Potential Non-carcinogenic Health Risks Research Articles

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.

Groundwater non-carcinogenic health risk comprehensive assessment based on DLAFVRT model in an island city

The long-term leakage of surface contaminants can severely affect the quality of shallow groundwater, thereby significantly affecting human health. This paper analyzed the spatial variations in groundwater non-carcinogenic health risk on the west coast of the Wailingding Island. A novel method for groundwater health risk assessment combining Modflow, remote sensing, and geographic information system (GIS) data was proposed. The DLAFVRT model, which included seven indicators: Groundwater depth (D), Land-use type (L), Aquifer medium (A), Fracture (F), Vegetation coverage (V), Net recharge (R) and Terrain slope (T), and potential non-carcinogenic health risk were based on the groundwater flow field and pollutant transport model constructed by Modflow and MT3DMS. The analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weight of each index and optimize the model. Finally, the two evaluation results were superimposed to obtain a comprehensive evaluation of the groundwater health risk. The health risk zoning map showed that in the study area, the heavy-risk area accounted for 16.83%, high-risk area accounted for 26.45%, medium-risk area accounted for 42.25%, and low-risk area accounted for 14.47%. Moreover, approximately half of the areas were rated as high-risk or above, indicating that groundwater is susceptible to surface pollutants. Based on the groundwater numerical simulations, the multi-index groundwater health risk comprehensive evaluation system developed by combining groundwater vulnerability and human health risk provides a theoretical reference basis for the scientific management and rational allocation of groundwater resources.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment induced by pesticide residues in fresh pistachio in Iran based on Monte Carlo simulation.

This research is aimed at the analysis of 87 pesticides in 30 fresh pistachio samples prepared from stores in Iran by QuEChERS-ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results showed at least one pesticide was in 67% of fresh pistachio samples. Kresoxim methyl residue was detected in 20 samples with average of 0.11mgkg-1; this average is 2.2 times more than maximum residue limit (MRL). Buprofezin was recognized in five samples with average of 0.17mgkg-1 was observed with 3.4 times more than MRL; hexaconazole and permethrin were recognized in three samples lower than MRL with an average residue of 0.030 and 0.028mgkg-1, respectively. In addition, potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk assessments were evaluated using probabilistic methods performed with the Monte Carlo simulation algorithm. The order of pesticide ranking based on hazard quotient (HQ) was hexaconazole > buprofezin > permethrin > kresoxim methyl. Total HQ (HI) was 2.0E-4 and for children, 9.0E-4. Hence, it means fresh pistachio consuming maybe not have significant short-term health risks for consumer. Ranking based on cancer risk (CR) was hexaconazole > kresoxim methyl > metalaxyl > permethrin > buprofezin. However, total CR due to pesticide residues was not higher than 1E-6 value (1.09E-9); therefore, consumers were not at significant risk of carcinogenicity in this product.

Evaluation of Pollution Level, Spatial Distribution, and Ecological Effects of Antimony in Soils of Mining Areas: A Review.

The first global-scale assessment of Sb contamination in soil that was related to mining/smelting activities was conducted based on 91 articles that were published between 1989 and 2021. The geographical variation, the pollution level, the speciation, the influencing factors, and the environmental effects of Sb that were associated with mining/smelting-affected soils were analyzed. The high Sb values mainly occurred in developed (Poland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia) and developing (China, Algeria, Slovakia) countries. Sb concentrations of polluted soil from mining areas that were reported in most countries significantly exceeded the maximum permissible limit that is recommended by WHO, except in Turkey and Macedonia. The soil Sb concentrations decreased in the order of Oceania (29,151 mg/kg) > North Africa (13,022 mg/kg) > Asia (1527 mg/kg) > Europe (858 mg/kg) > South America (37.4 mg/kg). The existing extraction methods for Sb speciation have been classified according to the extractant, however, further research is needed in the standardization of these extraction methods. Modern analytical and characterization technologies, e.g., X-ray absorption spectroscopy, are effective at characterizing chemical speciation. Conditional inference tree (CIT) analysis has shown that the clay content was the major factor that influenced the soil Sb concentration. Non-carcinogenic risks to the public from soil Sb pollution were within the acceptable levels in most regions. An Sb smelter site at the Endeavour Inlet in New Zealand, an abandoned open-pit Sb mine in Djebel Hamimat, Algeria, an old Sb-mining area in Tuscany, Italy, and Hillgrove mine in Australia were selected as the priority control areas. Cynodon dactylon, Boehmeria, Pteris vittata, and Amaranthus paniculatus were found to be potential Sb accumulators. All of the values of bioaccumulation factors for the crops were less than one. However, ingestion of Sb through crop consumption posed potential non-carcinogenic health risks, which should not be neglected. The soil variables (pH, Eh, total sulfur, carbon nitrogen ratio, total organic carbon, and sulfate), the total Sb and the bioavailable Sb, and heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, and Fe) were the major parameters affecting the microbial community compositions.

Assessment of chromium contamination in the soil and khat leaves (Catha edulis Forsk) and its health risks located in the vicinity of tannery industries; A case study in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Industrial effluents containing trace metals can contaminate water, soil and plants, as well as can cause serious human health impacts. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of chromium in the soil and khat leaves using spectroscopic methods and to evaluate its potential human health risk on the consumers. The average concentrations of total chromium in the soil samples ranged from 71.01 ± 12.05 to 317.55 ± 23.14 mg kg−1. These values were greater than the control (7.6 ± 0.47 mg kg−1). The average concentrations of total Cr in the khat leaves ranged of 6.5 ± 1.76 to 30.01 ± 2.91 (mg kg−1). These values were higher than the maximum permissible Limits in vegetables 2.3 mg kg−1. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of an adult man weighing 70 kg and consuming on average 100 g of khat leaves per day was found in the range of 0.200–0.454 mg kg−1 body weight day−1. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Cr from khat leaves consumption was found in the range of 0.001–0.076, which were <1, indicating no potential non-carcinogenic harmful health risk to the consumers in the society. Despite this, the regional EPA must pay close attention to controlling the use of irrigation water contaminated with tannery effluents in order to safeguard khat consumers. Furthermore, consumers must be aware of the health risks and refrain from consuming khat leaves cultivated in the study areas.

