Health Hazard Index Research Articles

Potted garden pea grown in presence of pre-emergence herbicides: Impacts on soil enzymes and human health

Pre-emergence herbicide residues in pea cultivation can pose significant health risks to nontarget organisms, including humans. To assess the impact of these residues on soil and human health, garden peas were grown in an agricultural soil (MAT) and potting mix (POM) treated with dimethenamid-P, metazachlor, and pyroxasulfone. Dehydrogenase activity in MAT soil was not significantly affected by these herbicides. However, in POM, herbicide application resulted in significantly higher dehydrogenase levels, likely due to the higher organic matter content promoting microbial activity and moisture retention. In contrast, phosphatase activity levels remained relatively consistent across untreated and treated samples of both MAT and POM. Herbicide residues in pea pods, shoots and roots were measured to evaluate potential human health hazards. The detected residue levels were at or above the European Union’s maximum residue levels. The calculated non-cancer acute health hazard index of (aHI <100 %) and hazard quotient of (HQ <1) suggested that consuming peas grown in potting medium treated with these herbicides at recommended doses does not pose a health hazard to humans. This study is the first to provide insights into the environmental impact of pre-emergence herbicide residues in soil, aiding the development of safer and more sustainable vegetable farming practices.

Evaluation of Radiation Rates and Health Hazards from Different Cement Types in Pakistan

The raw materials of cement contain radioactive elements that come from natural sources. Members of the decay chains of uranium, thorium, and potassium radioisotope 40K are the primary sources of this radioactivity. The natural radionuclide concentration levels in cement differ greatly depending on different geographic areas. To estimate the radionuclides concentration in cement specimens from twelve diverse Pakistani companies, gamma-ray spectroscopy analysis was used in the study. 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K had activity concentration levels ranging from 18.08 to 43.18 Bq/kg, 16.73 to 23.53 Bq/kg, and 14.24 to 315.22 Bq/kg, respectively. The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) threshold for the 226Ra was surpassed by five of the studied samples. The indoor and outdoor dose rates as well as different radiological health hazard indices were also examined. The Indoor Absorbed Dosage (Din) for some of the samples exceeded the permissible limit. These samples also had a high Indoor Effective Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) factor, which makes them unsafe for interior construction purposes. The outdoor dosages as well as the hazard indices were well within the permitted ranges. The outdoor ELCR factor is low for all the cement brands, which makes them safe for exterior construction purposes. The findings were compared with published data from other countries around the globe. Finally, a thorough statistical analysis was performed and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) exhibited a very strong correlation between the different outdoor and indoor radiological health hazard indices.

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

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

Assessment of the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination in the groundwaters of the Leh district, Ladakh.

There has been a significant rise in cancer-related mortality in the Ladakh region during the past 10years. The most common type of case is gastrointestinal cancer, which has been linked in theory by medical research to lifestyle factors, high altitude conditions, and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria brought on by poor hygiene. Nevertheless, the precise cause of the rise in cancer cases is still unknown. Concurrently, there has been a significant change in Ladakh's water use practices due to development, improved basic utilities, and related vocational shifts. The local population has become increasingly reliant on groundwater since it provides a year-round, continuous water supply for home and agricultural uses. In this study, we assessed heavy metal contamination in groundwaters and associated human health risks. The results indicate that 46-96% of the groundwater samples have heavy metal pollution with a health hazard index > 1, which means using these groundwaters for drinking, food preparation, and agriculture is likely to result in carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health hazards. The main heavy metal contaminants found in the groundwater of the Leh district include Cr, As, Hg, and U. According to the health risk assessment, 46-76% of the groundwater samples contain unsafe levels of Cr and As. Prolonged exposure to these levels is likely to cause gastrointestinal cancer in the local population. Acute to chronic exposure to U and Hg concentrations present in some groundwater samples is likely to result in various non-carcinogenic health risks.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trace metals contents of Pterocarpus Mildbraedii and Ocimum gratissimum grown near markets within Aba Metropolis, Nigeria: An evaluation of dietary intake risks

