Potential Non-carcinogenic Health Risks Research Articles

Assessment and bioaccumulation of heavy metal contaminants in Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora Hamilton, 1822)

Unpolluted freshwater is a crucial component for maintaining the health of humans. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and potential health hazards of heavy metal contaminants (Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb) in water, sediments, and tissues of the golden mahseer fish (Tor putitora) from Zhob River to assess their suitability for human consumption. Samples (soil, water, and fish) were collected from the Zhob River, and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) was employed to measure the concentration of these metals found in soil, water, and various fish body tissues (muscles, skin, gills, and liver). The overall results revealed that water quality parameters, i.e., temperature and pH were found within tolerable ranges, while electrical conductivity and turbidity exceeded the permissible limits of FAO/WHO for fish. Furthermore, this study also identified elevated concentrations of Pb in water and soil, as well as Fe and Cd in soil beyond the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In contrast, the concentrations of other targeted metals examined in fish body tissues were found below the permissible limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating the suitability of this fish species for human consumption. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of these targeted metals in various fish body tissues was found to be within the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), suggesting no associated health risks for the local population. Furthermore, both the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values measured in this study were less than one, indicating the absence of potential non-carcinogenic health risks related to the consumption of this riverine mahseer fish, but combined metal intake may pose potential health risks. Carcinogenic risk assessment for some metals like Cd, Cr, and Pb revealed no cancer risk for consumers. Moreover, our present research observed comparatively high bioaccumulation (BAF) of each targeted metal in the fish liver from both Zhob River water and soil as compared to other body tissues. Multivariate analysis, including the correlation matrix, revealed strong and significant correlations (P < 0.05) among heavy metal pairs (Fe/Cr, Fe/Pb, Cr/Fe, Cr/Pb, Pb/Fe, Pb/Cr). Hierarchical cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were utilized to trace the origins of these metals, attributing their presence to nearby rock weathering, mining, as well as municipal and agricultural activities. These factors were recognized as potential sources of heavy metal bioaccumulation in riverine fish. Thus, our current study concluded that the Zhob River was contaminated with these heavy metals and emphasized the need to prevent domestic and industrial sewage inflow. The monitoring of these metals in the food chain was also underscored as crucial for reducing all kinds of associated health risks. This study provides the first report on heavy metal distribution in highly abundant and edible mahseer fishes of the Zhob River.

Legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in outdoor settled dusts and pine needles in a megacity of Eastern China: Interpretation of plant uptake

Brominated flame retardants, considered emerging contaminants, are widespread and persist in the environment. This study investigated the contamination of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in paired outdoor settled dusts and pine needles sampled from a megacity in the Eastern China. The measured total concentrations of PBDEs (∑27PBDEs) in outdoor settled dusts and pine needles were in the range of 77.4–345.2 ng/g dw and 20.7–120.0 ng/g dw, respectively, and equivalent ranges for novel brominated flame retardants (∑11NBFRs) were 25.7–1917.2 ng/g dw and 9.4–38.7 ng/g dw, respectively. BDE-209 and DBDPE dominated PBDEs and NBFRs profiles, respectively, in both dusts and pine needles. Outdoor settled dusts exhibited greater potentials to accumulate high-brominated PBDE homologues and EH-TBB while pine needles tended to accumulate low-brominated PBDE homologues, BTBPE and TBC. The plant uptake of BFRs was interpreted by McLachlan's framework on the assumption that the levels of BFRs in outdoor settled dusts and particle phase of air were positively correlated. The accumulation of PBDEs in pine needles was dominated by equilibrium partitioning between the vegetation and the gas phase when log KOA values <10 and by particle-bound deposition when log KOA values >13. However, NBFRs exhibited more complicated accumulation behavior. The predicted 50th percentile of the estimated daily intakes of ∑27PBDEs via outdoor settled dusts exposure for adults and children were 3.5 × 10−2 and 1.4 × 10−1 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day, respectively, and equivalent values for ∑11NBFRs were 1.6 × 10−2 ng/kg bw/day and 6.3 × 10−2 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The calculated hazard index (HI) values were far <1, indicating exposure of BFRs via outdoor settled dust intake would not pose potential non-carcinogenic health risks to both adults and children.

Assessing Mineral Content and Heavy Metal Exposure in Abruzzo Honey and Bee Pollen from Different Anthropic Areas.

