Human Health Risk Assessment Research Articles

Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Municipal Sewage Sludge for Land Application

Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Municipal Sewage Sludge for Land Application

Molecular characterization and human health risk assessment of multi-drug and heavy metals tolerant bacteria from urban river water

The present study characterized the multi-drug and heavy metal-resistant bacteria and their human health risks in the six major urban rivers. The bacterial strains were identified by molecular techniques based on 16 s rDNA gene sequence analysis, where most of the isolates belong to Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bacterial strains to different heavy metals like chromium, lead, cadmium, cobalt, mercury, and nickel ranged up to 3000 mg/L. The antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that 69.23% of the strains resistant to ceftriaxone, while 61.54% were resilient to cefotaxime, 53.85% to ampicillin, 46.15% to amoxicillin, 30.77% to streptomycin, 15.38% to azithromycin, 15.38% to chloramphenicol, 7.69% to tetracycline, 7.69% to gentamycin, 7.69% to vancomycin. Interestingly, ciprofloxacin was found highly sensitive to all the bacterial strains in the present study. The multiple heavy metals resistance (MHMR) index of all the bacterial strains in the present study was very high compared to the standard value of 0.50. The multiple antibiotics resistance (MAR) index was highest for Bacillus cereus MKSMPbT1 (0.45), while it was lowest in B. xiamenesis MKSMCrB1 and B. pumilus MKSMNiT1 (0.09). The results of the hemolytic assay revealed that almost all the bacterial strains identified in the present study are highly pathogenic in nature. In essence, the bacterial strains identified in the present study could pose significant environmental and public health concerns that draw strict government attention.

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

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

Ecotoxicological status, source apportionment and human health risk assessment of potential toxic element in surface water and sediments of creeks along Bonny River, Nigeria

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are naturally available in the environment; however, anthropogenic activities encourage their high concentration, posing environmental and human health risks. The ecotoxicological status, source apportionment and health risk assessment of PTEs (Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Copper (Cu)) in creeks (Fibiri and Iwoama) along Bonny River were examined through laboratory analysis (American Public Health Association standard), indicators and statistical techniques. The PTEs concentration of surface water and sediment for both creeks exceeded the WHO allowable limit, and the surface water trended as Cr > Pb > Fe > Ni > Cd > Zn > Cu > Se for Fibiri creeks, Fe > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd > Zn > Cu > Se for Iwoama creek while the sediment trended as Fe > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cd > Cu > Se for both creeks. The contamination factor (CF) of the creek’s sediment showed low CF (Zn and Cu), moderate CF (Ni, Pb and Cr) and very high CF (Fe and Cd), while risk index status ranged from low risk (Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cu), moderate risk (Fe) and significantly high risk (Cd). The human health risk revealed that children could be exposed to potential non-carcinogenic effect (HI > 1) with Zn (1.64 and 2.03), and the Total Carcinogenic Risk (TCR) for children indicated high carcinogenic risk (TCR > 1 × 10−4) for Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd of the creeks’ environmental mediums. The similarity in the trend and status of the creeks suggested that both environments are exposed to similar anthropogenic activities impact.

Human health risk assessment of intake Cd and Cu from agricultural soils in Mostar and Tomislavgrad

The aim of the research was to determine the total content of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) in agricultural soils and to determine the potential toxicity of different intake routes for children and adults. Two locations were selected (Tomislavgrad and Mostar) where field crops were grown. Taking soil samples and determining the content of Cd and Cu was carried out according to the Instructions on determining the permitted amounts of harmful and dangerous substances in the soil and their testing methods (Official Gazette of FBiH, no. 96/22). A health risk assessment model based on the guidelines of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 1996; USEPA, 2002; USEPA, 2011) was used to calculate the human health risk assessment. The measured values of the total content of copper and cadmium at the Tomislavgrad location are in accordance with the prescribed limit values. The copper content at the Mostar location was 205.90 mg/kg, which is above the limit value, and the cadmium content is in accordance with the prescribed limit values. When the HI value is less than 1, then there is no risk to human health, but if the values are greater than 1, then there is concern about non-carcinogenic risks (USEPA, 2004). The USEPA considers a carcinogenic risk in the range of 1×10–6 to 1×10−4 to be acceptable to human health. Calculations for non-carcinogenic and cancerous health risks were following the limit values.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Tea Leaves Harvested from Farm Regions of Gilan Province, Iran

