Potential Human Health Risks Research Articles

Seasonal fluctuations of heavy metal accumulation and gastrointestinal helminth induce oxidative stress and histological lesions in resident catfish Clarias gariepinus

The exposure of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) to various environmental contaminants leads to physiological and histological alterations. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the impact of seasonal variations of ecological contaminants as external stressors and internal stressors via helminth infections on oxidative stress and histopathology in resident C. gariepinus at EL-Salam Canal, Egypt. Seasonal water and sediment samples were collected to assess physicochemical parameters and heavy metals. The length, weight, and sex were recorded for each fish sample. The gastrointestinal tract was dissected from the visceral cavity, and the helminths were extracted and identified using SEM photos based on their morphological characteristics. The parasitic dominance in the gastrointestinal helminths was calculated. The heavy metal concentrations, bioaccumulation (BAF), and biosedimentation (BSF) factors were considered in the muscles and intestine. Specimens of muscles and intestines were removed to determine oxidative status. In addition, pieces of skin, muscles, stomachs, and intestines were subjected to light microscopy to determine the alterations. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels were within safe limits. Sulfate levels consistently remained below the maximum permissible thresholds throughout the seasons. Among the heavy metals examined, the highest accumulation was found in the intestinal tissues of C. gariepinus, while muscle tissues showed lower levels. The variability in metal concentrations across water, sediment, muscles, and intestines underscores the different capacities of these environments to accumulate heavy metals. The elevated metal levels in fish tissues raise concerns about potential health risks for humans who consume contaminated fish, highlighting significant bioaccumulation within the food chain. The result indicated that Cu in the sediment samples was associated with parasite abundance. The dual stress from environmental pollutants and parasitic infections exacerbates oxidative stress and causes notable histopathological changes in the tissues of the catfish. These results highlight the intricate interplay between external and internal stressors, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and management of aquatic ecosystems to safeguard the health of resident fish populations. It provides insight into how these factors affect fish health.

Environmental contamination of arsenic: pathway analysis through water-soil-feed-livestock in Nadia District (India) and potential human health risk.

This study investigated arsenic (As) concentrations in diverse environmental components and their potential impact on the health risks faced by residents of the arsenic (As)-contaminated Nadia district in West Bengal, India. A random selection of 182 cattle and 255 goats from 40 livestock farmers in the district revealed that both animals and humans were naturally exposed to elevated arsenic levels through contaminated drinking water, foods, grasses, concentrate feeds, various fodder tree leaves, and other food/feed resources. The mean As concentration in roughages (483.18µg/kg DM) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in tree leaves (391.53µg/kg DM), and concentrate feed/ingredients (186.66µg/kg DM). Pond water exhibited higher arsenic levels (106.11µg/L) compared to shallow tube well water (47.96µg/L) and deep tube well water/tap water (10.64µg/L and 10.04µg/L, respectively). The mean arsenic concentration in soils DM of fodder fields, crop fields, and grassland was 10.25, 10.58, and 10.20mg/kg, respectively. It was observed that protein-rich feeds had lower levels of arsenic accumulation (p < 0.048), while fiber-rich feeds containing more cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin had higher arsenic levels (p < 0.017). Goats consumed 73.46% more arsenic per kg body weight compared to dairy cows. Although chronic and sub-chronic arsenic exposure in the district did not typically manifest symptoms or visible signs in ruminant animals, concentrations in the hair and feces of both cattle and goats exceeded normal values. Cattle feces had significantly higher arsenic (410.43µg/kg DM) levels (p < 0.001) than goat feces (227.00µg/kg DM), and arsenic concentration in cattle hair (1917.74µg/kg DM) was also significantly greater (p < 0.001) than goat hair (1435.74µg/kg DM). Arsenic levels in milk samples from both species were below 10µg/kg. Liver (356.02µg/kg DM) and kidney (317.22µg/kg DM) contained significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of arsenic compared to muscle (204.23µg/kg DM), and bone (161.98µg/kg DM) in local meat-type adult male goats. The skin accumulated the highest amount of arsenic (576.24µg/kg DM) among the non-edible parts of the goat carcass. The cumulative cancer risk value for adults was 4.96 × 10-3, exceeding the threshold value (1 × 10-6). This suggests a significant risk of cancer development for the population in arsenic-affected areas. Non-cancer risks (hazard indexes) were estimated at 11.01 for adults. Our observations revealed that the highest bioaccumulation of arsenic occurred in the hair of cows, and goats in the examined localities. The biotransformation factor (BTF) for hair was much higher compared to other excreted samples from both species. The calculated BTF followed the order: hair > feces > milk for cows and goats. Livestock farmers in Nadia district are advised to carefully select feed resources, prioritizing those high in crude protein and low in neutral detergent fiber, and they should provide drinking water from deep aquifers to ensure the safety of milk and meat for human consumption.

ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN APPLES AND PEARS FROM THE SUBURBS OF MITROVICA, KOSOVO

Intake of heavy metals through the food is a food safety problem that seriously affects consumer health. Therefore, information is needed on the intake of food contaminated with heavy metals and their concentrations, to assess the potential risk for human health. This paper aims to determine the accumulation of metals in apples and pears grown in the surroundings of Kosovska Mitrovica (Republic of Kosovo) and the bioconcentration factor (BF). With the help of the ICP-MS technique, were determined the amounts of Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, Ni, and Cr in apples and pears grown in three regions - Zvečan , Frashër, and Polski. From the conducted tests, the highest concentrations in apples and pears were determined for iron (on average 100.67 mg/kg for apples and 107.4 mg/kg for pears) and the lowest concentrations for cobalt (on average 0.13 mg/kg for apples and 0.18 mg/kg for pears). The lowest bioconcentration factor in apples is 0.01 (for Fe, Co, and Mn in all three regions), and the highest is 0.32 (for Cr in Zvečan). When determining the bioconcentration factor in pears, the lowest (0.01) was determined for iron (in all three regions) and manganese (in Zvečan and Frashër regions), and the highest bioconcentration factor was determined for copper – 0.46 (Polski region). There is a very high correlation between the values obtained for the analyzed metals in apples and pears. According to BF values, pears extract twice as much Cu and Co from the soil compared to apples, and the extraction of other metals from the soil is the same for both types of fruit.

Spatial Analysis of the Effect of Aspergillus spp Fungus on the Soil of the Plateau (Najaf - Karbala)

This study investigated the spatial and temporal variation of Aspergillus spp fungus in the soil of the Najaf-Karbala plateau, covering Najaf district center and Al-Haidariya district. Soil samples were collected from 36 sites over four seasons and analyzed microbiologically to identify types and quantities of Aspergillus spp fungus. Spatial analysis techniques, including GIS and spatial autocorrelation, were used to examine the distribution of Aspergillus spp fungus across the study area. The results showed significant spatial and temporal variation in the occurrence of Aspergillus spp fungus, with highest concentrations found in autumn and spring seasons. The study highlights the environmental hazard posed by Aspergillus spp fungus in the Najaf-Karbala plateau soil, with potential health risks for humans, animals, and plants. Further research is needed to understand the sources and drivers of Aspergillus spp fungus presence and to develop strategies for mitigating its environmental and health impacts.

