Intake Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Impact of old environmental burden in the Spiš region (Slovakia) on soil and home-grown vegetable contamination, and health effects of heavy metals

Due to several centuries of ongoing mining activities, Middle Spiš (Slovakia) is one of the areas with a damaged environment. The contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg were determined in the soils and home-grown vegetables (potatoes, carrots, tomatoes). Except for Pb, the contents of heavy metals in the soils of some plots were higher than the limit values. Based on the values of Contamination factor (Cf), Degree of contamination (Cdeg), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and Pollution load index (PLI), very high Fe, Cd, and Hg contamination (Cf ≥ 6), very high soil contamination (Cdeg ≥ 20), extremely heavy Fe and Hg contamination (Igeo > 5), resp. moderately pollution to non-pollution (1 < PLI ≤ 2) was found in all plots. In vegetable samples, the maximum levels were exceeded for Cu, Pb, Hg (potato), Pb (carrot, tomato), and Hg (carrot, plot E). Bioaccumulation factor values BAF > 1 were for Cu (carrots, potatoes). Estimated daily intake values for all heavy metals were lower than their tolerable daily intake. Chronic daily intake of heavy metals ranged 2.495E−06 (Hg)—0.1416 (Fe) mg/kg/day. Based on Hazard index values, potato consumption poses a risk (0.8068–1.3057). The results showed that the monitoring of soils and cultivated production is necessary for the investigated area.

Toxic Metals and Metalloids in Hassawi Brown Rice: Fate during Cooking and Associated Health Risks.

Rice has been a dietary staple for centuries, providing vital nutrients to the human body. Brown rice is well known for its nutrient-dense food profile. However, owing to multiple causes (anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic), it can also be a potential source of toxic heavy metals in the diet. Brown Hassawi rice samples were collected from the Al-Ahsa region and analyzed for its content of toxic metals. The results reveal that all the tested metals varied significantly in the brown rice samples, while As and Pb in all three samples exceeded their respective maximum allowable limits (MALs), followed by Cd, which nearly approached the MAL in two samples out of three. Brown rice samples were cooked in rice:water systems, viz., low rice:water ratios (1:2.5, 1:3.5) and high rice:water ratios (1:5, 1:6), along with soaking as a pre-treatment. Soaking was unproductive in removing the heavy metals from the rice, whereas cooking dissipated all metals from the rice, except for Cd, which was statistically non-significant. The high-water cooking of the rice was more effective in the dissipation of metals from the rice as compared to low-water cooking conditions. Through the consumption of rice, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metals is 162 g per person per day for As, which is above the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) regardless of cooking circumstances. The hazard risk index (HRI) also highlighted the fact that As can be a potential health hazard to rice consumers in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. These results indicate the potential health risks caused by the consumption of this rice by humans. Regular monitoring is recommended to manage and control elevated concentrations and related health hazards as a result of the use of Hassawi rice contaminated by the accumulation of metals and metalloids.

Preliminary assessment of heavy metals intake via food in CKDu affected Uddanam region of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to assess metal/heavy metal intake by the population via food environment of the Uddanam region, a hotspot for chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) in India. The food samples included rice/paddy, marine/freshwater fish, green gram/black gram (whole), and green leafy vegetables (GLVs, i.e. amaranth/spinach). These were analysed for metal/heavy metal (chromium, nickel, copper, arsenic, lead, magnesium, calcium, aluminium, manganese, iron, zinc, barium, cadmium, mercury, and uranium) content using standard procedures. The total heavy metal intake was calculated as a sum of the intake from each food source. The daily dietary intake was compared to safe intake levels (from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and National Institute of Nutrition). The intake was higher than safe levels for lead, chromium, and manganese. It is advisable to reduce heavy metal exposure by adopting agricultural practices and public health interventions in terms of diet.

Health Risk Study of Heavy Metals from Consumption of Drugs (Solid and Liquid) Samples Derived from Medicinal Plants in Iraq.