Consuming contaminated vegetables is one recognised method that people are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and trace metals (TMs). For this reason, it is important to constantly keep an eye out for these potentially fatal toxins in vegetables. Eighteen PAHs and TMs were investigated in the leaves of Pterocarpus mildbraedii and Ocimum gratissimum grown near Afule, Ahiaohuru, and Umuocham market locations within Aba metropolis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for PAHs while an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) for trace metals and Hg was analysed using a Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometer (CV-AFS). The results from the study showed that Afule samples gave (mg kg-1 PAHs) 6.84, 8.12; Ahiaohuru samples gave (mg kg-1 PAHs) 11.34, 17.68; and Umuocham samples gave (mg kg-1 PAHs) 0.17, 0.16 for P. mildbraedii and O. gratissimum leaf samples, respectively. As per the estimated data, the concentrations of trace metals in vegetables and soil are found in the range of 0.432–6.03 mg/kg for Al, 0.133–0.867 mg/kg for Cd, 0.003–0.840 mg/kg for Co, 1.400–2.933 mg/kg for Cr, 0.933–4.533 mg/kg for Cu, 132.233–198.197 mg/kg for Fe, BDL–0.0002 mg/kg for Hg, 0.002–0.004 mg/kg for Li, 8.007–19.067 mg/kg for Mn, 0.533–1.633 mg/kg for Pb, 0.300–0.667 mg/kg for V, and 2.050–6.103 mg/kg for Zn. The trace metals observed are compared to the literature reported values. It was discovered that the average metal concentrations were below the FAO/WHO maximum allowable values. Every metal in the study had estimated daily intake (EDI) values that were lower than the reference oral dosage (RfD) for that metal. The health risk index (HRI), target health quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values for both vegetables were much lower than 1 implying that the exposed population is safe from potential toxic metal.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment of elevated heavy metal contamination related health hazard in coastal multi-aquifers of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India

The concept of groundwater (GW) vulnerability emerged as a response to the escalating contamination of GW globally. Over recent decades, both scholars and policymakers have extensively utilized GW vulnerability assessments to safeguard groundwater from pollution. Within the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), inhabitants residing near coastal aquifers face significant challenges, notably the scarcity of fresh water during the hot and dry season. Furthermore, there is a concern regarding the presence of heavy metals (HMs) in this region, adversely impacting GW quality. In both Indian and global contexts, HM contamination, including arsenic (As), fluoride (F‾), and nitrate (NO3–), and its repercussions on human health (HH) in coastal districts, represent critical issues. In light of these challenges, this study aims to assess GW vulnerability and its implications for HH in SBR utilizing the Hazard Quotient (HQ) approach. Fifteen hydro-geochemical parameters have been selected for this research endeavor. Various statistical indices, such as “groundwater quality index (GWQI)”, “degree of contamination (CD)”, “index of ecological risk (ERI)”, and “human health hazard index (HHHI)”, have been employed to accomplish the study objectives. Piper's and Box plot diagrams were utilized to assess hydrogeochemical properties and GW quality. The findings reveal average concentrations of HMs, such as As, NO3–, and F‾ in the study area, to be 0.204 mg/l, 6.28 mg/l, and 0.79 mg/l, respectively. Among all variables, a positive correlation of 0.876 is observed between electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium ions (Na+). Eventually, the outcomes of this study can provide valuable insights for planners and policymakers to make informed decisions regarding the sustainable management of water resources.

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.

Participatory assessment of pollution and health risk in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities in Colombia

The predominantly Afro-descendant communities of Yolombó and La Toma depend on the region's rich natural resources through livelihoods such as farming, fishing, and artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Previous studies of the region have identified elevated levels of mercury in several surface and groundwater sites. Furthermore, recent regional studies have identified human health risks associated with mercury exposure through hazard quotient (HQ) modeling and global sensitivity and uncertainty analysis (GSUA). However, there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of water pollution involving different metals and metalloids potentially present in ASGM-influenced areas to estimate the associated environmental and human health impacts. In this study, we employed a participatory methodology to identify sources of exposure in Colombian ASGM communities through surveys, consumption diaries, and interviews. We then screened for relevant metals and metalloids through groundwater analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). Furthermore, we calculated water pollution indices, including heavy metal pollution index (HPI), degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal toxicity load (HMTL) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI). Finally, we quantified human health risks related to groundwater consumption through the HQ and hazard index (HI). Although the groundwater assessed in this study generally meets United States and Colombian regulatory standards, heightened Fe, Mn, and Al levels were observed. The pollution indices generally agreed that three of the sites tested showed medium to high pollution levels. The HI showed that the combined effect of all metals tested did not substantiate risk for most participants. However, the HI of one participant, a child, exceeded the 1.00 threshold. Furthermore, the presence of Pb, despite meeting regulatory limits, necessitates further scrutiny due to its substantial impact on pollution and human health hazard indices.

