analyzed to determine the metal concentrations and potential health risks to humans. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) technique was used to measure HMs including lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) for both water and fish samples. Order of HMs in the fish was found as Pb > Cd > Cr. Levels of HMs in all species were found higher than the European Commission (EC) recommended acceptable levels. The metal pollution index (MPI) indicates that W. attu and S. seenghala, two highly consumed fish species, have accumulated HMs in higher concentrations. Wallago attu has the highest bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for both Pb and Cd permissible levels. For adult and children, the Hazard Index (HI) and Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were less than 1, which indicated that there would be no non-carcinogenic health consequences. Carcinogenic risk (CR) exposure to Pb, Cd, and Cr for all consumers was found to be higher than the permitted limit (10−6-10−4), while children were found more vulnerable than adults in terms of CR values. The study findings identified several sources of contaminants in the area, including agricultural waste, lubricant usage, and electroplating material production dumping near into the river water. Based on the results of the analysis, metal concentrations exceeded the thresholds for carcinogenic health risks, indicating that fish from the area are generally unsafe to consume. Therefore, immediate action must be taken to reduce or prevent the discharge of contaminants into the river. Additionally, regular monitoring of the river's water quality should be conducted to control the contamination of water.