Metals In Foodstuffs Research Articles

Studies on adsorption properties of magnetic composite prepared by one-pot method for Cd(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), and As(III): Mechanism and practical application in food

A one-pot synthesis afforded a magnetic, crosslinked polymer adsorbent (m-P6) with a variety of functional groups to realize simultaneous adsorption of Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, and As3+. The material was characterized by TEM-EDS, XRD, FT-IR, VSM, and XPS. Kinetic and isothermal analyses suggested mainly chemisorption processes of heavy metal ions that form multiple layers on heterogeneous surfaces. Theoretical adsorption capacities calculated by a pseudo-2nd-order kinetic model and the Sips isothermal model were 282.88 mg/g for Cd2+, 326.18 mg/g for Pb2+, 117.85 mg/g for Hg2+, and 320.29 mg/g for As3+. m-P6 not only can efficiently adsorb divalent heavy metals (Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+), but also demonstrate a process of adsorption-driven catalytic oxidation by single-electron transfer (SET) from As3+ to As5+. In application, in addition to adsorption in water, m-P6 is capable of minimizing matrix interference, and extracting trace heavy metals in a complex environment (cereal) through easy operations for improving the detection accuracy, as well as it is potential for application in detection of trace heavy metals in foodstuffs. m-P6 can be readily regenerated and efficiently recycled for 5 cycles using eluent E12 and dilute acid.

Assessment of Health Risks in Wheat Crop Irrigated by Manka Canal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

Background. Manka canal’s metal concentration rises from human activities’ garbage. Untreated water from the canal is used by farmers for local crop irrigation. Immediate action is crucial to assess heavy metal levels and ensure soil suitability for agriculture as metal pollution persists. Purpose. The current study was conducted to assess the health risks associated with metal pollution at Manka Canal, Dera Ghazi Khan. Methods. A total of eighty-four wastewater, soil, and wheat samples were collected from study areas. The collected samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Results. The significant findings of the study revealed that the concentration of heavy metals in most of the collected samples of soil, water, and wheat was above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits. The mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were at relatively higher concentrations, i.e., 4.88, 22.03, 38.2, 89.2, 19.62, and 67.9 mg/kg, respectively, in collected wheat samples. The soil and irrigation water quality metrics had values that exceeded the acceptable thresholds, rendering them unfit for agricultural use. The local community faces an elevated health risk index for both children and adults due to the consumption of wheat crop as HRI is greater than 1 for nonessential elements like Cd and Pb. Conclusion. The study suggested that wastewater irrigation leads to the accumulation of heavy metals in foodstuffs, causing potential health risks to consumers. The gradual accumulation of these contaminants in biological systems finally gives rise to severe health-related issues. Therefore, it is crucial to implement robust wastewater treatment processes and stringent quality control measures to minimize health risks associated with the consumption of crops grown using reclaimed water. Prior to irrigating crops like wheat and vegetables, it is strongly advised to treat municipal wastewater to prevent soil and dietary toxicity from heavy metals.

Heavy metal contamination in retailed food in Bangladesh: a dietary public health risk assessment

Introduction Contamination with heavy and toxic metals along the food value chain is a public health concern in Bangladesh. Methods In this study, 608 fish and chicken samples from traditional and modern retail outlets in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas were collected and analyzed for chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination, using atomic absorption spectrometry method. The daily intake, target hazard quotient and the target carcinogenic risk (for lead only) as a result of fish and chicken consumption was calculated based on mean results, and by Monte Carlo simulation in @Risk with 100,000 iterations (quantitative risk assessment). Results Cr and Cd were detected in 80–86% of both chicken meat and fish samples, while Pb positivity found in chicken meat and fish was 54.9 and 23.3%, respectively. The mean concentration (±SD) of Cr, Cd, and Pb in chicken meat were 0.66 ± 0.93, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.09 ± 0.10 mg/kg, respectively; and in fish were 0.49 ± 0.62, 0.02 ± 0.03, and 0.06 ± 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. The estimated daily intakes of Cr, Cd, and Pb from chicken and fish were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake in all studied areas. In addition, the target carcinogenic risk for Pb in chicken was lower than the negligible range, which indicated the risk of cancer due to exposure to Pb through chicken meat and fish consumption was very low. Discussion The present study concludes that consumption of chicken meat and fish in Bangladesh, currently at very low levels, is unlikely to constitute a major health risk for humans in respect to these metals. However, continuous market surveillance for heavy metals in food stuff is recommended, especially since consumers may increase their meat intake.