Driving factor, source identification, and health risk of PFAS contamination in groundwater based on the self-organizing map

The complex interactions between groundwater chemical environments and PFAS present challenges for data analysis and factor assessment of the spatial distribution and source attribution of PFAS in groundwater. This study employed spatial response analysis combining self-organizing maps (SOM), K-means clustering, Spearman correlation, positive matrix factorization (PMF) and risk quotient (RQ), to uncover the spatial characteristics, driving factors, sources, and human health risks of groundwater PFAS in the Pearl River Basin. The results indicated that the characteristics of PFAS in groundwater were classified into 16 neurons, which were further divided into 6 clusters (I—VI). This division was due to the contribution of industrial pollution (33.2 %) and domestic pollution (31.5 %) to the composition of PFAS in groundwater. In addition, the hydrochemical indicators such as pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chloride (Cl−), and calcium ions (Ca2+) might also affect the distribution pattern of PFAS. The potential human health risk in the area was minimal, with cluster Ⅱ presenting the highest risk (RQ value 0.25) which is closely related to PFOA emissions from fluoropolymer industry. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for applying of SOM to the visualization and control of PFAS contamination in groundwater.

Assessment of heavy metals content in vegetables and their potential human health risk in Bauchi, Nigeria

Assessment of heavy metals content in vegetables and their potential human health risk in Bauchi, Nigeria

Exploring Potential Human Health Risks Linked to Heavy Metal(Loid)s in Dietary Fishes: Utilizing Data-Driven and Computational Modelling Approaches.

There are significant concerns about the risks to human health posed by metal(loid) contamination in dietary fishes in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate heavy metal(loid) contamination in fish and their associated health risks using published data from 2000 to 2022. Additionally, the safe limit of fish consumption was estimated using the target hazard quotient (THQ) followed by computational modelling and artificial neural networks (ANN). Results showed that freshwater and herbivorous fishes pose the least non-cancer risks, whereas saltwater and carnivorous fishes pose the highest non-cancer risks to Bangladeshi consumers. However, freshwater and omnivorous fish consumption pose the highest cancer risks compared to all studied metal(loid)s. In particular, among the heavy metal(loid)s, As, Cr, Hg, and Ni pose significant cancer and non-cancer risks to Bangladeshi consumers. On the contrary, the ANN and Decision tree regression (DTR) characterized the dataset, simulation model, or data testing condition, reaching 94.7% accuracy and allowing us to measure the safest fish consumption limit. The herbivorous fishes are less contaminated and allow greater consumption (175.09gday-1). Contrarily, the allowable intake rates of carnivorous and omnivorous fishes are 153.05 and 168.63gday-1, respectively. Besides, the safe consumption rate of saltwater fishes was 156.51gday-1, which was lower than freshwater (180.59gday-1) and euryhaline fishes (182.17gday-1). Therefore, this study will assist fish consumers in selecting less contaminated fish, ensuring safe consumption levels, and ultimately reducing health risks associated with metal(loid) contamination in fish.

Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection in urban and peri-urban wildlife species from Catalonia (Spain)

BackgroundHuman activities including deforestation, urbanization, and wildlife exploitation increase the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases. Urban and peri-urban wildlife species often flourish in human-altered environments, with their survival and behavior heavily influenced by human-generated food and waste. In Catalonia, Spain, and other Mediterranean regions, species of rodents, including the house mouse (Mus musculus), black rat (Rattus rattus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), as well as wild boar (Sus scrofa) are common in urban and peri-urban areas. These species host numerous infectious agents, including coronaviruses (CoVs), posing potential human health risks. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolved to infect previously non-susceptible species, with variants capable of infecting rodents, emphasizing their importance in surveillance studies.MethodsThe present study assessed SARS-CoV-2 presence and/or exposure in 232 rodents, 313 wild boar, and 37 Vietnamese Pot-bellied pigs in Catalonia during the pandemic period (2020–2023).ResultsAll the animals tested for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (232 rodents and 29 wild boar) were negative. For SARS-CoV-2 exposure, 3 out of 313 (0.96%) wild boar tested positive by ELISA, while the remaining 32 rodents, 310 wild boar, and 37 Vietnamese Pot-bellied pigs were all negative. Cross-reactivity with other CoVs was predicted for ELISA-positive samples, as the 3 wild boar tested negative by the virus neutralization assay, considered as the gold standard technique.ConclusionsThe absence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or acute infection in wild boar and rodent species supports their negligible role in viral spread or transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia. However, their proximity to humans and the ongoing genetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 underline the need for continued monitoring. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal species can contribute to design measures to control the emergence of new animal reservoirs or intermediate hosts that could facilitate viral spillover events.

