Human Health Risk Assessment Research Articles

P19-01 Potentially toxic elements in muscle of fish species from the Miliç Wetland in Samsun, Türkiye: a probalistic human health risk assessment

P19-01 Potentially toxic elements in muscle of fish species from the Miliç Wetland in Samsun, Türkiye: a probalistic human health risk assessment

P19-65 Human health risk assessment of metals in PM2.5: evaluating the concentration of metals within residential houses in Porto metropolitan area

P19-65 Human health risk assessment of metals in PM2.5: evaluating the concentration of metals within residential houses in Porto metropolitan area

Characterization, formation mechanism, and human health risk assessment of fluoride in shallow groundwater of Suzhou city, East China

ABSTRACT Groundwater is a vital water source for human consumption and irrigation. Understanding its fluoride content and health implications is crucial for water resource management. This study investigated the quaternary aquifer in Suzhou, China, collecting and analyzing 49 groundwater samples. Thermodynamic simulation, multivariate statistical analysis, and health risk assessment models were employed to determine fluoride concentration characteristics, hydrochemical controlling mechanisms, and noncarcinogenic risks. Results revealed an average fluoride concentration of 0.89 mg/L, with 26.5% of samples exceeding the Grade III groundwater quality standard. High-fluoride groundwater (>1 mg/L) exhibited spatial heterogeneity and was predominantly of the Na-Mg-HCO3 hydrochemical type. Multivariate analysis and thermodynamics simulations indicated that water–rock interactions (e.g., silicate mineral weathering and fluorite dissolution) governed groundwater hydrochemistry. Fluoride primarily originated from fluoride-bearing mineral dissolution, while negative cation exchange and precipitation of calcite and dolomite enhanced fluoride enrichment. pH had minimal impact on fluoride concentrations under weakly alkaline conditions. Health risk assessment suggested that fluoride in shallow groundwater posed a higher noncarcinogenic risk to children than adults via ingestion. These findings provide valuable insights for regional groundwater resource management.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils Based on Multi-Receptor Modeling Combined with Monte Carlo Simulation.

The spatial characteristics, pollution sources, and risks of soil heavy metals were analyzed on Hainan Island. The results showed that the heavily polluted points accounted for 0.56%, and the number of mildly and above polluted points accounted for 15.27%, respectively, which were mainly distributed in the northern part of the study area. The principal component analysis-absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) and the positive matrix factorization (PMF) revealed four sources of heavy metals: agricultural pollution sources for cadmium, (Cd), industrial and mining pollution sources for arsenic, (As), transportation pollution sources for zinc and lead (Zn and Pb), and natural pollution sources for chromium, nickel, and copper (Cr, Ni, and Cu). The human health risk assessment indicated that the average non-carcinogenic risk (HI) for both adults and children was within the safe threshold (<1), whereas Cr and Ni posed a carcinogenic risk (CR) to human health. In addition, the total non-carcinogenic risk (THI) indicated that heavy metals posed a potential non-carcinogenic risk to children, while the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) remained relatively high, mainly in the northern part of the study area. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation showed that the non-carcinogenic risk (HI) for all heavy metals was <1, but the total non-carcinogenic risk index (THI) for children was >1, indicating a potential health risk above the safe threshold. Meanwhile, nearly 100% and 99.94% of the TCR values exceeded 1 × 10-4 for children and adults, indicating that Cr and Ni are priority heavy metals for control. The research results provide the necessary scientific basis for the prevention and control of heavy metals in agricultural soils.

Soil pollution identification and human health risk assessment of soil heavy metals in an abandoned mine area in the Republic of Korea

ABSTRACT In this study, the Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Human Health Risk Assessment (HRA), and Ecological Risk Index (ERI) were utilized to examine the risks associated with the soils at the DaeyangYeongseong mine. Brassica juncea and Raphanus sativus were employed in the ecological toxicity test. In all soil samples, the mean Igeo value of arsenic measured 3.15, and cadmium measured 6.63, indicating a very high level of heavy metal contamination. The carcinogenic risk of cadmium and arsenic for adults was 4.30×10−3 and 1.43×10−5, respectively. For children, these values were 3.92 × 10−2 and 1.33 ×10−4, exceeding the acceptable level (1×10−6). In all soils, cadmium showed extremely high ecological risk levels, and arsenic had extremely high risk levels in 34.8% of the total area. This was also confirmed in toxicity assessments using plants. Therefore, arsenic and cadmium were found to be the main causes of soil contamination and ecological risk.