Detection of Physiochemical and Some Heavy Metals in Potato and Corn Chips Products in Iraqi Markets with their Daily Intake

The study of heavy metals in the human diet is important due to their dual effects as either essential or toxic to the human body. In this study, we determined the concentration of selected heavy metals in common potato and corn chips brands in Iraq markets. Ten common brands were selected and analyzed for their concentrations of the studied heavy metals by ICP-MS. The results shown that the average heavy metals level in potato and corn chips in (mg kg-1±SD) were 2.68±0.67 and 2.96±3.00 for Mn, 4.64±1.99 and 5.82±5.45 for Fe, 0.29±0.33 and 1.36±0.95 for Cu and 2.84±1.26 and 6.26±1.67 for Zn respectively. Corn chips were found to contain higher heavy metals than potato chips. The daily consumption of heavy metals from potato and corn chips (20 g daily intake) is lower than the recommended level set by the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization. Also, Daily intake of these metals is lower than the oral suggested amount and the upper tolerable daily intake set by the US. The contamination risk for the Iraqi population especially children from heavy metals exposure by this study performs to be non-significant, emphasizing the need to conduct more studies and confirm examining of heavy metals in foodstuffs especially chips brands.

Heavy metals contamination and associated health risks in food webs-a review focuses on food safety and environmental sustainability in Bangladesh.

Heavy metals occur naturally in very small amounts in living organisms, but exposure to their higher concentrations is hazardous. Heavy metals at hazardous levels are commonly found in foodstuffs of Bangladesh, mainly due to the lack of safety guidelines and poor management of industrial effluents. Several lines of evidence suggest that the level of heavy metals in foodstuffs of Bangladesh is higher than the acceptable limits set by World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization. Literature survey revealed that the sources and transport pathways of heavy metals in the ecosystem and the abundance of heavy metals in the food products of Bangladesh are potential threats to food safety. However, an extensive assessment of the toxicity of heavy metals in food webs is lacking. Although widespread heavy metal contamination in various foodstuffs and environmental matrices have been summarized in some reports, a critical evaluation regarding multi-trophic transfer and the health risk of heavy metal exposure through food chain toxicity in Bangladesh has not been performed. This systematic review critically discussed heavy metal contamination, exposure toxicity, research gaps, existing legislation, and sustainable remediation strategies to enhance Bangladesh’s food safety. In particular, this study for the first time explored the potential multi-trophic transfer of heavy metals via food webs in Bangladesh. Furthermore, we recommended a conceptual policy framework to combat heavy metal contaminations in Bangladesh.

Determination of Trace and Heavy Metals in Fruit Juices in the Romanian Market

The presence of trace, heavy metals in foodstuffs is of intense public interest. The aim of this study was to determine the metal contents in most known commercial fruit juices present on the Romanian market. The multielement analysis was made using the ICP-MS technique, after appropriate dilution, using the external standard calibration method. Multifruit, mango, and kiwi juice have recoded the highest concentration of Cu, while apple and pear juice has recoded the lowest concentration, and in the case of Zn, peach juice has recoded the highest concentration. Concerning Pb, Cd, and As concentration, apple, peach, and multifruit juices recorded the highest levels of concentration. The concentration of Zn, Cu, Co, and As generally, was higher in the juice samples packed in boxes, while Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd recorded the highest values in the juice packed in plastic bottles.

Review of Potentially Toxic Rare Earth Elements, Thallium and Tellurium in Plant-based Foods.