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.

Bioavailability and toxicity of heavy metals and microplastics in shellfish (Meretrix lyrata): A preliminary study in the Bay of Bengal

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) pollution pose significant environmental threats by accumulating in marine species, leading to potential health risks for marine life and humans consuming contaminated seafood. However, limited research has been conducted on the bioavailability and toxicity of MPs and HMs in the marine biota of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. In this study, the bioavailability of some HMs (i.e., Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr) and MPs in a common marine shellfish (Meretrix lyrata) of the Bay of Bengal having nutritional and economic importance, and their human health risks due to the consumption of M. lyrata mussels has been evaluated. The mean concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr in the samples were determined spectrophotometrically and found as 5.54, 45.65, 0.51, and 33.51 mg/kg, respectively, which are higher than the maximum permissible limit set by different national and international entities. This study revealed that the hazard index values for all samples were greater than unity, which indicated that the cumulative effect of all selected heavy metals may pose substantial health hazards. The target cancer risk for Pb and Ni was also significant (i.e., TR > 1.0E-04). On the other hand, MPs (mainly polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene) of different colors (7−8) and shapes (6.53–330 μm) were detected in 50 % of the total studied samples, which is alarming and will result in a potential health risk due to the consumption of the mussels. Therefore, the consumer should be careful to eat this selected mussel (M. lyrata) in their regular meal and the concerned authority should take proper steps to protect this natural species from heavy metal and MPs contamination.

Assessment of seasonal variations in soil heavy metal concentrations and potential health risks in Gujarat, India.

This study investigates the prevalence, distribution, and ecological consequences of 21 heavy metals (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) in the soils between the Mahi and Dhadhar rivers in Gujarat, India. It aims to assess the seasonal variations in soil contamination and the potential human health risk associated with the heavy metal exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact pathways. Soil samples were collected from 57 sites across three distinct seasons and analyzed using indices such as the geo-accumulation index, contamination factor, pollution load index, ecological risk factor, and global potential ecological risk. Human health risks were also evaluated for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The findings reveal significant soil contamination, especially during the Monsoon and Post-Monsoon seasons, with heavy metals like Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Ni, and Pb posing considerable ecological threats. Cr and Ni were identified as presenting the highest carcinogenic risks, while Fe and Cr posed major non-carcinogenic challenges. Seasonal variations significantly influenced heavy metal concentrations and distribution patterns. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies and sustainable practices to mitigate soil contamination and protect environmental health. It emphasizes the critical role of human activities, such as industrial, agricultural, and mining operations, in soil degradation and calls for increased community awareness and action to address these challenges.

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.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in water and mollusks in the Karnafully estuary: Potential human health risk and environmental contamination