Application of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) passive samplers for monitoring PAHs in groundwater

Equilibrium passive sampling continues to find increasing use for performing in situ assessments and monitoring of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs). Although this method has been successfully used in several field studies including open surface waters and sediments, comparatively, their use in groundwater has been very limited. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) passive samplers were deployed for 80 days in three groundwater wells contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Prior to deployment, LDPE was loaded with performance reference compounds (PRCs) consisting of deuterated PAHs and their release used to ascertain system equilibrium. Within the 80-day deployment period, LDPE-groundwater equilibrium was confirmed for PAHs with molecular weights (MWs) in the range of 178 to 228 (i.e. anthracene, chrysene). Measured freely dissolved concentrations (Cw) were between one to three orders of magnitude lower than the total filtered concentrations (Ctotal) in the studied wells. The sum of PAHs (ΣPAHs) measured based on Cw and Ctotal were 2.05, 0.07 and 29.2 μg L−1 and 197, 59.7 and 1010 μg L−1, at wells 1, 2 and 3, respectively. A separate dataset, comprising long-term (2010 to 2022) concentrations of PAHs in total (i.e., unfiltered) groundwater, is also presented to provide insight into PAH contamination levels at the assessed groundwater wells based on conventional measurement. Estimated in situ LDPE daily clearance volumes (2.34 to 27.56 Ld−1) for the target analytes were far less than the daily turnover of ground water (144 to 348 Ld−1) encountered in the wells eliminating the possibility of depletive sampling of the groundwater by the passive samplers. These results represent the first published study on the practical application of equilibrium passive sampling using LDPE for monitoring and quantitatively assessing PAHs in groundwater. Also, this work demonstrates that LDPEs are a useful tool for measuring the Cw of PAHs in groundwater, a critical contaminant in many ecological and human health risk assessments.

Assessment of Potential Human Health Risks Around Tukwikwi Artisanal Potash Extraction Site River Hadejia Flood Plains, Jigawa, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis study quantified the concentrations of trace and heavy elements, including Al, K, Ca, Mg, Zr, Ti, La, Ce, Mn, Cr, Zn, and Nd, in soil samples from Tukwikwi. It also assesses the potential human health risks posed by exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption for both children and adults. The study area lies in Hadejia flood plain between latitudes 12°10′ N to 13°0′ N and longitudes 10°15′ E to 11°30′ E. The result showed that the mean concentrations of Al (47,140 mg/kg), K (23,110 mg/kg), Fe (18,020 mg/kg), Mg (7810 mg/kg), Zr (404 mg/kg), and La (64 mg/kg) exceeded the crustal values of Al (25,000 mg/kg), K (10,700 mg/kg), Fe (9800 mg/kg), Mg (7000 mg/kg), Zr (220 mg/kg), and La (30 mg/kg). By contrast, the concentrations of Ca, Cr, Ce, Mn, Ti, Zn, and Nd were lower than the crustal values. These crustal values were used, as there were no regional values that could be used for comparison. The result of the noncarcinogenic health risk assessment showed that Al exhibited the highest value ranging from to for children and to for adults. The results also revealed that adults have a higher potential risk than children. The results for the carcinogenic risk (CR) showed that the total CR (TCR) values for Cr ranged from 0 to for children and 0 to for adults, which are higher than the acceptable limit of . These suggest that there are health concerns for adults and children in the research area. This necessitates the need for monitoring the soil in the study area to reduce potential environmental issues.

Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater within an Agricultural Ecosystem Using GIS and Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA): A Case Study of the Mnasra Region, Gharb Plain, Morocco

Assessing groundwater quality is essential for ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and ecosystems. This study evaluates groundwater contamination by heavy metals (HMs) using GIS approaches, multivariate statistical analysis (MSA), pollution indices (heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), degree of contamination (Cd), ecological risk index (ERI), and pollution index (PI)), and human health risk assessment (HHRA). The results revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations across the study area, with the highest concentrations found in the southern and southeastern parts, characterized by intense agricultural activities and uncontrolled landfills. Statistical analyses indicated both natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination. Pollution indices showed medium to high water pollution levels, with HPI values ranging from 20.23 to 128.60, MI values from 3.34 to 12.17, and Cd values from 2.90 to 11.73, indicating varying degrees of contamination. ERI values suggested a low ecological risk across all samples. However, health risk assessments highlighted significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, particularly for children, with TCR values for some heavy metals like Ni and Cr exceeding safe limits, indicating potential health hazards. The findings provide a valuable framework for policymakers to develop targeted strategies for mitigating groundwater contamination and ensuring sustainable water quality management.