Honey and bee pollen offer potential health benefits due to their nutrient and bioactive molecules, but they may also harbor contaminants such as heavy metals. This study aimed to assess the content of different metals, including Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Cs, Tl, Pb and U, in honey and bee pollen collected from different Abruzzo region (Italy) areas (A1, A2, A3, A4), characterized by different anthropic influences described by Corine Land Cover maps. Differences were observed in the mineral and heavy metal content associated with the influence of biotic and abiotic factors. Honeys were found to be safe in regard to non-carcinogenic risk in all the consumer categories (THQm < 1). A particular carcinogenic risk concern was identified for toddlers associated with Cr (LCTR > 1 × 10-4) in A1, A2 and A3 apiaries. Pb and Ni represent potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in children and adults due to bee pollen consumption, showing high values of THQm and LCTR. The results suggest the advantages of utilizing bee products to screen mineral and heavy metal content, providing valuable insights into environmental quality and potential health risks.

Carcinogenicity and non-carcinogenicity health risks due to PM2.5 bound trace metals at a sub urban site in Northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain.

This study investigates the PM2.5 bound metals using yearlong measurements at a regionally representative suburban site in the Northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain (NWIGP). The order of the measured annual average concentrations of PM2.5 bound metals is Fe > Zn > Ba > Sn > Pb > Cd > Ni > Mn > Cr > Li. Lithium bound to airborne PM2.5 has been reported for the first time in NWIGP. Ni (72.4 ng m-3) and Cd (36.9 ng m-3) have exceeded the acceptable limits set by NAAQS, India. Estimated the hazard quotient (HQ > 1) of Mn and hazard index (HI > 1) of measured metals exceeded the threshold limits indicating the potential non-carcinogenic health risk due to inhalation exposure of PM2.5 bound trace metals. Further, excessive lifetime cancer risk due to inhalation exposure to Cd, Ni and Cr was estimated and found to exceed the threshold limit set by the USEPA for adults and children.

Heavy metals and potential health risk assessment of Lactuca sativa and Daucus carrota from soil treated with organic manures and chemical fertilizer

The large-scale production of food crops with heavy application of chemical fertilizers in the effort to meet the astronomical increase in food demands may be counterproductive to the goal of food security. This study investigated the effect of different soil treatments on the levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in two types of vegetables Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Daucus carrota (carrot). The potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks from their consumption were also evaluated. Planting experiment was set up in a randomized block design, with different soil treatments of soil + cow dung (CD), soil + sewage sludge (SS), soil + chemical fertilizer (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK)), and untreated soil (UNTRD). The vegetables were harvested at maturity, washed with distilled water, and subjected to an acid digestion process before the levels of heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean concentrations of the metals in the vegetables across all treatments were below the maximum permissible limits. The pattern of heavy metal accumulation by the vegetables suggested that the lettuce from SS treatment accumulated higher concentrations of heavy metals like Cr (0.20 mg/kg), Cu (3.91 mg/kg), Ni (0.33 mg/kg), and Zn (20.44 mg/kg) than carrot, with highest concentrations of Fe (90.89 mg/kg) and Pb (0.16 mg/kg) recorded in lettuce from NPK treatment. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) showed that lettuce, a leafy vegetable, has bioaccumulated more heavy metals than carrot, a root vegetable. The BAF was generally below the threshold value of 1 in both vegetables, except in lettuce from NPK and CD treatments and carrot from NPK treatments, with BAF values of 1.6, 1.69, and 1.39, respectively. The cancer risk assessment factors were well below the unacceptable maximum range of 10−4 suggesting that consuming these vegetables might not expose an individual to potential risk of cancer development. The hazard quotient estimations were below the threshold values of 1 for all heavy metals; however, the hazard index (HI) values of 1.27 and 1.58 for lettuce from NPK and SS treatments indicate a potential non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers from intake of all the heavy metals.