Heavy metals are one of the carcinogenic factors harmful to the safety of human health. In plant-based medications, heavy metals can be found. In February 2022, 28 specimens of medicinal drugs (solid and liquid) were collected from Texas drugstores to investigate heavy metals like zinc, iron, and lead utilizing a Shimadzu AA-7000 atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The current study used a US EPA model to calculate non-cancer and cancer risk parameters for heavy metals in all medicinal drug specimens. Zinc, iron, and lead levels (mg/kg) in solid samples were 1.95-51.43, 29.09-2055.92, and ND-26.68, respectively, while they were 0.043-4.267, 0.100-5.25, and ND-1.434, respectively, in liquid specimens. The average value of total non-cancer risk (TNCR or HII) and total cancer risk (TCCR) of heavy metals intake in solid specimens was 4.54E - 03 ± 1.1E - 03 and 2.11E - 06 ± 6.0E - 07, while in liquid specimens were 1.98E - 04 ± 4.1E - 05 and 9.44E - 09 ± 2.3E - 09, respectively. Compared to liquid specimens, solid specimens have higher concentrations of heavy metals. The zinc, iron, and lead concentrations in the liquid specimens were lower than the WHO-acceptable standards of 50, 20, and 10mg/kg, respectively. On the other hand, few solid specimen results are more than acceptable. However, all the specimens' TNCR and TCCR results were within the US EPA's globally recommended limits. Finally, the results of the heavy metals show no health hazards associated with using the researched medications.

Toxicity Assessment for Aquatic Ecosystem, Soil and Crops in Tongi, Bangladesh

As Tongi is an industrial area, massive amounts of effluents generated by the industries end up in the river and soil of this region. These wastes contain an excessive amount of heavy metals, which is detrimental for both environment and living organisms. The concentration of metals, Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Lead (Pb) were studied for water, soil and vegetable samples in order to understand the current pollution scenario of Tongi industrial area, Bangladesh. In this research, studies were conducted on water and soil by using water quality parameters, geo-chemical index, contamination factor, and pollution load index. This research also investigated the daily metal intake by people consuming the vegetables grown from that contaminated soil. Experimental observations reveal that the water of those areas is polluted with the concentration of Cd (0.0542-0.1728) mgL-1, Pb (0.0421-0.245) mgL-1 and Cr (1.0622-2.4357) mgL-1. However, the study also demonstrated that the soil of these areas is severely contaminated with Cd(4.42-100.564)mgkg-1, but moderately contaminated with Pb and Cr, and the rate of heavy metal intake is within the World Health Organization (WHO) standard among the consumers of vegetables grown in the local agricultural land. Cadmium concentration is observed to be higher in water and soil compared to the concentrations of lead and chromium, which might be due to the high cadmium containing industrial effluent discharge in the river. This study demonstrates the requirements for wastewater containing heavy metal discharge regulations into the river water, and it is also concluded that the assessment area is extremely contaminated with cadmium concentrations.

Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Root and Leafy Vegetables in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, and Assessment of Associated Public Health Risks

BackgroundExcess accumulation of heavy metals in frequently consumed food (e.g., vegetables, fruits) is a serious threat to human health. The concentration of heavy metals in four root vegetables and five leafy vegetables collected from the Kawran Bazar fresh vegetable market of Dhaka, Bangladesh, were analyzed. Average daily intake (ADI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were also estimated to assess the human health risks posed by the intake of heavy metals from the consumption of the studied vegetables. Apparent differences in the concentration of heavy metals present in different vegetables were observed.ResultsThe presence and degree of contamination was assessed for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Concentrations of Cr, Cd, Ni, and Cu exceeded the maximum permissible limit (MPL) in some root vegetables. Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe concentration were higher in most studied leafy vegetables. ADI was found to be lower than the maximum permitted tolerable daily intake in most cases except Cr (0.202 mg/person day) and Fe (19.681 mg/person day) for the consumption of turnip and mint, respectively. Hazard quotient of Cr for turnip (1.121) and Zn for spinach (1.104), as well as the hazard indices of turnip (1.541), mustard (1.663), spinach (2.113), coriander (1.925), and mint (2.834), exceeded unit value, signifying potential health hazard from the dietary intake of the studied vegetables.ConclusionsHigher concentrations of heavy metals were found in leafy vegetables compared to the root vegetables. Hence, the consumption of leafy vegetables has higher potential health risks than root vegetables. This study suggests that regular monitoring of heavy metals in vegetables is essential to prevent health risks associated with consuming heavy metal contaminated vegetables.