Evaluation of nutrients effect on the arsenic bioaccessibility of contaminated soil

Soil is considered the primary source of heavy metals. Even at very low concentrations, chronic exposure to harmful heavy metal (arsenic) has a significant negative impact on human health. In this study, we evaluated the effect of nutrients including glucose, proteins, calcium and control (fasted condition) on soil arsenic (As) bioaccessibility by PBET (Physiologically Based Extraction Test) technique with SHIME (simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem). As bioaccessibility of the NJY soil sample was 4.43 to 8.28%, 2.56 to 8.55% and 5.66 to 23.49% in gastric phase, intestine phase and colon phase respectively with different nutrients. CFI soil sample’s As bioaccessibility varied depending on the nutrients used, and was 5.78 to 23.86%, 2.32% to 12.54% and 1.06 to 13.85% in gastric phase, intestine phase and colon phase correspondingly. As bioaccessibility of the ZZH soil sample was 2.26 to 25.16%, 24.38% to 57.27% and 9.92 to 23.10% in gastric phase, intestine phase and colon phase with varying nutrients. The outcomes showed that, As bioaccessibility of the soil samples was greatly influenced with plant protein, animal protein, calcium and glucose in the three phases of the digestive system. Therefore, nutrients have a considerable effect on As bioaccessibility and assessment of human health risk.

Coordinated analysis of groundwater spatiotemporal chemical characteristics, water quality, and potential human health risks with sustainable development in semi-arid regions.

The emergence of large-scale time-series data and advancements in computational power have opened new avenues for analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution of groundwater chemistry, water quality, and human health risks. This paper utilizes hydrogeochemical methods to elucidate the controlling factors of water chemical components based on the test results of 124 groundwater samples collected from 31 monitoring wells in Fuxin City, Liaoning Province, China, from 2018 to 2021. By integrating the Random Forest and Enhanced Water Quality Index methods for water quality assessment and employing the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) model to analyze human health risks, our findings indicate that the groundwater is mildly alkaline, with SO4·Cl-Ca·Mg and HCO3-Ca·Mg as the dominant hydrochemical types, primarily derived from the dissolution of carbonate and silicate minerals such as dolomite, limestone, and andesite, and cation exchange reactions. The EI_RF water quality evaluation model reveals that the overall water quality in the study area is poor, with Class I and II water quality zones mainly located in the northeastern and central parts of the study area, showing a gradual transition from Class I and II in the northeast to Classes IV and V in the southwest, significantly influenced by NO3-, TH, TDS, and SO42-. The HHRA model results indicate that the potential non-carcinogenic risk of groundwater nitrates has a severe impact on infants, with the spatial distribution being low in the northeast and high in the southwest. Due to industrial activities, agricultural practices, and population growth, certain areas in developing countries such as China and India exhibit nitrate concentrations significantly higher than those in most international regions, highlighting global environmental and public health challenges. This underscores the importance of enhancing groundwater monitoring and implementing measures to mitigate pollution. These research outcomes hold significant implications for the government in formulating rational protection and management measures to ensure the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources.

Epidemiology and Human Health Risk Assessment in the IRIS Program

Epidemiology and Human Health Risk Assessment in the IRIS Program

Strengthening the Consideration of Social Susceptibility/Vulnerability in Human Health Risk Assessment: Data and Methodological Needs

Strengthening the Consideration of Social Susceptibility/Vulnerability in Human Health Risk Assessment: Data and Methodological Needs

Co-occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in various environmental matrices of a chronic petroleum polluted region in Iran; Pollution characterization, and assessment of ecological and human health risks

Oil spills from pipeline accidents can result in long-lasting health effect in the people living in a ‎polluted region‎. In this study, the level of the 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs‎) and heavy metals (HMs) have been ‎analyzed in environmental matrices of a region with frequent oil ‎pipeline accidents in Iran‎.‎ The results showed that the mean ‎concentration of ΣPAHs and ΣHMs decreased from the upstream to the downstream and also the levels were ‎higher in the wet season than those in the dry season. The average concentration of HMs in sediments was higher than that in other ‎environments. The 3-ring and 4-ring PAHs were dominant in all of the studied matrices with the average values of 32.61 % and 45.85 %, respectively. The ecological risks of PAHs and HMs were medium and high in all matrices, respectively. In wet season, the total cancer risk (TCR) related to PAHs in agricultural soil was greater than 10−4, whereas it’s very close to the threshold for HMs in water. This study offers a reference for assessing the long-term impact of oil spills in contaminated environmental matrices. The results are crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate oil pollution ‎impacts and protect environmental and public health.