Tea holds a special place in Iranian culture, ranking as the most widely consumed beverage after water. A significant portion of Iran’s domestic tea production (approximately 70%) originates from the lush landscapes of Gilan province. The Iranian Tea Research Center (ITRC) claims that Iranian tea is pesticide-free. However, there is a concern that tea farms in the foothills may be exposed to pesticide spraying from nearby citrus gardens. This study aimed to investigate the presence of the 17 organophosphorus pesticides in tea leaf samples collected from tea plantation areas in Gilan province. Sample preparation was carried out using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method, followed by the determination of pesticide concentrations using the gas chromatography (GC) method. To assess the non-carcinogenic risk associated with the consumption of black tea due to pesticide residues, we followed the guidelines provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The results were striking, revealing the presence of pesticide residues in all tested samples, raising concerns about the purity of Iranian tea. Notably, the hazard quotient (HQ) for children (<15 years old) exceeded that for adults (>15 years old). Furthermore, spring-harvested tea samples demonstrated higher HQs compared to their autumn counterparts.

Study on the Aral Sea crisis from the risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in surface water of Amu Darya river basin in Uzbekistan

The Amu Darya River, as one of the important flows of the Aral Sea located in the semi-arid area of Central Asia, also performed as the primary water supply for Uzbekistan. Therefore, the residues and risks of anthropogenic-related persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in waters of the Amu Darya River were conducted in the present study to elucidate their possible effects on the water safety in such a specific area as well as on the Aral Sea Crisis from a new perspective. Thirty-nine water samples distributed along the Amu Darya River to the coastal of the Aral Sea were analyzed for both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) occurrence, showing the total concentrations of ΣOCPs and ΣPAHs in the range of 1.16–22.75 ng/L and 3.18–506.26 ng/L, respectively. Spatial differences showed higher levels for both OCPs and PAHs along the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River due to intense human activities. Source identification performed by isomer ratios indicated that dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) probably originated from recent use, while hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes, and endosulfans originated mainly from historical usage. Furthermore, the principal component analysis showed PAHs were from coal and petroleum combustion (65.2%), biomass combustion (27.2%), and industrial chemical combustion (7.64%). The human health risk assessment demonstrated no carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risks at present. However, moderate to high ecological risks to aquatic organisms especially were observed along the lower reaches, especially the delta area. The results obtained would not only provide important basic data for such a semi-arid area but also show us the possible toxic effects induced by such pollutants, which should attract more attention in the shrinking case of the Aral Sea.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Nitrates Associated with Oral and Dermal Groundwater Exposure: The Poirino Plateau Case Study (NW Italy)

The Poirino Plateau (northwestern Italy) presents high contamination of the shallow aquifer due to intense agricultural practices and industrial activities. Many inhabitants have exploited shallow wells for personal purposes, coming into contact with contaminants. The aims of this study were to characterize groundwater contamination by heavy metals and nitrates, assess the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks for oral and dermal exposure in different receptor groups (children, adults, workers) and compare the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risk results with the regulatory limits and, therefore, if the actual regulatory limits are able to detect all potential situations of risk. For this purpose, 18 monitoring wells were collected in July 2022, and chemical–physical parameters and heavy metals were detected. The chemical data confirm a relevant anthropogenic contamination by nitrate and heavy metals. The estimated health risks are much higher in children, for oral exposure rather than dermal exposure for all the substances. The comparison between the results of the human health risk assessment and those in respect of threshold values confirms the existence of a transition condition. This condition, with concentrations below regulatory limits and above the noncarcinogenic or carcinogenic limits, reveals that the regulatory limits are not able to identify all the potential risk situations for the population.

