Human Health Risk Assessment Research Articles

The comprehensive strategy in the human health risk assessment of total chromium impurities in cough syrups with Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) available in Polish pharmacies: regulatory aspects and special emphasis on Cr(VI) mode of action

Chromium, which can currently only be considered pharmacologically active and not an essential element, is a very intriguing elemental impurity in final pharmaceutical products, especially traditional herbal medicinal products. This kind of traditional herbal medicinal product with Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L., radix) registered in the EU is widely used among the European population. The aim of this article is to propose a double regulatory strategy in assessing the human health risk of total chromium impurities in cough syrups with Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) available in Polish pharmacies. We applied the strategy based on the requirements of the ICH Q3D (R1) guideline for the assessment of Cr impurities in final traditional herbal medicinal products with Marshmallow Root registered in the EU. Furthermore, we applied the strategy based on the concept of margin of exposure (MoE) considering Cr(VI) genotoxicity mode of action (MOA) and based on BMD10 for Cr(VI) as a point of departure (PoD). The total Cr content was in the range: 1.12–9.61 µg/L (in comparison with the ICH Q3D R1 guidelines: 1100 µg/g). Total Cr levels in a single dose were relatively high compared to raw results, but were not a threat to patients. Comparison of estimated results with oral PDE value for Cr in final drugs suggested by the ICH Q3D R1 guideline (10,700 µg/day) show that all the products analyzed were below this value (the highest result was 278.40 ng/day). Despite conservative assumptions, the MoE values obtained for Cr in daily dose for each Marshmallow Root cough syrup were above 10,000; therefore, exposure to Cr would not cause a health risk for specific population groups (children and adults). It can be summarized that each of the phytopharmaceuticals analysed with Marshmallow root available in Polish pharmacies does not represent a health hazard to patients. We confirm the safety of Cr impurities by applying a double regulatory strategy without the application of an expansive and demanding HPLC-ICP-MS technique for Cr speciation.

Ecological and human health risk assessment of pharmaceutical compounds in the Sirsa River of Indian Himalayas

The Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region of Indian Himalayas is one of the most important pharmaceutical industrial clusters in Asia. This study investigated the distribution, and ecological and human health risks of four most frequently used pharmaceuticals [ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR), cetirizine (CTZ) and citalopram oxalate (ECP)] when co-occurring with metal ions in the Sirsa river water of the BBN region. The concentration range of the selected pharmaceuticals was between ‘not detected’ to 50 μgL−1 with some exception for CIP (50–100 μgL-1) and CTZ (100–150 μgL-1) in locations directly receiving wastewater discharges. A significant correlation was found between the occurrences of NOR and Al (r2 = 0.65; p = 0.01), and CTZ and K (r2 = 0.50; p = 0.01) and Mg (r2 = 0.50; p = 0.01). A high-level ecological risk [risk quotient (RQ) > 1] was observed for algae from all the pharmaceuticals. A medium-level risk (RQ = 0.01–0.1) was observed for Daphnia from CIP, NOR and ECP, and a high-level risk from CTZ. A low-level risk was observed for fishes from CIP and NOR, whereas CTZ and ECP posed a high-level risk to fishes. The overall risk to ecological receptors was in the order: CTZ > CIP > ECP > NOR. Samples from the river locations receiving water from municipal drains or situated near landfill and pharmaceutical factories exhibited RQ > 1 for all pharmaceuticals. The average hazard quotient (HQ) values for the compounds followed the order: CTZ (0.18) > ECP (0.15) > NOR (0.001) > CIP (0.0003) for children (0–6 years); ECP (0.49) > CTZ (0.29) > NOR (0.005) > CIP (0.001) for children (7–17 years), and ECP (0.34) > CTZ (0.21) > NOR (0.007) > CIP (0.001) for adults (>17 years). The calculated risk values did not readily confirm the status of water as safe or unsafe because the values of predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) would depend on various other environmental factors such as quality of the toxicity data, and species sensitivity and distribution, which warrants further research.