A perspective from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists: how your epidemiologic analyses can inform human health risk assessment

A perspective from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scientists: how your epidemiologic analyses can inform human health risk assessment

Heavy metals concentration and human health risk assessment in tobacco cigarette products from Tanzania

Cigarette smoke contains various harmful substances, including heavy metals, that pose significant health risks. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 90 % of lung cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, limited information is available on the health hazards posed by heavy metals in cigarettes commonly consumed in Tanzania. This study aims to assess the potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure from eight most commonly consumed cigarette products in Tanzania using atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations (mg kg−1) of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) ranged from 6.94 to 16.31, 0.6–1.93, 0.4–0.66, 0.69–2.86, and 0.11–2.69, respectively, with mean concentrations of 9.35, 0.92, 0.52, 1.82, and 1.24 mg kg−1. The mean concentrations of Cu and Zn are within the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO while Cd, Cr, and Ni exceeded these limits, raising concerns. A high positive correlation is observed between Cu and Zn (r=0.988, p=0.01). The non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (HQ) for ingestion is below 1, indicating minimal risk, whereas HQ for inhalation is above 1, indicating considerable health risk. The carcinogenic risk assessment for ingestion is within acceptable limits for all metals. However, Cd, Cr, and Ni present higher risks than the acceptable limit set by USEPA (1E-06 to 1E-04), suggesting significant cancer risk associated with these metals. This study highlights the need for stringent regulation and monitoring of heavy metal content in cigarettes to mitigate health risks.

Unveiling the toxicological effects and risks of prometryn on red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): Health assessments, ecological, and molecular insights

Prometryn is commonly used in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. However, possible harm to aquatic organisms remains a persistent concern. Prometryn was also the only one of the 26 triazine herbicides detected in this study. Numerous studies have assessed the harmful effects of prometryn in teleost fish and shrimp. There is a lack of information regarding the ecological and human health risks, as well as the toxic mechanisms affecting crayfish. In this study, human health risk assessment (THQ) and ecological risk assessment (RQ) were conducted on P. clarkii in the rice-crayfish co-culture (IRCC) farming model. The 96 h of exposure to 0.286 mg/L and 1.43 mg/L prometryn was conducted to investigate the potential effects and molecular mechanisms of hepatopancreatic resistance to prometryn in P. clarkii. The original sample analysis revealed that the THQ calculated from the prometryn levels in the muscle and hepatopancreas was below 0.1, suggesting no threat to human health. However, the calculated RQ values were >0.1, indicating a risk to P. clarkii. Histological analysis and biochemical index detection of the experimental samples revealed that the hepatopancreatic injury and oxidative damage in P. clarkii were caused by prometryn. Moreover, transcriptome analysis identified 2512 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after 96 h of prometryn exposure. Prometryn exposure caused significant changes in metabolic pathways, including oxoacid metabolic processes and cytochrome P450-associated drug metabolism. Further hub gene analysis via PPI indicated that exposure to prometryn may inhibit lipid synthesis, storage, and amino acid transport and affect glucose metabolic pathways and hormone synthesis. Additionally, we hypothesized that prometryn-triggered cell death could be linked to the PI3K-Akt signaling cascade. This study's findings have significant meaning for the efficient and logical application of herbicides in IRCC, ultimately aiding in advancing a highly productive agricultural system.

Imidacloprid affects human cells through mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Given their relatively low persistence and mammalian toxicity, neonicotinoid pesticides have been extensively used worldwide and are omnipresent in the environment. Recent studies have shown that neonicotinoids may pose adverse effects on non-target organisms other than the known neurotoxicity, raising emerging concerns that these insecticides might pose human health risk through additional toxicity pathways. In the present study, the mitochondria function, oxidative stress, DNA damages, and genes transcription levels were examined in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells after 48-h exposure to imidacloprid at concentrations from 0.05 to 200 μmol/L. Results showed that imidacloprid induced mitochondrial dysfunction with the degradation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels. In addition, imidacloprid caused oxidative stress by stimulating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via the disruption of calcium ion level and mitochondrial function. Ultimately, the oxidative stress continued to produce DNA damage and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells at imidacloprid concentrations above 47.6 μmol/L. Among the evaluated endpoints, ATP was the most sensitive, with a median activity concentration of 0.74 μmol/L. The 5 % hazard concentration of imidacloprid was estimated to be 0.69 μmol/L, which can be used as a threshold for human health risk assessment for imidacloprid. Collectively, our results provide an important support for further research on potential toxicity of neonicotinoids related to mitochondrial toxicity in humans.