In the last decades, there is an increasing inclusion of various trace metals and metalloids such as thallium, tellurium and rare earth elements (REEs; lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium) in the composition and production of alloys, in agricultural and medicinal applications, as well as in the manufacturing of hi‐tech products. All these activities have led to an accumulation of the aforementioned elements both in soil and water bodies and consequently in the food chain, through discharges from mining and mineral processing, liquid industrial waste or disposal of urban and industrial products. It has been demonstrated that chronic exposure to some of these elements, even at low doses, might lead to a wide range of adverse health effects, even from the early stages of life, such as neurotoxicity, neurodevelopmental toxicity and hepatic alterations. Particularly in children, there have been studies suggesting that some of these elements might negatively affect the children's spatial learning and memory ability indirectly. Such effects are triggered by processes like the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and modulation of antioxidant activities. Nevertheless, the limited data from toxicological studies and their so‐far naturally low occurrence levels in the environment acted as a deterrent in measuring their concentrations during routine analyses of metals in foodstuff. Thus, it is important to collect information on their occurrence data both in adults and in children's daily diet. This review sumrises the current knowledge on the concentration of these elements, in plant‐based food products to identify whether a potential health risk occurs. As side projects, this Fellowship provided hands‐on training on the evaluation of new biocides application and participation in the given advice to the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration, Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the Danish Medical Agency and the European Chemicals Agency.

Trace Metals in Vegetables and Associated Health Risks in Industrial Areas of Savar, Bangladesh.

Background.The occurrence of high levels of trace metals in foodstuffs represents a significant threat to human health. Vegetables grown in metal-contaminated soil or irrigated with wastewater can accumulate metals and bioaccumulate in the food chain affecting animals and humans.Objectives.The present study aimed to measure the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) in common vegetables grown in the industrial areas of Savar, Bangladesh, and to determine their potential health risks.Methods.Five vegetables species: jute (Corchorus capsularis), red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), zucchini (Luffa aegyptiaca) and stem amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) were sampled randomly from agricultural fields across each study site. Vegetable samples were digested in a microwave digestion system (Berghof Microwave MWS-2, Germany). Metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-7000, Shimadzu Corporation, Japan).Results.The range of Pb, Cd, Cr and Co in analyzed vegetables was 0.643–3.362, 0.041–0.049, 1.681–2.431 and 1.612–2.492 mg/kg, respectively. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb in zucchini and stem amaranth and the THQs of Cr in all analyzed vegetables was greater than one. The target carcinogenic risk (TCR) of Pb and Cd for all analyzed vegetables was in the unacceptable range. In all vegetable samples, lead content was detected to be higher than the maximum permissible limits. The THQ values indicate the possibility of non-carcinogenic health risk through consumption of these vegetables. In addition, the TCR values of Pb and Cd indicate a lifetime carcinogenic health risks to consumers.Conclusions.Consumption of vegetables grown in this area may pose long-term health risks.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Concentrations, source apportionment and potential health risk of toxic metals in foodstuffs of Bangladesh

Toxic metal contamination in foodstuff is a major concern for public health and human beings are continuously exposed to toxic metals through consumption of cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and other crops grown in the metals contaminated soil. The present study was conducted to investigate the concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in foodstuffs and their possible human health risks in Jhenaidah and Kushtia districts, Bangladesh. The range of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb in the studied foodstuffs were 1.57–12.52, 1.71–37.78, 1.97–16.67, 0.36–3.72, 0.00–4.02, and 1.04–10.88 mg/kg dw, respectively. Multivariate principal component analysis revealed significant anthropogenic contributions of Cr, Cu, As, and Pb in the studied foodstuffs. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of all the metals except Cu were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQs) of the studied metals, excluding Cr, from all foodstuffs were higher than 1, indicating that if people consume these types of foods in their diet, they might pose risk to these metals. The estimated target carcinogenic risk of As was higher than USEPA standard (10−4), indicating increased risk of cancer for adults and children in the study area.