Fate and health risk assessment of heavy metals in Brassica chinensis L. (pak-choi) and soil amended by sludge-based biochar.

Biochar is widely used in agriculture to efficiently solve the problem of sludge. In this study, sludge-based biochar (referred to as BC1, BC2, and BC3) was prepared by mixing sludge with FeCl3, Na2SiO3, and Ca (H2PO4)2, respectively. Then, it was mixed with fresh soil to plant Brassica chinensis L. The analysis of the effects of the three biochar types showed that all of them were beneficial to the growth of Brassica chinensis L. We added the biochar to the soil and found that the concentration of heavy metals did not exceed the recommended threshold. Additionally, the aboveground part of Brassica chinensis L. met the standard requirement for food safety (GB 2761-2017). Notably, BC3 stood out with the best effect on the growth of Brassica chinensis L. and resulted in the improvement of the physical and chemical properties of soil such as ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium (BC3 was followed by BC2 and BC1). BC3 could efficiently inhibit the migration of heavy metals, thereby reducing the overall heavy metal pollution level and ameliorating the soil nutrients. BC3 could increase the organic carbon by 258.92%, available phosphorus by 234.45%, and available potassium by 37.12% compared with the CK group. The THQ and TTHQ estimates of Brassica chinensis L. were lower than one, indicating that the health risk of heavy metal intake was not prominent. Additionally, the application of the proposed biochar could reduce the form of F1 (acid extracted state) and increase the form of F4 (residue state) in soil. Overall, we conclude that the application of the proposed biochar can promote the root absorption of heavy metals and inhibit the migration of heavy metals.

Accumulation Effects and Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Rice in Location-based Cadmium Anomaly Area in Liuzhou

In order to explore the migration and transformation characteristics of soil heavy metals in rice in an area of ground source cadmium anomaly and to evaluate the safe planting of rice, a total of 91 pairs of soil and rice samples were collected from paddy fields in the typical area of Liuzhou city, Guangxi province, and the contents of heavy metals such as Cd, soil pH, and organic matter were tested. The results showed that:① Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in the paddy field exceeded the background values of 92.31%, 34.07%, 36.26%, and 90.11%, respectively. Compared with the screening values in the Soil Environmental Quality Agricultural Land Soil Pollution Risk Control Standard, Cd and Zn exceeded 30.53% and 25.26%, respectively. Super standard points were mainly distributed in Fushi Town. ② Cd and Ni exceeded 35.16% and 3.30%, respectively, and Daliang town had the highest Cd enrichment coefficient and Cd exceeded rate. ③ Correlation analysis showed that soil pH was the main influencing factor of heavy metals in rice, and Cd and Ni had similar pollution sources in rice. ④ The results of rice health risk assessment showed that the THQ value of rice Cd in Daliang town was greater than 1.0, indicating the potential health risk of rice Cd in this area. The TTHQ values were all greater than 1.0, indicating that the risks to children were higher than those to adult women, which were higher than those of adult men, showing that reasonable dietary structure is crucial to prevent heavy metal intake in different ages and genders. Therefore, there are certain risks in rice planting in the Liuzhou area of ground source cadmium anomaly, which need to be controlled using different safety utilization measures.