A follow-up geospatial analysis and probabilistic human health risk assessment of methylmercury in fish in Eeyou Istchee (Québec, Canada)

The Cree Peoples of the Eeyou Istchee territory (northern Québec, Canada) rely on fish as a part of their traditional and contemporary diet. Fish is a culturally significant food and a source of nutrients, but it is also the main pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for humans. Significant hydroelectric developments in this territory are responsible for increasing the concentrations of MeHg found in fish and thus increase the human exposure to this neurotoxic compound. As this is an ongoing issue, our study assessed the current MeHg fish-tissue concentrations in Eeyou Istchee and the spatial distribution of MeHg hot spots using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to compare our results to those found in previous studies from the same region. We also performed a probabilistic hazard assessment of the exposure to MeHg from fish consumption. The GIS models indicated significant clustering of increased MeHg fish-tissue concentrations around hydroelectric reservoirs and showed higher MeHg fish-tissue concentrations around newer hydroelectric reservoirs, but a decrease in older reservoirs. Similar to past studies, we found that fish consumption continues to pose an MeHg exposure hazard for men who consume large piscivore species (i.e., lake trout, walleye, and pike), while for women, lake trout and walleye consumption constitute a hazard (any size), and pike should be consumed with caution. The hazard of exposure was mainly associated with intake rate in all cases. Lastly, we recommend monitoring MeHg fish-tissue concentrations in this region, as the MeHg tissue concentrations remain elevated, and updated consumption guidelines where and when necessitated.

Unveiling the Dynamics and Sustainability of the Nubian Aquifer System in El-Marashda, Egypt Through Geophysical, and Hydrogeochemical Investigations

AbstractThis research investigates the geophysical, hydrogeochemical, and geological characteristics of the Nubian Aquifer System in the El-Marashda area, located beneath the Eastern Sahara Desert in northeastern Africa. The primary objective is identifying the aquifer geometry, assessing groundwater quality, and evaluating environmental pollution levels. A Magnetotelluric survey was employed to examine the subsurface geological composition and electrical resistivity characteristics of the aquifer system. The study revealed a freshwater-saturated Nubian Sandstone layer at depths between 986 and 1009 m with resistivity values of 101 to 182 Ohm.m, indicating a substantial and potentially sustainable groundwater resource. Overlying limestone and Marly Limestone layers influence the aquifer’s permeability and storage capacity. The chemical analysis of water from three wells showed suitability for drinking and irrigation, with no sodium and magnesium levels hazards. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) indicated low to medium contamination, posing potential environmental health risks. Human health risk assessments using USEPA methodology found acceptable non-carcinogenic risks, with Hazard Quotients (HQs) for heavy metals below 1 and a negligible Hazard Index (HI). The comprehensive investigation underscores the potential for sustainable groundwater utilization in El-Marashda. It highlights the aquifer’s suitability for irrigation, with low contamination levels and minimal health risks. These findings provide a foundation for informed and sustainable water resource management, environmental protection, and resilient infrastructure development in the region. The methodologies and results align with global standards, demonstrating their applicability in globally diverse geological contexts. This research contributes valuable baseline data for future studies and monitoring efforts, whether at local or global sites, emphasizing the importance of continued investigation to ensure sustainable groundwater management.

Computational simulations uncover enantioselective metabolism of chiral triazole fungicides by human CYP450 enzymes: A case study of tebuconazole

Tebuconazole (TEB), a prominent chiral triazole fungicide, has been extensively utilized for plant pathogen control globally. Despite experimental evidence of TEB metabolism in mammals, the enantioselectivity in the biotransformation of R- and S-TEB enantiomers by specific CYP450s remains elusive. In this work, integrated in silico simulations were employed to unveil the binding interactions and enantioselective metabolic fate of TEB enantiomers within human CYP1A2, 2B6, 2E1, and 3A4. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations clearly delineated the binding specificity of R- and S-TEB to the four CYP450s, crucially determining their differences in metabolic activity and enantioselectivity. The primary driving force for robust ligand binding was identified as van der Waals interactions with CYP450s, particularly involving the hydrophobic residues. Mechanistic insights derived from quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations established C2-methyl hydroxylation as the predominant route of R-/S-TEB metabolism, while C6-hydroxylation and triazol epoxidation were deemed kinetically infeasible pathways. Specifically, the resulting hydroxy-R-TEB metabolite primarily originates from R-TEB biotransformation by 1A2, 2E1 and 3A4, whereas hydroxy-S-TEB is preferentially produced by 2B6. These findings significantly contribute to our comprehension of the binding specificity and enantioselective metabolic fate of chiral TEB by CYP450s, potentially informing further research on human health risk assessment associated with TEB exposure.