Shallow groundwater quality and health risk assessment of fluoride and arsenic in Northwestern Jiangsu Province, China

Assessing groundwater quality is critical to regional water resource conservation and human health safety, especially in areas with co-existence of toxic constituents fluoride (F−) and arsenic (As). In this study, fourteen groundwater samples were collected in Feng County, Northwestern Jiangsu Province to identify dominant contaminants and their spatial distribution and health risk. The composition and variation characteristics of major ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, and NO3−) and trace elements (F−, As, and Mn) were analyzed. The hydrochemical results revealed that high F− groundwater was mainly distributed in the northern areas whereas As-riched groundwater was primarily distributed in southern areas. Notably, over 85.7% and 21.4% of the shallow groundwater samples exceeded the drinking water quality standard of 1.5 mg/L for F− and 10 µg/L for As, respectively. Based on the water quality index (WQI) appraisal result, 71.4% of the groundwater in the study area is classified as “poor”, and thus unsuitable for drinking directly. We assessed the human non-carcinogenic health risk of F− (HQFluoride) and As (HQArsenic) and the carcinogenic health risk of As (CRArsenic). The calculated hazard quotient (HQ) for F− indicated nearly all groundwater samples have an unacceptable risk (HQ > 1) for each age group. However, HQArsenic values revealed that 28.6%, 21.4%, 21.4%, and 21.4% of groundwater samples posed potential non-carcinogenic health risks for infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The calculated results of CRArsenic showed that 0%, 21.4%, 28.6%, and 28.6% of groundwater samples posed unacceptable health risks (CR > 1.0 × 10−4) to infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The groundwater irrigation suitability assessment results showed that 21.4% of samples were doubtful to unsuitable for irrigation, and 85.7% owed magnesium hazards. The findings of this study will assist policymakers in formulating proper remedial policies and mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of drinking and irrigation water.

Heavy metal levels and human health risk implications associated with fish consumption from the lower Omo river (Lotic) and Omo delta lake (Lentic), Ethiopia.

This study is the first to determine the levels of heavy metals in commercially important fish species, namely Lates niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus and the potential human health risks associated with their consumption. A total of 120 fish samples were collected from the lower Omo river and Omo delta, with 60 samples from each water source. The fish tissue samples (liver and muscle) were analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer for nine heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The human health risk assessment tools used were the target hazard quotient (THQ), the hazard index (HI), and the target cancer risk (TCR). The mean levels of heavy metals detected in the liver and muscle of L. niloticus from the lower Omo river generally occurred in the order Fe > Zn > Pb> Cu > Mn> Cr > Co > Ni and Pb > Cu > Mn > Co > Ni, respectively. The mean levels of metals in the muscle and liver tissues of O. niloticus were in the order Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Co > Ni and Pb > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu > Co > Ni, respectively. Similarly, the mean levels of heavy metals detected in the liver and muscle of L. niloticus from Omo delta occurred in the order Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Mn > Cr > Co > Ni and Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Co > Cr > Ni, respectively. The mean levels in the muscle and liver tissues of O. niloticus from the Omo delta were in the order Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Co > Ni and Pb > Fe > Zn > Mn > Co > Cu > Ni, respectively. The study revealed that the THQ values were below 1, indicating that consumption of L. niloticus and O. niloticus from the studied sites does not pose a potential non-carcinogenic health risk. Although the TCR values for Pb in this study were within the tolerable range, it's mean concentration in the muscle and liver tissues of both fish species from the two water bodies exceeded the permissible limit established by FAO/WHO. This is a warning sign for early intervention, and it emphasizes the need for regular monitoring of freshwater fish. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the pollution levels and human health risks of heavy metals in fish tissues from lower Omo river and Omo delta for environmental and public health concerns.

Groundwater quality assessment in the La Mojana region of northern Colombia: implications for consumption, irrigation, and human health risks

Water quality is one of the most relevant issues related to water management, with water pollution and access to clean water for drinking and irrigation being common issues in developing countries. Groundwater is an available water source, especially where surface sources are scarce or unsuitable. In this sense, studies to improve knowledge of aquifers should be undertaken where information on groundwater resources is not available. In the current study, 50 groundwater samples were collected from rural and urban wells used by local communities for human consumption and to irrigate local crops. Several indices for drinking water and irrigation use have been used for the assessment of water quality. Conversely, the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic human health risks due to exposure to heavy metals in the groundwater were estimated, as were the predominant hydrochemical characteristics. The groundwater water quality index (GWQI) shows values < 100 for all the samples; groundwater is recommended for drinking after disinfection. By contrast, the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) shows that 80% of groundwater samples pose a potential threat to irrigation, with restriction categories ranging from high to severe. The individual hazard quotients were < 1. However, the multielement and multipathway hazard index (HI) for children and adults were > 1, whereas As and Mn had a higher contribution to the HI. The Piper trilinear diagram shows that hydrochemical facies of Ca2+ and HCO3− are significantly dominant. By contrast, weathering of rocks and atmospheric precipitation is the dominant factors regulating the chemistry of groundwater in the aquifer system of La Mojana. Our findings indicate that there are significant potential noncarcinogenic health risks for local populations exposed to groundwater.