Antibiotic residues in commercial freshwater fish from southeast China: distribution and human health risk assessment.

We investigated 14 antibiotic residues in 8 marketed freshwater fish species from southeast China and estimated the associated health risks to local consumers. The antibiotic residues were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. Our findings revealed widespread distribution of quinolones (QNs), tetracyclines (TCs), and chloramphenicols (CAPs) in the freshwater fish. Notably, the average concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin reached levels as high as 62.5μg/kg wet weight (ww) and 11.7μg/kg ww, respectively, and detection frequencies were 68.7% for enrofloxacin and 31.6% for ciprofloxacin. Additionally, we detected chloramphenicol, a prohibited antibiotic, in samples with a detection frequency of 0.76%. Among the fish species, the mean concentration of total antibiotic residues was highest in bluntnose black bream (263.3μg/kg), followed by English perch (52.4μg/kg), crucian carp (46.3μg/kg), black carp (28.6μg/kg), yellowcheek carp (21.0μg/kg), grass carp (15.3μg/kg), bighead carp (3.78μg/kg), and mandarin fish (3.69μg/kg). We estimated the daily intake values of these antibiotic residues which were lower than the acceptable daily intake values and hazard indexes were much less than 1. It indicates that there is very low direct health risk to consumers. Despite that, investigation on the chronic impact, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, gut microbiota disruption, and allergic reactions, is urgently needed.

Invited Perspective: Uneven Progress Addressing Population Variability in Human Health Risk Assessment.

Invited Perspective: Uneven Progress Addressing Population Variability in Human Health Risk Assessment.

Proximate analysis, levels of trace heavy metals and associated human health risk assessments of Ethiopian white sugars

In this study, white sugar samples collected from five Ethiopian sugar manufacturing plants were analyzed for their proximate composition, and trace heavy metals level (Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb). Human health risk assessments associated with heavy metals exposure from white sugar ingestion were also assessed. Proximate analysis was conducted according to AOAC methods. For heavy metals determination, the sugar samples were digested using a mixture of HNO3, HClO4 and H2O2 (4:3:1) at 250 °C for 3 h prior to FAAS analysis. The measured mean values (%) of proximate parameters including moisture, ash, fiber, protein, fat and carbohydrate were found in the range of 0.07–0.61, 2.56–4.33, 0.06–0.24, 0.78–1.49, 1.16–1.89 and 92.13–95.03, respectively. The average concentration of heavy metals found in the sugar samples were ranged as 1.366–12.502, 0.107–0.268, 0.099–0.842, 0.458–1.000, 10.140–25.480, 0.053–0.322, 0.427–0.827 and 0.074–0.528 in mg/kg for Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb, respectively. All the studied metals are below FAO/WHO permissible limit except Cd and Pb in Kessem, Fincha'a and Metahara samples. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values are <1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risks of the heavy metals to an adult population via consumption of white sugar. However, the single element incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) occurrence is probable from Ni for samples obtained from Kessem sugar factory (ILCR>1.0 × 10−4). The cumulative ILCR of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb) resulting from consumption of white sugar by an adult person reveal a potential adverse cancer risk (ILCR>1.0 × 10−4) for all the studied samples except for sugar samples obtained from Wonji sugar factory. Therefore, continuous monitoring of these toxic metals should be made mainly by sugar industries and responsible government regulatory bodies to avert heavy metal toxicity associated with white sugar consumption in Ethiopia.

Water quality assessment and evaluation of human health risks in the Pusur River, Klaten Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.