This study investigates the bioaccumulation of heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) in water and mollusks across the Karnafully River estuaryof Bangladesh. Samples were collected from six different sites encompassing diverse ecological conditions over three seasons: monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter. Six mollusk species were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to quantify metal concentrations in both tissues and shells. These species are Neritina violocea, Neritina sulculosa, Telescopium telescopium, Cerithida ecingulata, Corbicula fluminea, and Bellamya bengalesis. The Chaktai canal site had the highest concentration of Cu (13.99±0.92 mg/kg) from the mussel species B. Bengalesis during monsoon season, which was higher than the tolerable limit for human. The the lowest concentration of Cu (1.13±0.76 mg/kg) from the composite mussel species N. sulculosa were fround from the 15 No. Jetty site in winter.. The highest concentration of Cr was found at the Marine Academy site (0.54±0.24 mg/kg) during the post-monsoon period from the mussel species N. violocea, while the lowest concentration was found near the Karnafully Bridge (0.05±0.02 mg/kg) during the monsoon from the mussel species Cerithidea cingulata. The highest concentration of Cd was observed in the Chaktai canal site (0.77±0.04 mg/kg) during the winter from the B. bengalesis, and the lowest concentration was recorded in the Karnafully Bridge (0.33±0.06 mg/kg) site during the winter season from the Cerithidae cingulata species. The highest amount of Pb was found in Chaktai canal site (0.32±0.06 mg/kg) during the monsoon season in B. bengalesis fuana. The lowest amount was found in Karnafully Bridge (0.09±0.02 mg/kg) in the Cerithidae cingulate species at the same time. The results suggested that the possibility of the occurrence of acute toxicities of Cu, Cr, Cd and Pb was unlikely except for the mussel of T. telescopium in the Marine Academy that indicates heavy metals presence at the Marine Academy site. The study revealed that the average concentrations of the heavy metals were in the order of Cu>Cd>Cr>Pb in the monsoon, postmonsoon, and winter seasons. The principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted distinct seasonal patterns in metal accumulation, underscoring the need for seasonal-specific monitoring and management strategies in estuarine ecosystems.

Potential human health risk assessment associated with Hg, Cd, Pb, and As in sardines and shrimp from four Egyptian coastal governorates

Heavy metal contamination in seafood is a developing concern due to the potential negative consequences on human health. Egypt's coastal regions are important for seafood production and consumption, making it critical to assess the safety of these aquatic resources. The current study examined toxic metal levels (Hg, Pb, Cd, and AS) in 96 samples of sardine and shrimp from four Egyptian coastal governorates (Alexandria, Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta, and Port Said) from 2019 to 2021. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to investigate the four hazardous metals. The recovery percentages of the determined metals ranged between 97 % and 99 %. Limits of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the determined metals ranged from 0.001 to 0.0077 mg/l and from 0.0035 to 0.026 mg/l, respectively. Mercury (Hg) was not found in any of the samples tested. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in the sardines and shrimp samples were higher in the winter seasons than in the summer seasons. Meanwhile, the difference in seasons had no effect on the concentration of As in the sardines and shrimp samples. The highest concentrations of the other three metals in the sardine and shrimp samples were used to calculate the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI). The obtained THQ as well as the HI of Pb, Cd, and As were all less than 1.0 (with the exception of sardine samples from Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, which recorded 1.262), indicating that there is no significant health risk to the consumer from consuming such sardines and shrimp from these governorates. The effect of different seasons on the concentrations of the metals under study does not have a specific behavior, but varies according to the governorate, the type of sample, and the type of contaminated metal. Due to the high level of contamination with heavy metals in sardine samples collected from Kafr El-Sheikh governorate (TTHQ = 1.26), an environmental study is required to determine the causes of contamination and control them.

Assessment of potentially toxic element contents in chickens and poultry feeds from Bangladesh markets: Implications for human health risk

Chicken (Gallus domesticus) is a significant source of animal protein for the people of Bangladesh. However, anthropogenic activity may contaminate chicken meat with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) despite the nutritional benefits. Current work aims to determine the accumulated content of PTEs (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg) in chickens and poultry feeds commercially sold in Bangladesh markets and compare with WHO, FAO, EU, EC, FSANZ standards. Three different chicken varieties, native (local variety, freehand raised), poultry (raised for meat only), and layer chicken (commercially raised for eggs and later used for meat), were investigated, and commercial poultry feeds were used to raise the latter two varieties. The Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg contents (mg kg–1 fresh weight (f.w.) were 0.481–1.067, 0.025–0.118, 0.069–0.319, 0.007–0.071, 0.002–0.019, respectively. In addition, associated health risks due to the PTEs in different varieties of chicken organs, e.g., meat, liver, and kidney, were evaluated. The study suggests that the poultry feeds should be carefully monitored regarding PTEs content to avoid potential human health risks due to chicken consumption in Bangladesh.

Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni) in insect-based products for human consumption sold by e-commerce in the EU market: Occurrence and potential health risk associated with dietary exposure

Ensuring the safety of insect-based products (IBPs) is essential considering their potential as food source in the future. Among food contaminants, heavy metals represent a concern for food safety. In this study, the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in 52 IBPs marketed on European e-commerce were assessed. The analyses were conducted with Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The impact of consuming IBPs on the toxicological reference values for each analyzed heavy metal was also assessed, to characterize the potential human health risks. Results showed a statistically significant higher concentration of Pb in products containing a percentage greater than 50% of insects compared to those with lower percentage of inclusion. Specifically, 70% of samples containing 100% insect powder exceeded the Pb levels established by regulation, while 10% exceeded the Cd limits. The Ni values, higher respect to other studies, were compared with the mean values reported by the EFSA monitoring plan on foodstuff, showing that our data mainly fell between grain and other vegetables products, which have a greater nickel content respect to products of animal origin. According to EFSA, the health risk assessment conducted suggests that consuming products containing A. diaperinus, A. domesticus, L. migratoria, and T. molitor as proposed does not significantly contribute to overall dietary exposure to heavy metals. However, 4.24% of the Margins of Exposure for Pb were above 1 but below 10, suggesting a very low health risk, while 12.30% of the Margins of Exposure for Ni were lower than 30, indicating potential health risks for sensitized individuals. The importance of rigorous monitoring of heavy metal contamination to ensure the safety of IBPs and the need for continued research to mitigate potential health risks associated with their consumption were highlighted.

Reducing sample size by clustering: A way to make risk assessment feasible for large groups of organic compounds?

This research addresses the presence of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) confronting the drinking water sector. Responding adequately to the potential hazards by SVHCs, knowledge of emission pathways, toxicity, presence in drinking water sources, and removability during water production is crucial. As this information cannot be received for each compound individually, we employed a detailed clustering approach based on chemical properties and structures of SVHCs from lists with over 1,000 compounds. Through this process, 915 substances were divided into 51 clusters. We tested this clustering in risk assessment. To assess the risks, we developed toxicity prediction models utilizing random forests and multiple linear regression. These models were applied to make toxicity predictions for the list of compounds. This study shows that clustering is a viable approach to reducing sample size. In addition, the toxicity models provide insights into the potential human health risks. This research contributes to more informed decision-making and improved risk assessment in the drinking water sector, aiding in the protection of human health and the environment. This principle is generally applicable. If in a group a suitable representative is found, data from experiments with this compound can be used to gauge the behaviour of chemicals in this group.

A probabilistic risk assessment of heavy metal in water and sediment: An industrially affected urban river in Bangladesh.

Human welfare and biodiversity are at risk due to the deterioration of water and sediment quality. Particularly, in last few decades, global water and sediment quality degraded due to the rapid industrialization and urbanization. This study aimed to determine the concentration of nine heavy metals and metalloid (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg, As, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and assess the ecological risks using different pollution indices (e.g., heavy metal pollution index [HPI], Nemerow pollution index [NI], geo-accumulation index [Igeo], contamination factor [CF], degree of contamination [CD] and pollution load index [PLI], ecological risk index [ERI]) in water and sediment of the Shitalakshya River, an industrially affected urban river of Bangladesh. For the first time, 20 water and sediment samples were collected across a wider geographical area of the Shitalakshya River during both monsoon and dry seasons and analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrometer. Average concentrations of heavy metals and metalloid in water were within the Bangladesh standard except for Cr (51.69 ppb) and Mn (228.20 ppb) during monsoon season, portraying potential ecological and human health risks. Besides, average concentration of Mn (549.75 and 370.93 ppb), Ni (549.75 and 370.93 ppb), and Cu (45.34 and 36.09 ppb) in sediment during both seasons were above international standard, implying risk to aquatic sediment biota. The average HPI values indicated moderate to high contamination, whereas the NI values implied polluted water in monsoon season with severe pollution in port area of the river. Similarly, Igeo, CF, CD, and PLI elucidated different levels of contamination in the sediment, particularly during dry season. The ERI values also referred moderate ecological risk in the sediment during dry season. Overall, our findings highlight the alarming level of heavy metal pollution in the Shitalakshya River, necessitating immediate action to protect the aquatic environment, sediment biota, and human health. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This study determined the concentration of heavy metals and metalloid in water and sediment of the Shitalakshya River, Bangladesh. The study revealed that the average concentration of Cr and Mn in water exceeded national standard, whereas Mn, Ni, and Cu in sediment exceeded international limit. Potential ecological risk of heavy metals was also assessed using different pollution indices. Calculated pollution indices indicated different degree of pollution, implying critical ecological condition due to heavy metal pollution in aquatic environment and sediment biota.