Health risk assessment for soil radioactivity around Shidaowan nuclear power plant in Shandong, China.

Monitoring radioactivity levels in the environment around nuclear power plants is of great significance to assessing environmental safety and impact. Shidaowan nuclear power plant is currently undergoing commissioning; however, the baseline soil radioactivity is unknown. The naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra and 40K, and artificial radionuclide (AR) 137Cs in soil samples around the Shidaowan nuclear power plant were measured to establish the baseline levels. Human health hazard indices such as external hazard indices (Hex), Radium equivalent (Raeq), outdoor absorbed dose rate (Dout), annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were estimated. The average concentration of 232Th, 40K, 137Cs, 238U and 226Ra were 42.6±15, 581±131, 0.68±0.38, 40.13±9.07 and 40.8±12.8Bq per kg, respectively. The average Hex, Raeq, Dout, AED and ELCR were 0.40, 146Bq per kg, 68.8 nGy per h, 0.09mSv per y and 3.29E-04, respectively. These data showed an acceptable level of risk to residents near the nuclear power plant and that the current radioactivity in the soil may not pose immediate harm to residents living close to the nuclear power plant. The observed lower AED and 40K and 137Cs concentrations were comparable to other studies, whilst ELCR was higher than the world average of 2.9E-04. The commissioning of the Shidaowan nuclear power plant is potentially safe for the surrounding residents; further continuous monitoring is recommended.

Potential Migration and Health Risks of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Take-Out Food Containers in South Korea.

The consumption of take-out food has increased worldwide; consequently, people are increasingly being exposed to chemicals from food containers. However, research on the migration of metals from containers to food is limited, and therefore, information required to determine the health risks is lacking. Herein, the amount of transfer of nine metals and metalloids (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ge, Co, Mn, Sn, As, and Hg) from food containers to food in South Korea was assessed from take-out food containers classified into paper and plastic container groups. The sample containers were eluted over time by either warming with 4% acetic acid at 70 °C or cooling with 4% acetic acid at 100 °C /deionized water at 25 °C. It was analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and a direct mercury analyzer. The reliability of the quantitative results was verified by calculating the linearity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. We found that the amount of metals and metalloids (Pb, Sb, Cd, and Co) eluting over time was highly significant in the plastic group. Regardless of the food simulant and elution time, the amount of Sb transferred from the food containers to food was substantially higher in the plastic (average concentration: 0.488-1.194 μg/L) than in the paper group (average concentration: 0.001-0.03 μg/L). Fortunately, all food containers were distributed at levels safe for human health (hazard index: 0.000-64.756%). However, caution is needed when warm food is added to food containers. Overall, our results provide baseline data for the management and use of take-out containers.

Human health risk assessment of nitrate and heavy metals in urban groundwater in Southeast Nigeria

Groundwater contamination by nitrate and heavy metals is a growing global concern due to its detrimental effects on human health through ingestion and dermal exposure. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of nitrate and heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, and Fe) in groundwater and evaluate the associated health risks among different age groups (females, males, and children) in the Nnewi and Awka regions of southeast Nigeria. Standard methods were followed. Ten groundwater samples were collected from each study locality, and their physicochemical parameters were analyzed. The evaluation of heavy metal levels in groundwater was conducted using the risks of cancer and health hazard index as indicators of public health impact. The results showed that while nitrate levels were within acceptable limits, heavy metal concentrations exceeded permissible levels in all samples. Carcinogenic risk (CR) analysis revealed that approximately 40% of Nnewi samples and 80% of Awka samples exceeded the permitted range of ≤1 × 10 −6–1 × 10 −4. In the Nnewi region, the order of heavy metal toxicity was Cd > Pb > Cu > Fe, while in Awka, it was Pb > Cd > Cu > Fe, resulting in severe non-carcinogenic health hazards for users. Cd and Pb were identified as the most significant contaminants impacting water quality in both regions. Children exhibited greater vulnerability to health risks compared to adults in both areas. These findings contribute to our understanding of localized nitrate and heavy metal contamination, highlight the vulnerability of children, and emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and management practices.