This research examines the condition of the water characteristics of the Pusur River to provide data regarding water quality status and risks to human health. In determining the water quality use the NSF-WQI, or National Sanitation Foundation-Water Quality Index based on the main water quality parameters, including temperature, fecal coliform, turbidity, pH, DO, COD, and nitrate. The WQI at the Sudimoro Village location is 37.50, Cokro is 43.54, Wangen is 39.51, Delanggu is 35.45, Juwiring is 38.05, and Taji Village is 34.92. From these six locations, the WQI values are all included in the bad criteria (scores of 26-50). The low WQI values at the six locations were influenced by the low values of the DO, nitrate, temperature, and fecal coliform sub-indices. This low value is related to anthropogenic activities in the region. Furthermore, the data were subjected to applications of the Chronic Daily Index (CDI) Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) to reveal possible non-carcinogenic health risks from nitrate and cadmium contaminants. The hazard quotient through exposure to ingestion from each sampling point includes low risk, namely the value range of 0.1 < HI < 1 for adults and children. Water from rivers must be adequately treated before being used for domestic purposes.

Source apportionment and risk assessment of soil heavy metals in the Huangshui River Basin using a hybrid model

Source apportionment and risk assessment of soil heavy metals (HMs) are essential for pollution control. However, inherent limitations in receptor models hinder accurate source apportionment, impacting outcomes of source-oriented risk assessment. A hybrid model was employed by combining two receptor models, absolute principal component score/multiple linear regression (APCS/MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models. Four primary pollution sources were identified, followed by an assessment of source-oriented environmental and human health risks in the Huangshui River Basin. Results revealed that Cr, Cd, and Ni average concentrations surpassed their background by 3.1, 2.1, and 1.9 times, respectively. Additionally, 54.29%, 13.34%, and 18.09% of Igeo values for Cr, Cd, and Ni were classified as “moderately contamination” or higher. Natural sources significantly influence Cu (90.2%) and As (71.4%). Cr (63.4%) and Ni (77.9%) mainly originated from agriculture and industry, respectively. Transportation sources emerged as the primary contributors to Pb (59.6%), Zn (48.6%), and Cd (47.2%). The environmental risk level in this study area remained acceptable. Ecological risk was mainly attributed to industrial activities (46.6%) and transportation (37.6%), with Cd being the predominant metal responsible for this risk. Although the noncarcinogenic risk was negligible for all populations, the carcinogenic risk demands attention, particularly concerning children. Industrial sources (67.0%) and Ni were identified as the main contributors to the carcinogenic risk. This study represents an attempt to develop a hybrid model, providing an effective approach to combine models for the accurate apportionment of pollution sources and the reduction of risks.

Influence of polystyrene nanoparticles on the toxicity of tetrabromobisphenol A in human intestinal cell lines

Research and regulatory efforts in toxicology are increasingly focused on the development of suitable non-animal methodologies for human health risk assessment. In this work we used human intestinal Caco-2 and HT29/MTX cell lines to address the potential risks of mixtures of the emerging contaminants tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and commercial polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs). We employed different in vitro settings to evaluate basal cytotoxicity through three complementary endpoints (metabolic activity, plasmatic, and lysosomal membrane integrity) and the induction of the oxidative stress and DNA damage responses with specific endpoints. Although no clear pattern was observed, our findings highlight the predominant impact of TBBPA in the combined exposures under subcytotoxic conditions and a differential behavior of the Caco-2 and HT29/MTX co-culture system. Distinctive outcomes detected with the mixture treatments include reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases, disturbances of mitochondrial inner membrane potential, generation of alkali-sensitive sites in DNA, as well as significant changes in the expression levels of relevant DNA and oxidative stress related genes.

Groundwater Contamination with Nitrate and Human Health Risk Assessment of North East Alluvial Plains of Bihar, India