Bioponic systems with biochar: Insights into nutrient recovery, heavy metal reduction, and microbial interactions in digestate-based bioponics

Bioponics is a nutrient-recovery technology that transforms nutrient-rich organic waste into plant biomass/bioproducts. Integrating biochar with digestate from anaerobic wastewater treatment process can improve resource recovery while mitigating heavy metal contamination. The overarching goal of this study was to investigate the application of biochar in digestate-based bioponics, focusing on its efficacy in nutrient recovery and heavy metal removal, while also exploring the microbial community dynamics. In this study, biochar was applied at 50 % w/w with 500 g dry weight of digestate during two 28-day crop cycles (uncontrolled pH and pH 5.5) using white stem pak choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) as a model crop. The results showed that the digestate provided sufficient phosphorus and nitrogen, supporting plant growth. Biochar amendment improved plant yield and phosphate solubilization and reduced nitrogen loss, especially at the pH 5.5. Furthermore, biochar reduced the heavy metal accumulation in plants, while concentrating these metals in the residual sludge. However, owing to potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, it is still not recommended to directly consume plants cultivated in digestate-based bioponic systems. Additionally, biochar amendment exhibited pronounced impact on the microbial community, promoting microbes responsible for nutrient solubilization and cycling (e.g., Tetrasphaera, Herpetosiphon, Hyphomicrobium, and Pseudorhodoplanes) and heavy metal stabilization (e.g., Leptolinea, Fonticella, Romboutsia, and Desulfurispora) in both the residual sludge and plants. Overall, the addition of biochar enhanced the microbial community and facilitated the metal stabilization and the cycling of nutrients within both residual sludge and root systems, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the bioponics.

Using unsupervised machine learning models to drive groundwater chemistry and associated health risks in Indo-Bangla Sundarban region

Groundwater is an essential resource in the Sundarban regions of India and Bangladesh, but its quality is deteriorating due to anthropogenic impacts. However, the integrated factors affecting groundwater chemistry, source distribution, and health risk are poorly understood along the Indo-Bangla coastal border. The goal of this study is to assess groundwater chemistry, associated driving factors, source contributions, and potential non-carcinogenic health risks (PN-CHR) using unsupervised machine learning models such as a self-organizing map (SOM), positive matrix factorization (PMF), ion ratios, and Monte Carlo simulation. For the Sundarban part of Bangladesh, the SOM clustering approach yielded six clusters, while it yielded five for the Indian Sundarbans. The SOM results showed high correlations among Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+, indicating a common origin. In the Bangladesh Sundarbans, mixed water predominated in all clusters except for cluster 3, whereas in the Indian Sundarbans, Cl−-Na+ and mixed water dominated in clusters 1 and 2, and both water types dominated the remaining clusters. Coupling of SOM, PMF, and ionic ratios identified rock weathering as a driving factor for groundwater chemistry. Clusters 1 and 3 were found to be influenced by mineral dissolution and geogenic inputs (overall contribution of 47.7%), while agricultural and industrial effluents dominated clusters 4 and 5 (contribution of 52.7%) in the Bangladesh Sundarbans. Industrial effluents and agricultural activities were associated with clusters 3, 4, and 5 (contributions of 29.5% and 25.4%, respectively) and geogenic sources (contributions of 23 and 22.1% in clusters 1 and 2) in Indian Sundarbans. The probabilistic health risk assessment showed that NO3− poses a higher PN-CHR risk to human health than F− and As, and that potential risk to children is more evident in the Bangladesh Sundarban area than in the Indian Sundarbans. Local authorities must take urgent action to control NO3− emissions in the Indo-Bangla Sundarbans region.