Evaluation of groundwater contamination and associated human health risk in a water-scarce hard rock-dominated region of India: Issues, management measures and policy recommendation

Groundwater is the most precious resource on the earth's surface, providing fresh drinking water for human beings and supplying water for plants to survive. The shortage, unavailability, and pollution of fresh drinking water is an emerging issue in almost every part of the world. To this end, the present study intends to evaluate the quality of groundwater and the associated health hazard risk of the Bankura district. To conduct the present study, 55 groundwater samples were collected across the Bankura district with intensive field investigation in the dry season, 2021 to assess the groundwater quality and associated health risks. For this study, we have selected 15 groundwater causative parameters to seek the NO3−, F− and Fe heavy metal groundwater quality (GWQ) status and impact of GWQ on human health by utilizing the degree of contamination (CD), GWQI and human health hazard index. Gibbs's diagram confirmed that the source of the groundwater pollutants is more geogenic than anthropogenic inputs for the Bankura district. The study's findings indicate that the GWQ of 25% area of the Bankura district is poor and unsafe for drinking purposes. In comparison, 15% of the groundwater contains good quality and is safe for drinking, and various pollutants moderately contaminate the remaining areas. The human health hazard index exhibited the same pattern as the GWQI map of the Bankura district. This unique finding of the present study will be helpful for the decision-makers, local well-being authorities and disaster management team to manage and mitigate the issue of GWQ of Bankura district and surroundings more sustainably.

Environmental health risk assessment and source apportion of heavy metals using chemometrics and pollution indices in the upper Yamuna river basin, India

River Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganges with great economic importance, and provides water for about 57 million people and accounts for more than 70% of Delhi's water supply. Various pollution indices and chemometric methods were used to investigate heavy metal pollution, associated risks, and probable sources in the upper Yamuna river water. A total of 56 river water samples, 28 each in pre and post-monsoon season were collected and analysed for 15 heavy metals. The findings reveal that Al (38.66 ± 21.14 μg/L), As (16.52 ± 15.81 μg/L), and Mn (41.06 ± 89.25 μg/L) in pre-monsoon and Al (45.77 ± 29.46 μg/L), As (10.30 ± 12.15 μg/L), Fe (48.03 ± 81.11 μg/L), and Mn (31.02 ± 70.13 μg/L) in post-monsoon exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) acceptable limits. The pollution indices (HPI, NPI, HEI, and Cd) indicate that most locations are low to moderately polluted, except for the lower catchment. Health indices, i.e., hazard Index (HI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), suggest that the prolonged consumption of river water may cause potential human health hazards. In contrast, the water is suitable for domestic and other uses as the dermal risk is less prominent. The ecological risk index (ERI) of pre (0.22–58.75) and post-monsoon (0.12–44.21) were in the low-risk category (<110), indicating no ecological risk associated with heavy metals. In pre and post-monsoon, four principal components (PCs) described 73.97% and 76.18% of the total variance respectively, suggesting the mixed impact of numerous geogenic and anthropogenic sources in the region's water chemistry. Cluster analysis demonstrates that the lower catchment samples (National Capital Region, Delhi) significantly vary from each other due to wastewater discharge, industrialisation, and rapid urbanization, while the upper and mid-catchment samples are less distinct. Hence, more than 90% of the Yamuna water is extracted from the upper region; present findings may aid in developing an effective catchment scale management strategy.

Evaluation of outdoor background ionizing radiation level around radiological sections in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Gombe State Nigeria

This study presents the results of ambient radioactive radiation, radiation health hazard indices and excess lifetime cancer risk estimation around radiological sections in Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria using a well calibrated Rados-200 meters and a Global Positioning System (Garmin 765). The mean annual outdoor equivalent dose of 0.078 mSv/y. was measured. Mean annual outdoor effective doses of 0.1358 mSv/y. and 0.0950 mSv/y. were computed respectively, that were less than 1 mSv/y. maximum recommended limit for general public. The mean outdoor ELCR values of 0.3330 x10-3 was also estimated. The results though below the world’s average, are comparable with those of some other locations similar to the study area.

Urbanization-driven soil degradation; ecological risks and human health implications.

Urban soils contaminated with heavy metals and pesticide residues are of great concern because of their adverse impact on human health. A total of 66 agricultural topsoil samples (15cm) were collected to represent the study area and determine how anthropogenic activities adversely affect soil quality and human health. Sampling was conducted in the summer, when it was dry and hot, and in the winter, after atmospheric deposition. Seventeen potentially hazardous metals/metalloids (Ag, As, Al, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Mo, Pb, Se, Zn, and V) were measured in the soils. The mean concentrations of metals ranged between 0.05 and 8080mg/kg, and their distribution was site-specific, with high pollution at the sampling sites owing to proximity to human activities. In agricultural areas, the greatest arsenic concentration was recorded at 48mg/kg. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) and health hazard index (HI) were calculated, as well as metal contamination indices including contamination factor (Cf), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and pollution load index (PLI). The mean PLI was calculated to be 4.89, indicating that the area is highly polluted. The potential ecological risk index showed remarkably high risks for As, Cd, and Hg, and moderate risks for Ni and Pb. The arsenic hazard index (HI) was greater than one (2.41) in children, indicating a risk of exposure through ingestion. Pesticide residue analyses were performed in areas where the metal intensity was high. Banned or restricted organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues, including, dieldrin, endrin ketone, endosulfan I, II, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, lindane (γ-HCH), PP-DDD, and methoxychlor, were detected between 0.002 and 1.45mg/kg in the soil samples.