Concentrations, source apportionment and potential health risk of toxic metals in foodstuffs of Bangladesh

Toxic metal contamination in foodstuff is a major concern for public health and human beings are continuously exposed to toxic metals through consumption of cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and other crops grown in the metals contaminated soil. The present study was conducted to investigate the concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in foodstuffs and their possible human health risks in Jhenaidah and Kushtia districts, Bangladesh. The range of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb in the studied foodstuffs were 1.57–12.52, 1.71–37.78, 1.97–16.67, 0.36–3.72, 0.00–4.02, and 1.04–10.88 mg/kg dw, respectively. Multivariate principal component analysis revealed significant anthropogenic contributions of Cr, Cu, As, and Pb in the studied foodstuffs. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of all the metals except Cu were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQs) of the studied metals, excluding Cr, from all foodstuffs were higher than 1, indicating that if people consume these types of foods in their diet, they might pose risk to these metals. The estimated target carcinogenic risk of As was higher than USEPA standard (10−4), indicating increased risk of cancer for adults and children in the study area.

Heavy metals health risk assessment through consumption of some foodstuffs marketed in city of Hamedan, Iran.

Since global studies on the health risk assessment of heavy metals in foodstuffs, including biscuits, potato chips, chocolates, and traditional pastries are limited, hence, this study was conducted to determine the contents and the human health risk assessment of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) via the consumption of different brands of these foodstuffs.In this descriptive study, a total of 84 samples of 28 brands/kinds of food under consideration were collected from a market basket in city of Hamedan, Iran in 2016. After preparation and processing the samples in the laboratory, the metal concentrations were measured using the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). In addition, all statistical analyses including One-Way ANOVA and one-sample t test were performed using the SPSS statistical package (Version 19). The results showed that the mean concentrations (mg kg-1) of Pb in all the foodstuff samples (2.25 ± 0.76 for biscuits, 1.60 ± 0.35 for potato chips, 2.61 ± 0.68 for chocolates, and 3.66 ± 0.64 for traditional pastries) were higher than the Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL).Furthermore, the computed health risk index showed no potential risk for adults and children via consumption of the studied foodstuffs under the current consumption rate.Based on the results, as the mean contents of Pb observed in all the foodstuff samples exceeded the MPL, serious attention toward the discharge of pollutants into the environment and chemical residue monitoring, especially of heavy metals in foodstuffs, is recommended.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Foodstuffs and an Assessment of the Health Risks to the General Public via Consumption in Beijing, China.

Consumption of foodstuffs is the most likely route for human exposure to heavy metals. This study was designed to investigate the toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) concentrations in different foodstuffs (cereals, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat) and then estimate the potential health risks of toxic metals via consumption to the local residents in Beijing, China. Most of the selected toxic metal levels in the foodstuffs were lower than the maximum allowable concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg for Chinese foodstuffs recommended in the China National Food Safety Standard. The health risks associated with the toxic metals Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg were assessed based on the target hazard quotients (THQs) proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The THQ values of the foodstuffs varied and were 0.03–0.29 for Cr, 0.02–0.23 for Pb, 0.01–0.33 for Cd, 0.01–0.06 for As, and 0.00–0.04 for Hg, not exceeding the maximum level of 1. The total THQ (TTHQ) values were 0.88 for vegetables, 0.57 for cereals, 0.46 for meat, 0.32 for fish, and 0.07 for fruits. This indicates that the risk contribution from vegetable intake (38.8%) was significant in comparison to that from other foodstuffs. The TTHQ values were 0.96 for Cr, 0.54 for Pb, 0.50 for Cd, 0.19 for As, and 0.09 for Hg, suggesting that Cr was a major risk contributor (41.7%) for the local residents of Beijing, which should attract great attention. However, the THQ/TTHQ values were all below 1, suggesting no health risks to the local population through consumption. Furthermore, dietary weekly intakes (WIs) were also calculated and the values were all lower than the proposed limit of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWI) established by the the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This suggests no additional health risks as well as consistency with the THQ results.

Analysis of Contamination Levels of Cu, Pb, and Zn and Population Health Risk via Consumption of Processed Meat Products