Occurrence, toxicity load, pollution index and health risk assessment of trace elements in drinking water of two catchments in North-western Himalayas

ABSTRACT The study focuses on the analysis of trace metals in drinking water from the Ganderbal and Budgam districts of Jammu and Kashmir. We have used high-resolution inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) to measure the concentrations of 31 trace metals in the water samples. The measured concentrations were then compared with the permissible limits set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and World Health Organization (WHO). The results of the study indicate that arithmetic mean of several trace elements, including aluminum (Al = 781), chromium (Cr = 139), manganese (Mn = 41.86), nickel (Ni = 25.89), molybdenum (Mo = 1.30), cadmium (Cd = 36.86), and mercury (Hg = 67.65), in µg l−1 were found to have concentrations higher than their respective permissible limits. On the other hand, the arithmetic mean of elements, such as beryllium (Be = 0.14), boron (B = 32.72), iron (Fe = 233), cobalt (Co = 1.79), copper (Cu = 10.71), arsenic (As = 0.93), selenium (Se = 3.13), strontium (Sr = 257), zinc (Zn = 43), antimony (Sb = 1.44), barium (Ba = 28.56), gold (Au = 0.91), and lead (Pb = 0.91) in µg l−1, had concentrations below the permissible limits recommended by USEPA, BIS, and WHO. To assess the toxicity of the heavy metals in the study area, we calculated the Heavy Metal Toxicity Load (HMTL) for each metal. Based on these calculations, we concluded that only cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) need to be removed from drinking water to ensure safety. The study also conducted a health risk assessment for children and adults based on the measured concentrations of heavy metals. The assessment considered the ingestion and dermal contact routes of exposure. The Hazard Index (HI), which indicates the non-carcinogenic health effects, exceeded unity for only one element, cadmium (Cd), in the children and adult groups. This suggests potential non-carcinogenic health risks associated with the ingestion of water and dermal contact. Additionally, the potential carcinogenic risk of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) was identified and recommended for further attention. The study further evaluated the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) to assess the overall quality of drinking water in the study area. The HPI results indicated that the quality of drinking water was good, and the pollution levels in the study area were low. Overall, the findings of this study provide valuable information for water resource development and supply agencies. The results can be used as a baseline for future research and monitoring efforts in the region.

Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Screening of Fura da Nono, Ciklavit®, Katoka Mixtures®, and Yoyo Bitters®

Background: Evaluation of the phytochemicals and heavy metals contained in four commonly consumed beverage and herbal products in Nigeria, was investigated. This was to ascertain the health benefits as well as potential for toxicity that may be associated with the consumption of these products. Methods: The samples studied are Fura da Nono, Ciklavit®, Katoka Mixtures® and Yoyo Bitters®. The phytochemical screening of each product was done using standard procedures. The heavy metals screening was done using Agilent®720 Inductively Coupled Plasma -Optical Emission Spectroscopy machine (ICP-OES). The Hazard quotient and Index were assessed using appropriate equations in line with United States Environmental ProtectionAgency (USEPA). Results: All phytochemicals tested were found in Fura da Nono except Steroids and Terpenoids.Also, all the tested phytochemicals were detected in Ciklavit® except Alkaloids and Phlobatannins. Both Katoka Mixtures® and Yoyo Bitters® contained all other phytochemicals except Phlobatannins. Quantitatively, Fura da Nono was high in Cardiac glycosides, and Ciklavit® was found to be high in Flavonoid content. Both Katoka Mixtures® and Yoyo Bitters® are high in Phenols. The results of the heavy metal analysis revealed different concentrations (ppm) of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, manganese, copper and nickel in the four products. Arsenic was not detected only in Fura da Nono. The heavy metal concentrations obtained were all within WHO maximum permissible limits. Further analysis for potential non-carcinogenic health risk using Hazard quotient on each of the four toxic heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium) and Hazard Index (HI) on the same toxic heavy metals revealed that by the United States Environmental ProtectionAgency (USEPA) threshold value of HI ≤1, Yoyo Bitters® (0.4684) and Ciklavit® (0.7870) had the lower and safer values for combined heavy metal risk while Katoka Mixtures® (0.9908) and Fura da Nono (1.4144) had the highest. Conclusion: The phytochemical screening of the investigated products showed that the commonly consumed food drink and herbal products, are rich in phytochemicals. Even though the heavy metal screening indicates a fairly positive safety margin for three of the products. Caution should therefore be exercised in the use of these products.

A comprehensive health risk assessment associated with bioaccumulation of heavy metals and nutrients in selected macrophytes of Loktak Lake, Manipur, India.