Seasonal Variations in Bioaccumulation and Translocation of Toxic Heavy Metals in the Dominant Vegetables of East Kolkata Wetlands: a Case Study with Suggestive Ecorestorative Strategies.

In recent times, East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW), a designated Ramsar site in the eastern part of megacity Kolkata, has been threatened by toxic heavy metal (HM) pollution. Besides being a natural wetland supporting biodiversity, EKW serves as a significant food basket for the city. For assessing the magnitude of HM pollution in this wetland, the three most cultivated food crops of EKW, namely Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd), Abelmoschus esculentus (ladies’ fingers), and Zea mays (maize), as well as the ambient soil samples, were collected during premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon for 2 consecutive years (2016 and 2017). Predominant HMs like cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were analyzed in the roots and edible parts of these plants, as well as in the ambient soil to evaluate the bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF) of each HM in the three vegetables. It was observed that the HM content in the food crop species followed the order Z. mays > L. siceraria > A. esculentus. HMs accumulated in all three vegetables as per the order Pb > Cd > Cr > Hg. Monsoon seems to be threatening in terms of bioaccumulation and translocation of HMs as both BF and TF were highest in this season irrespective of the plant species. Hence it demands critical monitoring of HM pollution levels in this wetland and subsequent ecorestoration through distinctive plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)-assisted co-cultivation of these food crops with low-metal-accumulating, deep-rooted, high-biomass-yielding, and bioenergy-producing perennial grass species for minimizing HM intake.

Potential application of enhanced phytoremediation for heavy metals treatment in Nepal

Heavy metals contamination in soil and water resources is a great threat to developing countries because of the lack of waste treatment facilities. A majority of wastewater treatment methods are known to be expensive and out of reach for municipalities and small pollution treatment enterprises. Phytotechnology is a promising, sustainable, environment-friendly, and cost-effective technique for domestic and industrial wastewater treatment in places where land is available. However, interest in conventional remediation methods and the lack of information on recent advances in a significant portion of the society in developing countries have restrained the applications of phytoremediation. This review discusses the concept of phytoremediation, mechanisms of heavy metals removal by plants, and the potential application of enhanced phytoremediation technologies in developing countries like Nepal. The authors also review the commercially viable hyperaccumulator species with their native distribution, heavy metals intake capacity, and their availability in Nepal. Those native plants can be utilized locally or introduced strategically in other parts/countries as well. Thus, for a flora-rich country like Nepal, this study holds great potential and presents enhanced phytoremediation as an effective and sustainable strategy for the future.

Thinking for the future: Phytoextraction of cadmium using primed plants for sustainable soil clean-up.

Cadmium (Cd) soil contamination is a global problem for food security due to its ubiquity, toxicity at low levels, persistence, and bioaccumulation in living organisms. Humans' intake of heavy metals is usually due to direct contact with contaminated soil, through the food chain (Cd accumulation in crops and edible plants) or through drinking water in cases of coupled groundwater-surface water systems. Phytoextraction is one of the eco-friendly, sustainable solutions that can be used as a method for soil clean-up with the possibility of re-use of extracted metals through phytomining. Phytoextraction is often limited by the tolerance level of hyperaccumulating plants and the restriction of their growth. Mechanisms of hyperaccumulation of heavy metals in tolerant species have been studied, but there are almost no data on mechanisms of further improvement of the accumulation capacity of such plants. Priming can influence plant stress tolerance by the initiation of mild stress cues resulting in acclimation of the plant. The potential of plant priming in abiotic stress tolerance has been extensively investigated using different types of molecules that are supplemented exogenously to plant organs (roots, leaves, etc.), resulting in enhanced tolerance of abiotic stress. This review focuses on mechanisms of enhancement of plant stress tolerance in hyperaccumulating plants for their exploitation in phytoextraction processes.