Background: Due to the world research for non-carcinogenic risk assessment of heavy metals in the processed meat products, the aim of the present study was to determine the contents of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, and Zn) and associated health risks through consumption of sausage and ham marketed in Hamadan city in 2016. Methods: In this descriptive study, 30 samples from 10 brands of sausage and 30 samples from 10 brands of ham (totally 60 samples) were collected from the market basket of Hamadan city. After preparation and processing of the samples in the laboratory, the concentration of metals was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The health risk index (HRI) was assessed based on the ratio of average daily intake of metal (DIM) to the reference dose of the metal. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 20). Results: The results showed that the mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cu, Pb, and Zn were 1.88 ± 0.69, 0.35 ± 0.18, and 4.61 ± 1.71 in sausage samples and 1.48 ± 0.25, 0.32 ± 0.11, and 3.18 ± 1.28 in ham samples. Pb was higher than the maximum permissible level (0.20 mg/kg) in 80% of the samples. In addition, the computed health risk index showed no potential risk for adults and children via consumption of studied foodstuffs. Conclusions: According to the results, the HRI values of analyzed processed meat products were within the safe limits and there was no potential health risk for human through the consumption of them under the current consumption rate. However, considering that the mean content of Pb in 80% of the samples exceeded the MPL, serious attention should be paid to the discharge of pollutants to the environment, chemicals residue monitoring especially for toxic heavy metals in foodstuff, and control of heavy metals content during the whole production process of sausage and ham.

TRACE METAL PROFILE OF SOME FOODSTUFFS SOLD IN OZORO MARKETS, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

An assessment was carried out in 2014 in two markets at Ozoro in Delta State, Nigeria on the trace metal profile of some foodstuffs: cassava (Manihot esculentus Crantz.), maize (Zea mays L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) with a view to establishing baseline information on their metal index. The results showed that lead, copper, arsenic, zinc and cadmium were present in the foodstuffs. Arsenic was the lowest while cadmium was the highest especially in okra, and copper in sweet potato. Based on the recommendation given by standard bodies like FAO and WHO, the amounts observed were below the tolerable limits recommended, which suggests sub-lethal toxicity in humans. With a gradual and steady bioaccumulation of these non-biodegradable elements, a risk of their rise to lethal levels with their inherent health risk could be envisaged; hence there is a need for monitoring metals in foodstuff. The study has great implication in food safety and environmental management.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Edible Organs of Different Meat Products Available in the Markets of Lahore, Pakistan

The present study assessed the accumulation of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb and Cu) in different organs including brain, heart, lungs, liver, stomach, kidney and flesh (muscles) of several animals commercially available in the market of Lahore, Pakistan. The concentrations found in different organs of chicken, goat and cow ranged between 0.132-2.165 mg/g for Cd, 0.768-2.335 mg/g for Cr, 0.260-1.411 mg/g for Pb and 0.092-1.195 mg/g for Cu. In the absence of national safety standards in respect to the content of heavy metals in foodstuffs, the results obtained were compared with international guidelines and found concentrations considerably higher than the prescribed safe limits. Therefore, immediate attention must be paid to prevent public health risks associated with the presence of toxic heavy metals in the commercially available meat products.

Honey as a material for proficiency testing

Honey is widely analysed by many European Union control laboratories for heavy metals in foodstuffs. No maximum levels are set for cadmium and lead in this matrix, but most of the member states include this analytes–matrix combination in their National Residue Monitoring Plans setting specific action levels. The need to harmonize these values is under consideration within the European Commission. The lack of suitable certified reference materials as well as the scarcity of appropriate proficiency testings imply a difficulty for the official and National Reference Laboratories in the assessment of their method performance. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Chemical Elements in Food of Animal Origin organized the 19th PT on the determination of cadmium and lead in honey giving its network the possibility of checking the performances of the analytical methods used. An adequate procedure for the preparation of honey material spiked with cadmium and lead at values of mass fraction of interest (roughly 20 and 100 µg kg−1 for cadmium and lead, respectively) was developed. A commercial wildflower honey was spiked at proper concentration levels, achieving suitable fluidity and homogeneity by mild heating and stirring. Homogeneity and stability were investigated using an ad hoc validated analytical method and the PT material was found homogeneous and stable, covering the time span of the interlaboratory comparison. These outcomes as well as the good agreement between the assigned values and the values obtained from the homogeneity test confirmed the effectiveness of the procedure for the production of the material and the fitness of the material for the purpose of this PT.