Assessments of microbial and heavy metal contaminations in water supply systems at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development in Ghana

The main component of the environment that is essential for human existence on earth is availability of quality water. As human activity has evolved, particularly in the industrial, household, and agricultural sectors, groundwater systems are exposed to various contaminants. Groundwater is one of the main sources of water at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Ghana. However, no research has been carried out to assess the levels of microbial load and heavy metal toxicants in water transmission systems at UESD. In this current study, we investigated the levels of selected heavy metals and microbial load present in the water supply systems at UESD. Water samples were collected from four (4) different zones at the University. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to analyse the levels of eleven heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Co, Hg, Pb, Ni and As), whereas correct growth media were used to estimate microbial loads. Observations for water samples were compared to the permissible limits, using one-sample t-tests. Similarly, paired t-tests and Tukey’s honestly significant difference were used to compare observations between water samples from the zones. Water quality indicators (hazard quotient (HQ) and health hazard index (HI)) were used to examine any potential health risks. In addition, water quality index (WQI) was used to predict the quality of the groundwater at UESD campus. The results showed that the levels of Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Co and Hg were within the permissible limits. However, the levels of Pb, Ni and As for all the sampling zones were significantly higher than the permissible limits. The results of HI and HQ for the oral ingestion pathways of the metals were within the accepted levels. The result of WQI showed that heavy metals would contaminate groundwater in wells and the natural pond on UESD campus. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli colony-forming units present in the water samples were significantly higher than the acceptable levels, indicating a possible health risk when ingested. Therefore, we recommend water recycling and regular water quality monitoring programs at the University.

Health risk assessment of some heavy metals in twenty one wheat products sold in Nigeria

This study assessed some heavy metals in twenty one wheat products originating from Nigeria and six other countries sold in local markets in Ijebu-Ode, Ibadan and Lagos cities in Nigeria and their possible health risks were also evaluated. Wheat-based food samples were digested and analyzed using Microwave Plasma coupled Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES) technique. The heavy metal contents in local and foreign wheat products ranged as follows: As (0.014-0.033 mg.kg-1), Cd (0.067-0.330 mg.kg-1), Ni (-0.002-0.104 mg.kg-1) and Pb (0.166-0.655 mg.kg-1). The mean contents of Cd and Pb exceeded the acceptable thresholds set by FAO/WHO while those of As and Ni were below permissible limits recommended by FAO/WHO. The health hazard indices for the four heavy metals, reported as follows: Ni (0.005), As (0.201), Pb (0.211), and Cd (0.490), fall within the low hazard range except for Ni whose hazard index could be regarded as negligible. The health hazard risk, which may be posed by each metal, occurred in a sequence of HQ (Ni) &lt; HQ (As) &lt; HQ (Cd) &lt; HQ (Pb) &lt;1, with each occurring within the safe limit set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The combined non-carcinogenic risk of the four heavy metals (ΣHQ = 0.906) occurred at the low-risk index. The carcinogenic risk index was below 1x 10-4 threshold recommended by USEPA, which indicates that the combined concentrations of the four metals possess a weak potential to modulate lifelong carcinogenic ailments for consumers of such wheat products.

Hydrogeochemical properties of groundwater and associated human health hazards in coastal multiaquifers of India.