Health assessment based on exposure to microplastics in tropical agricultural soil

Microplastic (MP) pollution of agricultural soils has caused global alarm over its widespread distribution and potential risks to terrestrial ecosystems and human health. This study assessed human health based on exposure to soil MPs through a comprehensive investigation of the factors influencing their occurrence and spatial distribution on Hainan Island, South China. The results showed that the abundance of soil MPs was 1128.6 ± 391.5 items·kg−1, whereas the normalized abundance of MPs based on using a power-law function was 19,261.4 items·kg−1. Regarding the extent of population exposure to agricultural soil MPs, the average daily exposure dose (pADD) model revealed that using mass as an indicator to assess the health risks associated with MP intake is more reliable than using abundance. However, abundance-based exposure assessments are also relevant because MPs with smaller particle sizes are more harmful to human health. Moreover, for adults, the normalized pADD values based on abundance and mass were 1.68E-02 item MPs·kg BW−1·d−1 and 7.23E-02 mg MPs·kg BW−1·d−1, respectively. Although the multidimensionality of MPs should be further aligned and quantified, the preliminary findings of this study contribute to the development of human health risk assessment frameworks for soil MPs.

Heavy metal pollution in surface water bodies in provincial Khanh Hoa, Vietnam: Pollution and human health risk assessment, source quantification, and implications for sustainable management and development

The global issue of heavy metal pollution in surface water poses a significant concern, with the potential to harm public health through various pathways. Given that pollution levels are dependent on water bodies and seasons and their potential impacts on human health vary with children and adults, it is crucial to identify and quantify pollution sources for the development of sustainable management strategies. The current study aimed to evaluate pollution levels and associated health risks of heavy metals and to quantify their pollution sources in various surface water bodies in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. Water samples were taken from three water bodies (reservoirs, rivers, and narrow waterways) during two seasons (dry and rainy) from 2016 to 2020 and analyzed for seven heavy metals. The results showed that iron had the highest concentration of 392.4 (μg L−1), followed by zinc (25.7 μg L−1), arsenic (3.93 μg L−1), copper (3.77 μg L−1), lead (2.77 μg L−1), chromium (2.71 μg L−1), and cadmium (0.57 μg L−1). Narrow waterways were more polluted with heavy metals (heavy metal pollution index, HPI = 29.5) than other water bodies, such as rivers (23.3) and reservoirs (21.7), and the dry season had a higher HPI (26.5) than the rainy season (24.0). The hazard index for children varied from 1.2 to 1.48, while that for adults was less than 1, suggesting that surface water may have adverse impacts on children's health. The factor analysis identified three primary sources of contamination, namely combustion emissions/street dust, agricultural run-off, and other sources. Cadmium is the most critical metal in determining HPI, while arsenic and chromium are the two key elements potentially influencing children's health. Managing pollution sources, reducing the metal concentration, and controlling the pathways through which metals enter the human body should be implemented for a healthier environment and long-term development.

Metallic trace element dynamics in Paracentrotus lividus from Algeria: Environmental large-scale survey and human health risk assessment

This paper evaluates the dynamics of Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs; Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Co) in the gonads of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus collected in five sites: four contaminated and one reference, along the Western coast of Algeria, recontextualizes this contamination within a wider geographical distribution area throughout 83 sites among the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic and focuses on the potential risk of their consumption on human health for the first time in Algeria. The trace element pollution index places Algeria, and generally the North African coasts, as the region most contaminated by MTEs. The geographical variability in metal contamination levels is greater in the Mediterranean Sea than in the Atlantic. The health risk assessment indicates that Pb exceeds the maximum limit set by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 at two of the four Algerian contaminated sites.