Effect of different doses of heavy metals on quality and safety indices of meat and pig fat

The results of studies of the effect of toxic doses of heavy metals, namely Cadmium and Lead (jointly and separately) at the dose of 10 and 20 maximum allowable concentrations on the chemical composition and quality of the muscle and adipose tissues of pigs are presented. The assessment is given of the use of the experimental herbal supplement as protective agent for chronic intoxication with heavy metals. When animals consumed diets with the high level of heavy metals, both jointly and separately, there were changes in the chemical composition and technological properties of muscle tissue and bacon. The content of dry matter, fat, and protein in meat decreased, and these changes were more significant in the organisms of animals receiving increased doses of Cadmium in series I and when heavy metals were fed together in series II, where their content in diets was 20 maximum allowable concentrations. Along with this, in the meat of the animals of the experimental groups, compared with the control, the calorie content and protein-quality index decreased. The active acidity of meat and its water-retaining capacity in animals of all groups were within the normal range. However, in animals that received high doses of heavy metals with the diet, the pH of the meat slightly changed towards neutral environment (pH - 5.3 - 5.5, with pH control - 5.1 - 5.2), the water-holding capacity of the meat of experimental animals ranged from 55.24% to 56.5% (control - 55.0 - 55.1%). Studies of the qualitative indicators of pig bacon experimentally showed that under the influence of Cadmium and Lead there was the decrease in the amount of dry matter (up to 2.84%) and fat (up to 2.7%) in the bacon, the increase in moisture and % of cell membranes compared to control animal groups. With the increase in the dose of heavy metals, negative changes in the chemical composition and technological properties of the meat and bacon of experimental animals were more noticeable. The intake of heavy metals into the organism of animals led to the accumulation of these toxicants in meat, and with the increase in the dose of heavy metals, their accumulation also increased. Thus, the content of Cadmium and Lead in the meat of animals of the experimental groups in both series of experiments exceeded the established MPC for these toxicants, while the excess for Lead was maximum 1.9 times (Group II), and for Cadmium 4.0 times (Group IV). Feeding the experimental feed additive helped to improve the chemical composition and technological properties of meat and bacon of fattening pigs, and to reduce the accumulation of toxins in muscle tissue. Key words: pork, bacon, quality, Cadmium, Lead, water-holding capacity, experimental herbal supplement.

Phytochemical: a treatment option for heavy metal induced neurotoxicity.

Heavy metals are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. Some heavy metals are necessary while present in the growing medium in moderate concentrations known to be essential heavy metals as they required for the body functioning as a nutrient. But there are some unwanted metals and are also toxic to the environment and create a harmful impact on the body, which termed to be non-essential heavy metals. Upon exposure, the heavy metals decrease the major antioxidants of cells and enzymes with the thiol group and affect cell division, proliferation, and apoptosis. It interacts with the DNA repair mechanism and initiates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It subsequently binds to the mitochondria and may inhibit respiratory and oxidative phosphorylation in even low concentrations. This mechanism leads to damage antioxidant repair mechanism of neuronal cells and turns into neurotoxicity. Now, phytochemicals have led to good practices in the health system. Phytochemicals that are present in the fruits and herbs can preserve upon free radical damage. Thus, this review paper summarized various phytochemicals which can be utilized as a treatment option to reverse the effect of the toxicity caused by the ingestion of heavy metals in our body through various environmental or lifestyles ways.

Heavy metals and aluminium intake from stored canned tomato, sardines and tuna in Algeria

This study assessed heavy metals intake and their impacts on healthcare in Algeria. Peculiar attention was given to heavy metals found in largely consumed canned foods in Algeria such as double concentrated tomato, tuna crumbs and sardines. Chemical analyses of the metal and aluminium containers (foil, tray) were performed by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and EDS spectrometry (Energy Dispersive Spectrometry). The determination of the trace metal content in canned food (element metal trace EMT) was achieved by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The approach proposed in this study aimed to highlight the interaction of the product and packaging material, and thus to identify and quantify heavy metals traces that were able to undergo specific or overall migration to food. The morphology of the contact surface food / packaging was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and showed a slight degradation of the base metal (Black Iron). There was an obvious increase in EMTs during tuna, sardines and tomatoes storage and artificial aging. A special interest was given to cooking modes using aluminium foil and trays. ‎‎The respective dosages of aluminium, in baked food (fresh tuna) were obtained. Specific Aluminium migration was noticed and was strong for the flame cooking mode.