Due to the scarcity of water supplies, coastal groundwater quality most importantly influences sustainable development in the coastal region. Rising groundwater pollution through heavy metal contamination is an intense health hazard and environmental concern worldwide. This study shows that 27%, 32%, and 10% of the total area come under the categories very high, high, and very low human health hazard index (HHHI) accordingly. This area's water quality is also much polluted; the study shows approximately 1% has very good water quality. High concentrations of Fe, As, TDS, Mg2+, Na, and Cl- are relatively noticed in the portion of the western part of this district. The concentration of heavy metals in coastal aquifers influences the groundwater pollution of that region. The average heavy metal concentration in this region is 0.20 mg/l (As) and 1.160 mg/l (TDS). The groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical properties are determined through the Piper diagram. The study stated that TDS, Cl- (mg/l), and Na+ (mg/l) are the most regulatory issues of vulnerability. In the present study region, a huge number of alkaline substances are present resulting in the water being unfit for drinking purposes. Lastly, it is clear from the study's findings that multiple risks exist there like As, TDS, Cl-, and other hydrochemical parameters in the groundwater. The proposed approach applied in this research work may be a pivotal tool for predicting groundwater vulnerability in other regions.

Spatio-temporal evaluation of trace element contamination using multivariate statistical techniques and health risk assessment in groundwater, Khulais, Saudi Arabia

Groundwater is the only freshwater source for agriculture and domestic use in the Khulais region of Saudi Arabia (SA). Anthropogenic activities, particularly agricultural runoff and lithogenic sources cause groundwater contamination, posing health risks to all generations (infant, child, and adult) via ingestion, dermal, and inhalation exposure routes. The configuration of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health concerns posed by contaminated water is, thus, a time-sensitive requirement. This study uses multivariate statistical techniques to assess health risks and to identify health impacts and pollution sources. Sampling of groundwater at nineteen sampling sites was carried out in two seasons (winter and summer) of 2021. The samples were analyzed for major ions and toxic metals. Results show that the average hazard quotient (HQ) and health hazard index (HHI) in infants was higher than 1 for most of toxic metal in both the seasons. The health risks associated with ingestion were significantly higher than those associated with the dermal and inhalation pathways. The aquifer’s carcinogenic risk ranged from high to extremely high in terms of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) concentrations. The estimated health risk values may have a negative impact on people’s health, which suggests that active aquifer management should be implemented. Multivariate statistical analyses were accomplished to determine the primary contamination sources in the aquifer system. The total dissolved solid (TDS) correlated strongly among chloride (Cl−), sulphate (SO42−), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), iron (Fe), strontium (Sr), fluoride (F−) and bromide (Br−), which caused by seawater intrusion within winter and summer seasons. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) identifies two clusters and one independent case within the summer and winter seasons. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant variations in the concentrations of Mg2+, Aluminum (Al), Cobalt (Co), Cr, Ni, and Pb in winter, while TDS, electrical conductivity (EC), Cl−, SO42−, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr, F− and Br− in summer. This research demonstrates that aquifer cleanup and management protocols should be implemented, encouraged, and maintained. Applying the best hygienic practices and pre-clean-up of polluted groundwater is recommended before application for different purposes.

Extent of anthropogenic influence on groundwater quality and human health-related risks: an integrated assessment based on selected physicochemical characteristics

Majority of people living on earth rely on groundwater as their primary supply of water for daily needs. However, human activities continuously threaten this natural resource. In an attempt to unravel the extent of impact of human-related activities on groundwater physicochemical characteristics in Nnewi and Awka urban clusters (Nigeria), several techniques were integrated in this study. Groundwater samples were warm and acidic in nature. Concentrations of SO4 2-, NO3 -, PO4 3-, Cl-, HCO3 -, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ were within set benchmarks. Water nutrient pollution index (ranging from 0.060-0.745), nitrate pollution index (varying between -0.999 and -0.790), and water pollution index (ranging from 0.057-0.630) estimated the extent of anthropogenic contamination and showed low anthropogenic impact on the groundwater physicochemical characteristics. The health risks due to the ingestion and skin absorption of the nitrate-contaminated water computed for six age groups (6-12 months, 5-10 years, 10-15 years, 15-20 years, 20-60 years, and > 60 years) showed health risk values that were < 1, implying low chronic health risks to humans. The cumulative total health hazard index ranged between 0.006 and 0.787 with a mean value of 0.167. Chemometric analyses and geochemical plots revealed the relationships between the variables and contamination sources. Chadha’s plot showed that 55% of the samples were Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- waters, predominating over Na+-Cl- and Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3 - waters. Bivariate and multivariate geochemical plots also indicated low anthropogenic impact. Furthermore, principal component analysis and R-type hierarchical clustering confirmed that the groundwater chemistry and quality were mostly influenced by geogenic processes than human-related acts. Conclusively, the extent of anthropogenic influence on the groundwater physicochemical characteristics is low. These findings would be useful in future monitoring of groundwater in both urban clusters.