The relationship between site history and human health risks: Lessons from 13 years of contaminated land risk assessments in Victoria, Australia

AbstractSite history is widely recognized as one of the key determinants of the nature and scale of contamination that is likely to be present at a location. While there is vast anecdotal and empirical evidence on the relationship between site history and risk of exposure to pollution, few attempts have been made to systematically collate data across sites to rigorously identify such trends. This study presents an analysis of human health risk metrics extracted from all 1732 contaminated land environmental audits published in Victoria, Australia between 2006 and 2018. The contaminating activities found to be most likely associated with elevated risks to human health were service stations, fuel depots, dry cleaners, gasworks, mechanical parts manufacturers, imported fill and unknown offsite sources generating regional groundwater pollution (usually polluted with trichloroethene). The ten chemical contaminants most frequently assessed in human health risk assessment reports included (in order): benzene, C>10–16 petroleum hydrocarbons, naphthalene, C6–10 petroleum hydrocarbons, xylenes, trichloroethene, toluene, ethylbenzene, benzo(a)pyrene, and tetrachloroethene. The findings of this report include recommendations to develop regulatory guideline values in Australia for trimethylbenzenes, heavy fraction petroleum hydrocarbons (C>16), and trans‐1,2‐dicholoethene, and to strengthen the evidence base informing risks associated with light fraction petroleum hydrocarbons (C6–16) and trichloroethene. To the author's knowledge, this study is the first to extract risk metrics from environmental audit reports and provides a strong evidence base to help regulators, academics and commercial practitioners rank and prioritize sites based on their site history and associated risks.

Human health risk assessment and carcinogenicity due to exposure to potentially toxic elements on soil pollution in Southwest Iran

Background/objectives: Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are one of the dangerous pollutants in the environment that can cause morbidity and mortality in humans. This study was designed to evaluate the concentration of PTEs, assessment its human health risk assessment and carcinogenicity in the north of Ahvaz, the southwest of Iran. MethodsThe soil samples were collected from the agricultural fields and riversides for investigating the health effects of the selected PTEs on the soil of the Weiss and Arab Assad regions in Ahvaz. ResultsAccording to the result of this study, the highest level of Fe was observed in the soil samples of the Weiss and Arab Assad regions, 9013.70 and 9208.93 mg/kg, while Cd showed the lowest concentration in the soils of Weiss and Arab Assad fields, 1.58 and 1.56 mg/kg, respectively. Potentially toxic elements hazard quotient (HQ), non-carcinogenic risk (HI), and risk index (RI)) in the soil of agricultural fields in the Arab Assad and Weiss regions showed that Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Co posed a significant risk to human health. Thus, it is recommended to observe health issues due to the non-carcinogenic risk index of metals. ConclusionGenerally, the excessive use of agricultural fertilizers (phosphate and nitrate), industrial, and human activities can increase the contamination of the resources and products, which has irreversible effects on human health, especially in carcinogenic risk.

Groundwater for drinking and industrial purposes: A study of water stability and human health risk assessment from black sand mineral rich coastal region of Kerala, India

Tempero-spatial analysis of groundwater to disseminate the level of drinking water quality and industrial suitability to meet the developmental requirement of a region is a significant area of research. Accordingly, groundwater quality and geochemical interactions prevailed in a black sand mineral rich coastal village is systematically presented in appraisal of drinking and industrial uses for economic engineering purposes. The study area focused is Alappad village, Kollam, Kerala, India has numerous ecological features in a sustainable perspective. The region is unique with placer deposits where an alluvial soil aquifer–saline water–freshwater interaction occurs. This dynamics decides the pertinent hydro geochemistry, potable and designated uses of ground water in season wise. Coastal area is hereby presented based on water quality parameters predicted with the health risk assessment model with a view on human health and cancer risk due to ions (Pb, Ni, Cu, Ba, Fe, Al, Mn, Zn) in groundwater.. To ascertain industrial usage, ground water is evaluated by Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Aggressive index (AI), Larson-Skold index (LS) and Puckorius scaling index (PSI) and inferences are complemented. Chemical weathering and evaporation processes are the natural factors controlling hydrochemistry of this aquifer. This complex coastal system has Nemerow pollution index (NPI) of moderate pollution for total dissolved ions of Fe and lesser for Cu, and Cr present in groundwater. LSI indicates, water is scale forming but non corrosive (46% in PRM, 20% in MON and 47% in POM). Water quality index (WQI) in POM (ranged 28.7–79.9) was excellent for drinking, followed by PRM (23.6–218.2) and MON (33.4–202.7) seasons. This groundwater bears temporary hardness with the dominance of Ca–Mg–HCO3 water type. Health risk assessment of non-carcinogenic risk index of trace metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb) revealed, children are at ‘low risk’ and ‘medium’ risk with Ni and Cu. The carcinogenic risk index indicated 93% of samples were high Ni induced cancer risk for children, and 87% for adults due to long term ingestion (drinking water intake) pathway. Studies specific on placer mineral deposited coastal region of India are not sufficiently reported with a focus on the above perspectives. Growing need of rare earths for material, device and energy applications, placer mineral explorations can destabilise the coastal hydrosphere. Interrelations of mineral soil – water chemistry prevailed and health hazard predicted would kindle a set of sustainable deliberations. This study summarises the drinking and industrial use of coastal groundwater for future development and human well-being on the basis of quality criteria, corrosion proneness, water stability and health risk factors.