Determination of trace metals in vegetables using ICP-MS

Determination of trace metals in vegetables using ICP-MS

Türkiye'nin Karadeniz Kıyılarında Yakalanan Sarda Sarda'da (Bloch, 1793) Ağır Metal Konsantrasyonları ve Sağlık Riski Değerlendirmesi

In this study, it was aimed to determine heavy metal levels in muscle tissues of Atlantic bonito samples caught in the Eastern Black Sea Region and to determine their potential to pose a risk to human health. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Al have been measured in the edible muscle of Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda Bloch, 1793) from the Trabzon and Rize coasts of the southern Black Sea from September 2020 to December 2020. Cd, Cr, Co, and Ni were not detected in the edible part of S. sarda in both coastal areas. These concentrations are lower than the maximum permissible values in European and Turkish regulations. The average weekly intake of heavy metals per body weight value not exceeded the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) established. Therefore, it may be concluded that these ten metals should not pose any health threat to the consumers resulting from the consumption of S. sarda.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals from meat and offal of reindeer and cow in the Far North of European Russia.

This study aimed to compare the concentrations of heavy metals in reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Northwestern Russia, and to assess the risk to the health of the indigenous population associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow. Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic concentrations were measured in 39 muscle, 15 liver, and 14 kidney samples from reindeer and 33, 18, and 12 corresponding samples from cow in 2014-2016 using atomic absorption spectrometry. Estimated daily intake of investigated heavy metals, hazard quotient, hazard index and cancer risk were calculated. Mean cadmium and mercury concentrations in reindeer liver and kidney exceeded the maximum permissible levels for bovine animals. However, the estimated daily intakes of heavy metals through consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal were lower than tolerable daily intakes. Hazard quotient and hazard index values for heavy metals in reindeer and cow samples were <1. Hazard index values were in descending order: reindeer kidney (0.389)>reindeer muscle (0.382)>cow muscle (0.088)>reindeer liver (0.051)>cow kidney (0.012)>cow liver (0.004). The cancer risk related to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal did not exceed acceptable levels. There is no human health risk associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

GROWING OF OIL CROPS AND INTENSITY OF ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS UNDER THEIR MINERAL FERTILIZATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF VINNICHNA REGION

The article presents statistical and calculated indicators on the volumes of oilseeds cultivation, the effect of mineral fertilization of soils during the cultivation of oilseeds on the intensity of the intake of heavy metals in them is investigated. An analysis of the cultivation of oilseeds in the Vinnytsia region showed that their total sown area as of 2021 was 351.5 thousand/ ha, of which 81.6% - sunflower, 17.7% - winter rape and 0.6% - spring rapeseed. The sown area and production volumes of sunflower seeds in the Vinnitsa region for all categories of farms amounted to 300.8 thousand/ha and 10,053.4 thousand/centner, respectively. Under the conditions of enterprises, the sown area under sunflower was 95.4%, and the volume of production - 96.4%, while in the households of the population these indicators were in the range of 4.5% and 3.6%. The sown area and production volumes of winter rapeseed seeds in the Vinnitsa region amounted to 62.8 thousand/ha and 2103.3 thousand/centner, respectively. In terms of enterprises, the area for growing sunflower was 99.2%, and in households - 0.8%, production volumes, respectively - 99.4% and 0.6%. Spring rape under the conditions of enterprises occupied 87.5% of the area, and in the conditions of households - 12.5%. The volume of production of seeds of spring rape in the conditions of enterprises amounted to 92.6%, in households - 7.3%. It was found that the highest amount of lead and cadmium entering the soil was observed during the cultivation of winter rapeseed. So, when growing winter rapeseed with mineral fertilizers, more lead and cadmium get into the soil 2.0 times and 2.4 times, respectively, compared to sunflower. When growing spring rapeseed in soils with mineral fertilizers, 1.7 times less lead and 1.75 times less lead and cadmium, compared to winter rape, get into the soil.