The Loktak Lake, a Ramsar site in Northeast India, is known for its rich biodiversity that includes a variety of macrophyte species, most of which have not been studied for their phytoremediation capacities and potential toxicity via consumption of the edible species. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate the accumulation of selected heavy metals and nutrients in 10 dominant macrophyte species growing in Loktak Lake and to assess the potential health risks associated with consumption of the edible plants. The concentrations of nutrients such as total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and heavy metals such as copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were found to be in the order of plant > sediment > water. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) revealed high efficiency of most plants to accumulate heavy metals and nutrients in their tissues from the lake water and sediments, indicating their potential to be used as phytoremediators. Translocation factors (TFs) were also estimated to determine the efficiency of the plants to translocate elements from root to shoot. Colocasia esculenta and Polygonum perfoliatum exhibited the highest BAF values, whereas Colocasia esculenta, Hedychium flavum, Phragmites karka, and Oenanthe javanica exhibited the highest TF values for most elements. Target hazard quotients (THQs) revealed potential health risks associated with one or more heavy metals in the plants, except for Zn, whose THQ values were below the level of concern in all the edible plant species. The hazard index (HI) signifying potential non-carcinogenic health risk from the combined effects of all the heavy metals was highest for Polygonum perfoliatum, indicating a potentially higher risk to health if this edible macrophyte is regularly consumed in higher quantities and may pose long-term health effects to the exposed population.

Identification of the Groundwater Quality and Potential Noncarcinogenic Health Risk Assessment of Nitrate in the Groundwater of El Milia Plain, Kebir Rhumel Basin, Algeria

In this study, we analyzed the quality and the potential noncarcinogenic health risk of nitrate in groundwater in the El Milia plain, Kebir Rhumel Basin, Algeria. Moran’s I and the ordinary kriging (OK) interpolation technique were used to examine the spatial distribution pattern of the hydrochemical parameters in the groundwater. It was found that the hydrochemical parameters Ca, Cl, and HCO3 showed strong spatial autocorrelation in the El Milia plain, indicating a spatial dependence and clustering of these parameters in the groundwater. The groundwater quality was evaluated using the entropy water quality index (EWQI). The results showed that approximately 86% of the total groundwater samples in the study area fall within the moderate groundwater quality category. The spatial map of the EWQI values indicated an increasing trend from the south-west to the northeast, following the direction of groundwater flow. The highest EWQI values were observed near El Milia city in the center of the plain. This spatial pattern suggests variations in groundwater quality across the study area, with potentially higher risks near the city center. The potential noncarcinogenic health risks associated with nitrate contamination in groundwater for adults and children through the drinking water pathway were assessed using the hazard quotient (HQ). The results revealed that approximately 5.7% of the total groundwater samples exceeded the HQ limit for adults, indicating potential health risks. Moreover, a higher percentage, 14.28%, of the total groundwater samples exceeded the HQ limit for children, highlighting their increased vulnerability to noncarcinogenic health hazards associated with nitrate contamination in the study area. Taking timely action and ensuring strict compliance with regulations in groundwater management are crucial for protecting public health, preserving the environment, addressing water scarcity, and achieving sustainable development goals.

Pollution and Health Risk Assessment of Hazardous Elements in Surface Dust along an Urbanization Gradient

The hazardous element (HE) pollution of urban surface dust is a serious environmental issue, due to its toxicity and potential hazardous effects. Surface dust samples were collected from core urban, urban, and suburban gradients in the city of Urumqi in arid northwestern China, and the concentrations of six HEs, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and chromium (Cr) were determined. The pollution load index (PLI) and the US EPA health risk assessment model were applied, to assess and compare the pollution levels and the potential health risk of HEs in the surface dust in different urbanization gradients. The results indicated that the average concentrations of Hg, Cd, and Ni in the surface dust decreased in the order of core urban &gt; urban &gt; suburban, whereas the average concentrations of As, Cr, and Pb decreased in the order of urban &gt; core urban &gt; suburban. The PLI of HEs in surface dust decreased in the order of core urban &gt; urban &gt; suburban. The concentrations of HEs in the core urban and urban gradients were relatively higher than those in the suburban gradient. Furthermore, the total non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk index of the investigated HEs in surface dust decreased in the order of urban &gt; core urban &gt; suburban, for both adults and children. In addition, the pollution of surface dust by HEs in all urbanization gradients was more harmful to children’s health than to adults’. Overall, the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk of the investigated HEs, instigated primarily via the oral ingestion of surface dust, was found to be within the acceptable range. However, urbanization has effected the accumulation of HEs in surface dust, and Cr was the main non-carcinogenic risk factor, whereas Cd was the main carcinogenic risk factor, among the analyzed HEs in surface dust in three urban gradients in the study area.