Ecological and Human Health Risks Assessment of Arsenic in Sediments Around Gold Mining Areas in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Arsenic contamination of sediments is a worldwide concern, both for the environment and for human health. However, few data are available on the state of arsenic pollution in sediments near artisanal and industrial gold mining areas in Côte d'Ivoire. The aim of this study is to assess the spatial distribution of arsenic and its ecological and human health risks in sediments around gold mining areas in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Sampling was carried out in artisanal and industrial mining areas in Korhogo and Tengrela, northern Côte d'Ivoire. Spatial differences were determined using analysis of variance. Pollution indices were studied using the contamination factor and the enrichment factor. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk indices were used to investigate human health risks. The study revealed total arsenic concentrations ranging from 1.64 ± 0.04 to 159.72 ± 51.91 µg/g. It found Arsenic concentrations in sediments varied considerably from station to station. The results of the contamination factor indicated that the sediments were weakly to very strongly contaminate with arsenic. Non-carcinogenic risk index values ranged from 1.83E-04 to 1.78E-02, indicating low adverse effects on the surrounding habitats. In addition, the results of the potential risk (CRt) for human health revealed the existence of significant carcinogenic risks from arsenic for residents in the vicinity of the Tongon mining area.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Phthalate Esters and Antimony Levels in Beverages Packaged in Polyethylene Terephthalate under Different Storage Conditions

The main objective of this study was to examine how common storage conditions affect the migration of phthalate esters (PAEs) and antimony (Sb) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into bottled drinks. The drinks were collected from local supermarkets in Turkey, including different types such as bottled drinking water (DW), mineral water (MW), cola (C), orange flavored carbonated drink (OFCD), fermented turnip drink (FTD), and lemonade (L). Additionally, a deterministic model was utilized to evaluate the potential risk to human health associated with this migration process. The performance and optimization of the LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS instruments for the analysis of PAEs and Sb were also evaluated. The limits of detection (LODs) for PAEs and Sb ranged from 0.004 to 1.88ng/mL, while the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.013 to 6.27ng/mL. The analysis results revealed the presence of PAEs at varying concentrations. Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) exhibited the highest level of migration to drink samples. The type of beverage also affected the migration of PAEs and Sb. The highest migration levels were detected in MWs. Storage temperature (4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C) and storage duration (365 days) had an impact on the release of PAEs and Sb into beverages from PET bottles. The Hazard Quotients (HQs) calculated for PAEs and Sb were significantly lower than 1 in all scenarios, indicating that no adverse health effects are anticipated due to exposure to PAEs and Sb through beverage consumption.

Human Health Risk Assessment of the Photocatalytic Oxidation of BTEX over TiO2/Volcanic Glass.