Groundwater is natural resources which supplies almost half of all drinking water in the world and plays a key role in food production. Consuming water containing high nitrate concentration have immediate effect on infant and could cause the risk of diseases Methemoglobinemia in which blood lacks the ability to carry sufficient oxygen to the individual body cells. As difference in nitrate concentration in water, made it important to study the undesirable effect of it. In rural areas, groundwater contamination is a problem related to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers by local farmers. Shallow groundwater plays a vital role in water use and the yield of Maize. Nitrogen application significantly affects crop uptake and utilization of water from irrigation, but little is known about groundwater use. Farmers are applying nitrogen on an average 278 kg/ha in Kharif maize, which is about 131.72% more than the RDN of Kharif maize i.e. 120 KgN/ha. The mean value of N application by farmers ranges from 251-323 kg/ha. The Maximum rate of N application was observed in Khagaria (323 kg N/ha) followed by Madhepura (275.08 kg N/ha) and minimum in case of Saharsa district (251.16 kg N/ha). The application rate of nitrogenous fertilizer, varying from 109.25% to 169.16% over the RDN, resulting in NO3- leaching. The groundwater and surfacewater from 12 villages was collected and various quality parameters were analysed. The nitrate in ground water varied (1.87- 6.19 mg/L) and surface water (1.87 – 3.84 mg/L) being maximum concentration of nitrate in Madhepura district. The present study on nitrate leaching in soil, its level of contamination in ground water and human health risk assessment by chronic daily intake of nitrate and Hazard Quotient (H.Q) values in the study area of Khagaria, Saharsa, Madhepura and Supaul has been carried out in the eastern alluvial region of Bihar.

Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid) Pollution and Human Health Risks Associated with a Mineral (Zn, Cu, and Sn Ores) Processing Plant in Yunnan, Southwest China

Understanding the contamination and sources of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) at historical sites is vital for safeguarding human health and the ecological environment. This study focused on As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in the residual soil, groundwater, and surface water around a mineral processing plant. The sources of these elements and the human health risks posed by them were evaluated using various indexes. Soil HM concentrations exceeded background values for Yunnan Province, ranked as As &gt; Pb &gt; Cd &gt; Cu &gt; Hg &gt; Ni. The river water met China’s Class II waterbody standard; however, Cd, Cu, Pb, and pH exceeded the maximum permissible sewage discharge concentrations in the accumulated water. The groundwater showed severe HM pollution, meeting China’s Class III water quality standard. The average value of the Nemerow pollution index was consistent with that of the single-factor pollution index in the following order: As &gt; Pb &gt; Cd &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Hg. Children face heightened risk through the oral ingestion of As, Cd, and Pb, particularly in high-value sampling points in the residue deposit area. The main sources of these pollutants are anthropogenic activities and the soil formation matrix.

Water quality assessment and evaluation of human health risk of drinking water in Ranchi District of Jharkhand

The primary cause of water-borne disease epidemics, particularly in underdeveloped nations, is the consumption of drinking water tainted with dangerous bacteria that originated in excrement. Water bodies have been essential to the development of civilizations throughout history, and they are still important for the modern economic expansion of all modern cultures. Microbes can get into water sources through agricultural inputs and rainfall runoff, which can combine with sewage effluents. The coliform group of bacteria, which signals the possible presence of harmful organisms, is the organism that is typically searched for during the standard water analysis technique. Microbes that cause disease in humans multiply and spread through the medium of water. For this reason, one of the most crucial criteria for public health is the drinking of safe water. Water samples were collected from various sources (surface water and groundwater sources) throughout March to May 2023. Ten water samples were taken from the surface and groundwater in and around Ranchi Municipality Nagra Toli and Karamtoli areas The MPN index, fungal tests, colony count, and other biochemical test parameters were all analyzed. Comparing surface water to groundwater, it was discovered that the MPN index of the former was higher. Up to 140 MPN/100 mL of total coliform count were found. Samples of surface and groundwater revealed the presence of two distinct bacterial species. It becomes clear that Escherichia coli and Bacillus Enterococcus faecalis bacterial isolates were common. The current study's objectives were to identify the various microbial groups and perform several microbiological studies. To maintain the hygienic quality of the water supply, it is strongly advised to do bacteriological examinations on both the water entering the distribution system and the water already in the system on a frequent and regular basis. Regular inspections are necessary for both sanitary management and testing portable water.