INDUSTRIAL IMPACT ON SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN ECONOMIC FISH WITHIN THE RIVER IN NNEWI-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA

This work was carried out to research on the Industrial impact of selected heavy metals in economic fish samples in Eze river of Nnewi-North, Anambra State, Nigeria. The levels of seven heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Cd) in selected fish samples (Clariasgariepinus, Oreochromisneloticus, Pseudotolithus elongates) from the area were detected using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. The HN03-HCl method was used in the fish sample digestion. All the fish samples collected from the Eze river contained the six heavy metals analyzed. The mean concentrations(µg/g) of heavy metals in the fish samples from the studied area were 1.85 for Pb, 0.86 for Mn, 3.38 for Zn, 1.18 for Cr, 2.84 for Cu and 0.43 for Cd. With the exception of Pb and Cd most metals were within the acceptable levels in the fish. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI) values were evaluated in order to assess the health risk of the inhabitants of Nnewi-north and environs due to heavy metal intake from food crops. The values were less than 1 in all the fish samples; therefore, their consumption does not pose any health risk concern. Metal-metal correlation was carried out using Pearson’s product moments. Most elemental pairs show significant correlation with each other, this implies that each paired element has common pollution sources. In conclusion, the investigated area has been affected by the industrial activities. So control measures stated by regulatory authorities should be enforced in all the industries.

Quantification of heavy metals and health risk assessment in Sichuan pickle.

Sichuan pickle is one of popular traditional fermented foods in China. However, the contamination of heavy metals in Sichuan pickle, particularly home-made Sichuan pickle and aged pickle brine, is little known. Therefore, the content of trace (Cr, Cu, and Zn) and toxic elements (As, Pb, and Cd) in Sichuan industrial pickle (SIP), Sichuan home-made pickle (SHP), and aged pickle brine collected from local markets and families in Sichuan province, respectively, was detected by inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) and the health risk was assessed by target hazard quotients including target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ). Consequently, the mean concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Cd were 0.122, 0.540, 2.516, 0.023, 0.015, and 0.106mg/kg in SIP and 0.071, 0.364, 2.698, 0.014, 0.015, and 0.289mg/kg in SHP, respectively, lower than the maximum allowable concentrations set by Chinese regulations, except for Cr and Cd in few samples. Principal component analysis of the heavy metal content could obviously distinguish between SIP and SHP. The content of As, Pb, and Cd in leaf pickles was significantly higher than that in pickles fermented with other types of vegetables. A significant enrichment of heavy metals in aged pickle brine over 10 years was observed, but pickle jars had no significant effect on heavy metal content in aged pickle brine. The intake of heavy metals through daily consumption of SIP and SHP was at a safe level, whereas the TTHQ of leaf pickle was 1.006, indicating a potential health risk. In conclusion, this study provided fundamental data for food safety assurance of Sichuan pickle. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Sichuan pickle is one of popular traditional fermented foods in China. In the present study, we investigated the contamination of heavy metals in Sichuan pickles by detecting the content of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in Sichuan industrial pickle, Sichuan home-made pickle, and aged pickle brine, and estimated the health risk to local residents. This study can provide a reference for the safety risk of Sichuan industrial and home-made pickle in terms of heavy metal contamination, and enhance the food safety in the processing, production, and consumption of Sichuan pickle in local families and pickle industry.