Bioaccumulation, Bioindication and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Cape Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and Slinger Seabream (Chrysoblephus puniceus) in the Durban Basin and Cape Vidal, South Africa.

The bioaccumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in marine fish is a growing global concern due to potential human health risks. The study analyzed HM in the muscle tissue, gills, and gut of adult male and female cape horse mackerel and slinger seabream caught in the polluted Durban Basin and pristine Cape Vidal from April 2018 to February 2019. Results revealed interspecific, spatial, and organ-specific variability in HM levels. In the Durban Basin, slinger seabream had bioaccumulation (in mg/kg) of As (2.3 ± 0.2), Cr (2.6 ± 0.2), Ni (2.0 ± 0.1), and Pb (4.1 ± 0.3) while cape horse mackerel had Ni (1.6 ± 0.2), Pb (4.7 ± 0.6), and Zn (52 ± 3.01) exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. Metal pollution index (MPI) values were also higher in Durban Basin (> 5.13) than Cape Vidal (< 3.32) for both species' muscles. Liver and gills of slinger seabream and gut of cape horse mackerel exhibited higher HM accumulation patterns proportionate to the environmental concentrations, indicating the bioindicative potential of HM pollution by the two species. Risk assessment indicated that both fish species had target hazard quotient > 1 for Cr, and target cancer risk < 10-4 for Pb, implying significant potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with fish consumption from the Durban Basin. The study recommends daily consumption limits of 16g/day for slinger seabream and 14g/day for cape horse mackerel to ensure health safety. The findings contribute to the understanding of HM pollution in the Durban Basin and provide important information for decision-makers and policymakers in developing effective strategies to mitigate and manage HM contamination in fish populations.

Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) concentrations in soil and fruits of selected perennial economic trees growing naturally in the vicinity of the abandoned mining ponds in Kuba, Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) Plateau State, Nigeria.

This study was designed to determine the level of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in soil and selected fruits and assesses the health risk of inhabitants in the abandoned tin mining community in Kuba, Bokkos LGA. Samples of the abandoned mine soil and selected fruits mango (Magnifera indica), guava (Psidium guajava), avocado pear (Persea americana), and banana (Musa spp)) from the vicinity of the abandoned mine were analyzed for the presence of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that the levels of all the PTEs analysed in the abandoned mine soil samples were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than their corresponding values in the control soil from the non-mining area. Except for Cd, the mean concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb were significantly higher than the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limit. Except for Zn in guava fruits and Cd in avocado fruits, the mean concentration of PTEs in fruits from abandoned mines was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than their corresponding control values. In contrast, the mean levels of As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb in the investigated fruits were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits established for fruits. The studied fruits remarkably took up and bioaccumulated PTEs from the abandoned mine soil. Mango fruit significantly bioaccumulated As (5.40), Cd (3.40), and Zn (2.81). Guava fruit bioaccumulated As (1.50) and Cd (4.60), while avocado bioaccumulated As (3.53), Cd (3.80), and Zn (6.48). Banana bioaccumulated As (0.96), Cd (0.80), and Zn (6.78). The hazard quotient values for PTEs investigated in fruits for adults, and children were several folds greater than 1. The hazard index (HI) for the PTEs through consuming fruits for children and adults was greater than 1, indicating that possible health risks exist for both local children and adults. However, the HI values for the children were higher than those for adults, implying that children were exposed to more potential noncarcinogenic health risks from PTEs than adults. The total cancer risk (TCR) values for Cr and Ni for all the fruits studied were within 10-3-10-1, which is several-fold higher than the permissible limits (10-6and < 10-4), indicating high carcinogenic risk. TCR values for Cd and Pb in all the fruits, except for Cd in guava and avocado fruits for children, were within the range of 10-5-10-4, indicating that they are associated with moderate risk. The CR values for all the PTEs in all the fruits for adults and children except for mango fruit adults were within 10-2-10-1, indicating high carcinogenic risk. In conclusion, the results and risk assessment provided by this study indicate that human exposure to fruits from abandoned mines suggests a high vulnerability of the local community to PTE toxicity. Long-term preventive measures to safeguard the health of the residents need to be put in place.