Monoclonal antibody based colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay for the visual and rapid screening of profenofos

Profenofos (PFF) is a commonly used organophosphorus insecticide that requires strict monitoring due to its potential environmental, ecological, and human health risks originating from residues in soil and water systems, as well as accumulation in crops. In this study, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to PFF was prepared for the first time and the recognition mechanism was investigated through molecular simulation. Subsequently, a mAb-based colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) was developed for the rapid screening of PFF in fruit and vegetable samples. The mAb exhibited an IC50 value of 12.9 ng/mL, and limit of detection (LOD) of 4.6 ng/mL, respectively in indirect competitive immunosorbent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA). After optimization, the developed GICA exhibited a visual limit of detection (vLOD) of 20 ng/mL and a quantitative of detection (qLOD) of 5.2 ng/mL, with a linear range from 10.0 to 83.8 ng/mL. Good correlation was observed between the results of GICA and standard Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in matrix and recovery test. The developed GICA can be used for rapid sample detection within 15 min, which is an excellent tool for screening PFF in foods and environmental samples.

Deciphering integrated soil potential ecological and human health risks attributable to industrial effluents irrigation and wheat consumption.

Iron-steel (IS) and textile (T) are among the major polluting industries worldwide which generate large quantities of effluents containing potentially toxic metals (PTMs). Irrigation application of these effluents due to freshwater shortage is a common practice in developing countries. The current research endeavors to investigate potentially toxic metals in IS and T effluents, contamination status and ecological risk assessment of irrigated soils, PTMs accumulation in grains of diverse wheat germplasm and human health risk appraisal. Soil irrigation with effluents significantly enhanced soil nitrate-nitrogen (T, 285.86mg/kg; IS, 539.70mg/kg), phosphorus (T, 8.35mg/kg; IS, 11.44mg/kg), organic matter (T, 6.05%; IS, 4.48%) and PTMs contents compared to control (C). Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index revealed substantial contamination trend of PTMs in IS (Ni > Cr > Co > Cd > Pb > Zn > Mn) and T (Co > Cd > Ni > Cu > Cr) treated soils. Potential ecological risk index and modified potential ecological risk index placed T (very high risk) and IS (considerable risk) irrigated soils in respective categories, with highest risk contributions from Cd, Co and Ni. The interactive effects for PTMs accumulation in grains of 30 wheat genotypes were recorded significant. Average PTMs accumulation in grains for the three irrigation treatments was IS > T > C for Zn, Cr, Mn, Pb, Fe, Ni and T > IS > C for Co, Cd, Cu. Multivariate statistical analysis ( principal component analyses) was used to identify the wheat genotypes with higher or lower grain PTMs accumulative potential on effluent irrigation. The genotypes with a lower grain PTMs accumulation and human health risks are recommended for cultivation in agro-systems receiving IS and T effluents, in order to safeguard wheat crop and human health.