Microplastics and heavy metals in freshwater fish species in the southwestern region of Bangladesh: An emerging concern for public health

Microplastics (MPs) pollution and its associated toxicity raising concerns among scientists as a result of their toxicological impacts on human health and the ecosystem. This study aims to investigate the microplastics and heavy metals (HMs) contamination in seventeen freshwater fish species collected from the Southwestern region of Bangladesh. Microplastics extracted from these species using the hydrogen peroxide digestion method and characterized by Attenuated Total Reflection- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the concentration of HMs in different species for evaluating human health risks. A total of 142 microplastic particles were extracted with an average concentration of 1.13 ± 0.84 items per individual of fish, where the highest microplastics were found in C. punctata (3.43 ± 3.15 items) and lowest in A. mola (0.14 ± 0.38 items). Identified microplastics were dominated by < 1 mm size (87.3%), black color (60.6%), and fiber shape (94.4%). Polyethylene (73.08%), polypropylene (21.15%), and polystyrene (5.77%) were the most prevalent among the identified microplastic polymers. A positive correlation was found between microplastic numbers and fish weight and length. Low to moderate human health risks were associated with microplastics. The concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals in studied fish samples was Cr (0.47–2.89; 0.79 ± 0.56) > Cu (0.01–1.14; 0.50 ± 0.44) > Pb (0.04–0.58; 0.22 ± 0.12) > Cd (0.00–0.11; 0.03 ± 0.03), respectively. Heavy metals-based human health risk assessment results show that there are no major non-carcinogenic health risks (THI<1), while higher carcinogenic risks are present for consumers.

Hydrogeochemistry, sources, enrichment mechanism and human health risk assessment of groundwater fluoride in Saboba District in the Oti sub-basin of the Volta River Basin, northern Ghana

This study was aimed at appraising the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater and the possible health hazards linked to elevated fluoride (F−) levels in the Saboba District within the Oti sub-basin of the Volta River Basin of northern Ghana. Multivariate statistical analysis, hydrogeochemistry, thermodynamic calculation of mineral saturation indices, and an evaluation of the risk to human health were all used in this assessment. A tFrilinear Piper diagram revealed that K–HCO3 was the predominant water type, reflecting the local geology. Groundwater F− content varied, with an average of 1.33 mg/L and a range of 0.6–4.7 mg/L, with elevated values mainly in the northwestern fringe of the district. Groundwater F− is mostly enriched by geogenic processes including mineral dissolution, ion exchange, and water-rock interaction. The non-carcinogenic risk of F− exposure followed the pattern: children > teenagers > adults > infants, indicating that children are more susceptible to health risks such as dental fluorosis that come with exposure to F−. Therefore, expert-led community education programs can be extremely important in spreading this important knowledge and sustainable F− remediation measures should be urgently put in place to curb the menace.

Chemical Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Associated Human Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Gutai Mountains, Romania.

Chemical data compiled from field and laboratory studies were analysed on drinking water sources from a mountain area (Gutai Mountains) in Romania. Six physico-chemical indicators, nine anions, and twenty-one metals were determined and analysed. The results of this study showed that waters are generally rich in NH4+ and NO2-, exceeding the recommended limit of 0.5 mg NH4+/L, while some waters are rich in As, Cd, Mn and Pb, but with concentrations below the limits concerning the use of waters with drinking purposes. The applied heavy metal pollution indices (scores: 0.56-47.9) indicate that more than 50% of samples are characterized by medium pollution degrees. Based on the results obtained, it was determined that geological and human activities were influential in enriching the studied waters with the chemicals considered. Emphasizing this aspect related to pollution sources and the importance of a clean chemical status that must characterize waters used for drinking purposes, a human health risk assessment for heavy metals was implemented. The results indicated that even though the studied waters are rich in heavy metals, scores related to the risk assessment of heavy metals indicated a lack of non-carcinogenic risks for As, Mn, Cd and Cu. Nevertheless, this study and the results obtained are significant at national and international levels by offering a perspective on determining the potential pollution and associated human health risks at heavy metals in drinking water sources from a mountain area.