This study demonstrates rapid photocatalytic oxidation of a benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) mixture over TiO2/volcanic glass. The assessment of the photocatalytic oxidation of BTEX was conducted under conditions simulating those found in indoor environments affected by aromatic hydrocarbon release. We show, under UV-A intensities of 15 mW/cm2 and an air flow rate of 55 m3/h, that low ppmv levels of BTEX concentrations can be reduced to below detectable levels. Solid-phase microextraction technique was employed to monitor the levels of BTEX in the test chamber throughout the photocatalytic oxidation, lasting approximately 21 h. Destruction of BTEX from the gas phase was observed in the following sequence: o-xylene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and benzene. This study identified sequential degradation of BTEX, in combination with the stringent regulatory level set for benzene, resulted in the air quality hazard indexes (Total Hazard Index and Hazard Quotient) remaining relatively high during the process of photocatalytic oxidation. In the practical application of photocatalytic purification, it is crucial to account for the slower oxidation kinetics of benzene. This is of particular importance due to not only its extremely low exposure limits, but also due to the classification of benzene as a Group 1 carcinogenic compound by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Our study underscores the importance of taking regulatory considerations into account when using photocatalytic purification technology.

Comprehensive human health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils: insights from selected metropolitan zones

Introduction: This study aims to assess the extent of heavy metal contamination in urban soils in sixteen selected cities of Pakistan, encompassing the elements cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu).Methods: The data utilized for this study was collected from online literature during the period 2005 to 2019. This study investigated potential threats to human health through a comprehensive analysis, considering standards such as Enrichment Factors (EF), Geo-accumulation Indices (Igeo), and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA).Results: Geo-accumulation Index results indicated varied risk intensities, with Cu, Pb, Co, Mn, and Fe exhibiting “no pollution” levels, while other elements show “moderate to extremely contaminated” values. EF analysis provided evidence of heavy metal presence, revealing a spectrum from “no pollution” to “moderate to extremely high pollution” for Cd, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Cu. The health risk assessment identified both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic dangers for adults and children.Discussion: These findings highlighted the substantial contribution of identified sources such as industrial processes, vehicular emissions, sewage sludge, urban flooding, and the production and use of metallic materials that have elevated heavy metal levels in the urban soils. This established the link between urban industrial zones, human health, and long-term economic sustainability. This study provides essential guidance for decision makers to develop effective strategies for soil remediation, enhanced industrial practices, and regulatory measures to address heavy metal contamination in urban areas, ensuring the wellbeing and sustainable environmental quality management in cities.

Evaluation of Mercury Pollution and Risk Assessment of Human Health due to Consumption of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) from the Caspian Sea

Background: In the present study, the main goal was to measure the concentration of mercury in the muscle tissue of common carp and evaluate the health risk to consumers using different indices, and evaluate the possible difference between the values of the studied element in the sampling stations. Methods: Samples of the studied species were collected from four different stations, Bandar torkaman, Faridunknar, Chalus, and Bandar Anzali, from the southern shores of the Caspian sea. Kruskal-wallis and Mann-whitney u tests were used to determine the difference in mercury concentration in fish muscle tissue at the stations.

Assessment of human health risks through the consumption of mercury contaminated fish from gold and platinum mining areas

ABSTRACTMining activities can pollute freshwater systems with toxic contaminants that can damage the environment and cause risks to human health. In South Africa, mercury is a contaminant of major concern due to it being released into the environment through artisanal gold mining and the coal combustion process at power stations. Mercury accumulates in the liver and more importantly the muscle tissue of fish. Mercury can then be transferred to humans through the consumption of contaminated fish and can affect the nervous system and cause permanent damage. Although South Africa is a major contributor to global mercury emissions, there are very few papers published on mercury concentrations and the risks to human health associated with consuming contaminated fish. This study aimed to determine the mercury concentrations in environmental matrices (water, sediment and two fish species (Cyprinus carpio and Clarias gariepinus)) from five sites and determine the risks to human health associated with the consumption of these fish. The mercury concentrations in muscle and liver tissues of C. carpio (1.2 and 0.8 mg/kg) and C. gariepinus (1.6 and 0.9 mg/kg) from Boskop Dam were the highest across all sites. Clarias gariepinus had higher mercury concentrations and a higher risk to human health compared to C. carpio across all sites. Both species from Boskop Dam and the Vaal River, while C. gariepinus from Olifantsnek and Modder Dam all had a hazard quotient of > 1 which shows these fish had a high possibility for adverse health effects to humans.