Assessment of trace metals in foodstuffs grown around the vicinity of industries in Bangladesh

In the present study, we investigated the levels of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in eight groups of foods, namely, cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, eggs and milk. The range of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd and Pb in the foodstuffs was 0.18–4.8, 0.008–10, 0.47–22, 0.003–0.98, 0.0003–0.85 and 0.005–3.7mg/kg fw, respectively. The daily intakes (EDIs) of Cr, Ni, As, Cd and Pb were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI), indicating their potential sources from dietary intake. The combined metal hazard quotients (∑HQs) from rice, fruit, vegetables and fish were higher than 1, meaning that metals may pose a considerable risk to local inhabitants due to consumption of these four food items. From the human health point of view, this study showed that the studied foods were not safe for the local inhabitants, and potential risk cannot be neglected for regular or excessive consumers.

Perception of a chronic volcanic hazard: persistent degassing at Masaya volcano, Nicaragua

This study takes a combined qualitative and quantitative approach to examining the chronic hazard posed by persistent degassing at Masaya volcano, Nicaragua. The gas is a highly salient threat in communities surrounding Masaya volcano, with the elevated salience level of his invisible hazard deriving from the highly perceptible impacts of the degassing; these include individual and material impacts such as increased prevalence of self-reported respiratory disease and decreased crop diversification and productivity. Qualitative results concur with findings from a quantitative assessment of ambient SO2 exposure using diffusion tubes: the current level of SO2 degassing far exceeds international guideline values, making it a likely cause of adverse health effects for the general population. Conversely contaminant levels of heavy and toxic metals in foodstuffs were found to be below international standards. A community-based integrated hazard mitigation approach identified by this research is the cultivation of crops, particularly pineapple (Ananas comosus) and pitaya (Hylocereus sp.), that are better able to withstand the local environmental conditions (e.g. increased atmospheric SO2 and acid gas deposition). Despite this, little is known regarding disaster response and risk reduction at the community level and the gas hazard is largely overlooked. This shows large scope for increasing resilience in collaboration with the community, through for example the development of community-level risk management committees, improvement and implementation of (gas) mitigation strategies and disaster preparedness approaches. By reducing the impacts of the chronic hazard posed by persistent volcanic degassing, resilience to acute hazards is also likely to improve.

Analysis and exposure assessment of some heavy metals in foodstuffs from Ismailia city, Egypt

Food is the major source of metal exposure for the nonsmoking general population. Food samples of plant and animal origin from Ismailia, Egypt, were analyzed for the content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) using AAS. The Cr, Zn, and Cu concentrations were in the range of 1.7–249 µg kg−1 wet weight (ww), 2–66 mg kg−1 ww, and 0.5–3.46 mg kg−1 ww, respectively. The mean daily intake of Cr, Zn, and Cu was 28.9 µg day−1, 8.55 mg day−1, and 1.7 mg day−1, respectively. The intake estimates are within the range of the recommended intake established internationally. Concentrations of Cd and Pb were in the range of 10–321 µg kg−1 ww and 31–1200 µg kg−1 ww, respectively. The weekly dietary intake for Cd and Pb (4.02 and 20.4 µg kg−1 b.w, respectively) is lower than the FAO/WHO PTWI. Bread is the foodstuff that provided the highest rate of Pb and Cd (62 and 46% of the daily intake) to adults in Ismailia city.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals via dietary intake of foodstuffs from the wastewater irrigated site of a dry tropical area of India

The present study was conducted to assess the risk to human health by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr) through the intake of locally grown vegetables, cereal crops and milk from wastewater irrigated site. Milk is not directly contaminated due to wastewater irrigation, but is an important route of food chain transfer of heavy metals from grass to animals. Heavy metal concentrations were several fold higher in all the collected samples from wastewater irrigated site compared to clean water irrigated ones. Cd, Pb and Ni concentrations were above the ‘safe’ limits of Indian and WHO/FAO standards in all the vegetables and cereals, but within the permissible limits in milk samples. The higher values of metal pollution index and health risk index indicated heavy metal contamination in the wastewater irrigated site that presented a significant threat of negative impact on human health. Rice and wheat grains contained less heavy metals as compared to the vegetables, but health risk was greater due to higher contribution of cereals in the diet. The study suggests that wastewater irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in food stuff causing potential health risks to consumers.