Ecological distribution, heavy metals profiling and human health risk assessment of medicinal plants used for tonsillitis and wounds treatment: A chemometric approach

Medicinal plants in Ethiopia are easily accessible, relatively low cost and trusted by the community, which drives people to use them to treat a variety of ailments for many years. For instance, Kalanchoe petition, Rhamnus prinoide & Acmella caulirhiza are the most popular medicinal plants that have been used for treating tonsillitis, while Brucea antidysenteric, Justicia shimperian, Jatropha curcas & Prunus Africana have been used for treating wounds. However, the presence of toxic chemicals like heavy metals above threshold concentrations poses a global threat to human health. This study was conducted to determine the levels of heavy metals and to evaluate non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health impacts posed by using medicinal plants so as to create awareness among users about the chemical compositions of these plants. Five hundred grams of leaves, barks and flowers of the medicinal plants were collected randomly from ten plants from Ayehu Guwagusa and Asagirt districts, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia in July 2022, and 0.5 g of homogenized samples were digested with HNO3 and HClO4 and the levels of metals were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). The levels were (mg/kg) Fe: 173.6 ± 9.1-332.2 ± 9.2, Zn: 8.7 ± 0.2-40.2 ± 0.3, Cu: 29 ± 4- 84.1 ± 4.7, Mn: 17.03 ± 1.6- 77.4 ± 1.7, Ni: BDL- 41.4 ± 4.3, and Pb: 21.3 ± 15.1- 49.9 ± 9.6. Cd was found to below the detection limit. The hazard index is less than unity, ranged from 6.64 × 10−4 (J. schimperiana) to 6.43 × 10−3 (J. curcas) for all samples, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic effect on users due to heavy metals. Similarly, the carcinogenic risk values of Ni were raged from 6.64 × 10−9 in B. antidysenterica to 1.16 × 10−8 in J. curcas and for Pb it was found to be 6.04 × 10−8 in R. prinoides and 1.41 × 10−7 in J. curcas.Therefore, the results of this study indicated that the exposed populations are unlikely to experience any adverse cancer risk.

Human health risk assessment framework for new water resource recovery-based bio-composite materials.

A new type of bio-composite material is being produced from water-recovered resources such as cellulose fibres from wastewater, calcite from the drinking water softening process, and grass and reed from waterboard sites. These raw materials may be contaminated with pathogens and chemicals such as Escherichia coli, heavy metals, and resin compounds. A novel risk assessment framework is proposed here, addressing human health risks during the production of new bio-composite materials. The developed framework consists of a combination of existing risk assessment methods and is based on three main steps: hazard identification, qualitative risk mapping, and quantitative risk assessment. The HAZOP and Event Tree Analysis methodologies were used for hazard identification and risk mapping stages. Then, human health risks were quantitatively assessed using quantitative chemical risk assessment, evaluating cancer and non-cancer risk, and quantitative microbial risk assessment. The deterministic and the stochastic approaches were performed for this purpose. The contamination of raw materials may pose human health concerns, resulting in cancer risk above the threshold. Microbial risk is also above the safety threshold. Additional analysis would be significant as future research to better assess the microbial risk in biocomposite production. The framework has been effectively used for chemical and microbial risk assessment.

GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis followed by risk ranking of mepiquat and pyrethroids in coffee

Pesticides used in coffee cultivation may remain behind and pose a risk to humans even after various processing stages of coffee beans (washing, drying, roasting, and grinding). In addition to pesticides applied to battle pests and diseases, mepiquat formation occurs during roasting. A comprehensive LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS multi-residue screening approach to determine pesticides in coffee was used in this study. Residues were extracted using the QuEChERS method and analyzed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry after chromatographic separations. Good linearity (r2˃0.9919), recovery (80.2–118%), and RSD (≤19%) were obtained for the procedure including sample preparation and both instrumental techniques. Nine residues were identified as commonly present in coffee samples collected from supermarkets in Serbia. The human intake risk of pesticides was categorized and prioritized using the matrix ranking scheme. Also, health risk assessment was conducted by calculating acute and chronic hazard indices. Multi-residues were present in 79.2% of samples, whereas mepiquat chloride (88.9%) and permethrin (81.9%) were the most detected residues. Risk ranking classified mepiquat chloride, permethrin, and methiocarb sulfone in a high-risk group. On the other hand, the human health risk assessment indicated no risks in the short- and long-term and no cumulative chronic risk.