Appraisal of trace metals pollution, sources and associated health risks using the geochemical and multivariate statistical approach

Trace metals pollution in the freshwater system is an emerging concern. Thus, a systematic study was performed in the Wadi Fatimah basin to appraise the trace metals pollution status, sources and associated health risks using integrated tools, namely indices, international standards, multivariate statistical techniques and health risk assessment models. The groundwater salinity shows a wide range (TDS = 391 to 11,240 mg/l). The heavy metal pollution index and contamination index justify that most of the samples are unfit for drinking due to high metal pollution. Severe pollution is noticed by the Li (100%), Ni (98%), Pb (86%) and B (78%), and it is in the decreasing order of Mo > Cr > Al > Fe = Mn > V > Sr > Ag > Cu. Pearson correlation matrix suggests that most of the metals have a significant strong positive correlation with Al, Fe and Mn and originated from geogenic sources. Principal components analysis and R-mode HCA indicate that trace metals are mostly derived from weathering of aluminium silicates, oxides/hydroxides of Fe and Mn followed by evaporation, evaporite dissolution and restricted flow. Q-mode HCA resulted in 4 clusters, and the water chemistry of WG1 and WG4 is governed by mineral weathering. In addition, evaporation also enriched the metal load and salinity in WG4 wells. In WG2, the water chemistry is predominantly affected by long storage, evaporation and mineral weathering. In WG3, the water chemistry is influenced by evaporation, irrigation return flow and evaporite dissolution. The hazard quotient and hazard index suggest that groundwater in this basin causes potential non-carcinogenic health risks to the consumer. This study strongly recommends treatment for groundwater before supply to the local inhabitants.

Probabilistic risk assessment of endocrine disrupting pesticides in Iran

ABSTRACT The chronic dietary risk assessment for 34 pesticides suspected of acting as endocrine disrupters in Iran was assessed by comparing TMDI with the Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADI). Of 34 investigated endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs), 6 had TMDI > ADI. In addition, potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk assessments were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. HQ in wheat was 17.40 and 20.29 in adults and children, respectively. Due to dimethoate residue in wheat, HQ was 2.78, and for fenitrothion residue, 3.22. HI was 21.22 for adults and 24.76 for children in wheat, more than 1. Total Carcinogenic risk (TCR) due to EDPs residues was 6.40 × 10−5 in apples, in citrus fruits 5.97 × 10−5, 3.33 × 10−5 in cucumber, 5.30 × 10−5 in lettuce, in potato was 2.36 × 10−5, in rice was 1.61 × 10−5, 1.78 × 10−5 in tomato, and due to epoxiconazole residues in wheat was 3.18 × 10−5, more than acceptable limit 1.0 × 10−6. Therefore, consumers were at significant risk of carcinogenesis. Abbreviations: PCBs: polychlorinated biphenyls; BPA: Bisphenol A; ED: Endocrine Disrupting; EDCs: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals; EDPs: Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides; ADI: Acceptable Daily Intake; TMDI: Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake; FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization; WHO: World Health Organization; MRL: Maximum Residue Limit; HQ: Hazard Quotient; HI: Hazard Index; CR: Cancer Risk; TCR: Total Cancer Risk; PPP: plant protection products

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils from Four Different Industrial Plants in a Medium-Sized City in North China.

Laboratory experiments were carried out to analyze 39 soil samples collected from four industrial areas in Xuzhou City using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The descriptive statistics of heavy metals (HMs) in the soil profiles showed that the HM content at three depths was highly variable, and most coefficients of variation (CVs) showed moderate variability. The enrichment of Cd at all depths exceeded the risk screening value, and Cd pollution occurred in four plants. The enrichment of the other HMs at three depths was mainly concentrated in the pharmaceutical plant A and chemical plant C. It was found that the different HMs had different vertical distribution characteristics. For the different industrial plants, the raw materials and products not only made the spatial distribution characteristics of the HMs different, but also caused the HM types and contents to differ. The average single pollution indices of Cd in plant A, iron-steel plant B, and plant C indicated a slight pollution level. The other seven HMs in A, B, and C and all HMs in chemical plant D belonged to the safe category. The mean values of the Nemerow pollution index in the four industrial plants belonged to the warning category. The analysis showed that none of the HMs posed potential noncarcinogenic health risks, and only the carcinogenic health risks of Cr in plants A and C were unacceptable. The carcinogenic effect of Cr through the inhalation intake of resuspended soil particulates and that of Cd, Ni, and As via direct oral ingestion were the main exposure pathways.