Contamination and health risk assessment of heavy metals in soil surrounding an electroplating factory in JiaXing, China

A total of 30 samples from the downwind direction of a certain electroplating company in Jiaxing were collected in layers to analyze their heavy metal content. The soil risk assessment was conducted from the perspective of ecological and human health risks using the ground accumulation index method and human health risk assessment method. The results showed that in all samples, cadmium and arsenic far exceeded the soil background values, with an average exceeding multiple of 14.31 and 64.42, respectively, and a exceeding rate of 100%. After evaluation by the ground accumulation index, among these six heavy metals, arsenic and cadmium belong to extremely serious pollution levels. The human health risk assessment of electroplating plants found that in the exposure risk assessment, the ingestion value was much greater than the harm caused by breathing and skin, and the maximum exposure damage value of arsenic to children and adults was 4.17 × 10–3, among the carcinogenic risks, the risk brought by consumption is much greater than the respiratory and skin carcinogenic risk index, with the highest value score of 3.37 for cadmium, arsenic, and zinc carcinogenic risks 3.37 × 10–6, 2.42 × 10–3, 1.10 × 10–4.

Human health and environmental risk assessment of metals in community gardens of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Fresh produce is an important component of maintaining cognitive and physical health, particularly for children. A mechanism to increase access to fresh produce is the construction of community gardens in urban centres. While reducing barriers to nutritious food, the soil of the community garden can contain contaminants (e.g. metals) depending on the location and how the garden was constructed. This study quantified, for the first time, seven metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Ni) in soil from 83 community gardens across the City of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Concentrations of metals in soil were used to create distributions for environmental exposure and estimated daily intake, which were then used to determine exceedances of soil quality guidelines and acceptable daily intakes, respectively. Raised garden beds and gardens further from roads had typically lower concentrations of metals in surface gardens and those nearer to roads. While some concentrations of metals exceeded CCME guidelines levels for the protection of environmental health, the vast majority represent a low risk. For human health, only As posed a quantifiable risk of exceeding the USEPA acceptable daily intake via the consumption of produce from gardens, though this was < 1.2% for the whole population and < 10.2% for children aged 1 to 2years. Overall, this study is the first to show that the concentration of the metals in soil from gardens typically poses a low risk to environmental and human health. We recommend the use of raised gardens to further mitigate risk.

Analysis of Mercury in Aquifers in Gold Mining Areas in the Ecuadorian Amazon and Its Associated Risk for Human Health.

Gold mining activity is a source of supply in many areas of the world, and especially in developing countries, it is practiced illegally and by applying unsafe techniques. Particularly in Ecuador, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is widespread, and it is based on the use of toxic substances, such as mercury (Hg), in gold recovery. Hg is a heavy metal that is water-insoluble, which, once mobilized, poses a threat to both the environment and human health. This study analyzes Hg concentrations in the six provinces of Napo, Sucumbíos, Orellana, Pastaza, Morona Santiago, and Zamora Chinchipe of the Ecuadorian Amazon region to conduct a human health risk assessment. Significant differences in Hg levels were found between provinces, but concentrations were below MPL imposed by Ecuadorian regulations everywhere. Nevertheless, a worrisome picture emerges, especially with regard to the most vulnerable receptors represented by the child population. There are multiple factors of incidence that may affect the possible future development of the phenomenon, and with reference to the social, economic, and environmental context of the region, it can be concluded that it may be appropriate to plan further investigation to arrive at a more comprehensive assessment. The results of this study can be used by decision makers to plan further investigation and to implement monitoring networks, risk mitigation strategies, and groundwater protection measures.