Determination of cadmium in Chinese pepper and its health implications based on bioaccessibility.

The contamination of cadmium (Cd) in agro-products causes major concern because of its potential dietary risks. In this study, a total of 647 pepper samples from 21 provinces in China were randomly collected according to the distribution of pepper production. Cd pollution levels in Chinses pepper and its health risks were evaluated based on bioaccessibility, which was measured by the physiologically based extraction test (PBET). The results showed that Cd concentration in all pepper ranged from 0.002 to 1.470mg/kg, with an average of 0.222mg/kg and a median of 0.132mg/kg. The highest daily intake of Cd was observed in the female child group (4.037 × 10-5mg/kg bw/day), which accounted for 4% of the maximum daily permissible dose - 0.001mg/kg bw/day. The target hazard quotients of Cd were all lower than 1, indicating low potential non-carcinogenic health risks to residents via the consumption of pepper. Notably, carcinogenic risk values suggested potential adverse health effects to adults, while after considering the bioaccessibility of Cd in pepper (mean of 43.07%), those values had fallen under the acceptable level (1 × 10-4). This may indicate that dietary risk assessment of heavy metals in crops could not be conducted just based on their content; the bioaccessibility of metals is also an important factor for consideration.

Effect of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on the growth, nutrient absorption, and potential health risk of the seasonal vegetable Medicago polymorpha L.

BackgroundMedicago polymorpha L., a seasonal vegetable, is commonly grown in China. The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) such as ZnO and CuO NPs in agriculture has raised concerns about their potential risks for plant growth and for human consumption. There is a lack of research on the effects of ZnO and CuO NPs on agronomic performance of Medicago polymorpha L. and their potential risks for human health.MethodsIn this study, different treatment concentrations of ZnO NPs (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1) and CuO NPs (10, 25, 50, and 100 mg kg−1) were used to determine their effects on the growth and nutrient absorption of Medicago polymorpha L., as well as their potential risk for human health.ResultsThe results showed that ZnO and CuO NPs increased the fresh weight of Medicago polymorpha L. by 5.8–11.8 and 3.7–8.1%, respectively. The best performance for ZnO NPs occurred between 25–50 mg kg−1 and the best performance for CuO NPs occurred between 10–25 mg kg−1. Compared with the control, ZnO and CuO NPs improved the macronutrients phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca). The following micronutrients were also improved: iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), with the exception of nitrogen (N) accumulation. Low treatment concentrations exhibited more efficient nutrient uptake than high treatment concentrations. A comprehensive analysis showed that the optimum concentrations were 25 mg kg−1 for ZnO NPs and 10 mg kg−1 for CuO NPs. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk of Medicago polymorpha L. treated with ZnO and CuO NPs was analyzed according to the estimated daily intake (EDI), the hazard quotient (HQ), and the cumulative hazard quotient (CHQ). Compared with the oral reference dose, the EDI under different ZnO and CuO NPs treatments was lower. The HQ and CHQ under different ZnO and CuO NPs treatments were far below 1. This indicated that Medicago polymorpha L. treated with ZnO and CuO NPs did not pose any non-carcinogenic health risk to the human body. Therefore, ZnO and CuO NPs were considered as a safe nano fertilizer for Medicago polymorpha L. production according to growth analysis and a human health risk assessment.

Emerging contaminants migration from pipes used in drinking water distribution systems: a review of the scientific literature.

Migration of emerging contaminants (ECs) from pipes into water is a global concern due to potential human health effects. Nevertheless, a review of migration ECs from pipes into water distribution systems is presently lacking. This paper reviews, the reported occurrence migration of ECs from pipes into water distribution systems in the world. Furthermore, the results related to ECs migration from pipes into water distribution systems, their probable sources, and their hazards are discussed. The present manuscript considered the existing reports on migration of five main categories of ECs including microplastics (MPs), bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, nonylphenol (NP), perfluoroalkyl, and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from distribution network into tap water. A focus on tap water in published literature suggests that pipes type used had an important role on levels of ECs migration in water during transport and storage of water. For comparison, tap drinking water in contact with polymer pipes had the highest mean concentrations of reviewed contaminants. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the most frequently detected types of microplastics (MPs) in tap water. Based on the risk assessment analysis of ECs, levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were above 1, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers. Finally, there are still scientific gaps on occurrence and migration of ECs from pipes used in distribution systems, and this needs more in-depth studies to evaluate their exposure hazards on human health.

Hidden risks from potentially toxic metal(loid)s in paddy soils-rice and source apportionment using lead isotopes: A case study from China

Pyrite is a typical sulfide mineral which contains various potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs). The pyrite smelting and subsequent industrial utilization activities usually release numerous amounts of PTMs into nearby ecosystem, which may be enriched in the nearby farmland soils and crops, leading to hidden but irreversible harm to human health via the food chain. Herein, the distribution pattern, source apportionment, and potential health risks of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and multiple seldom monitored PTMs (Ag, Bi, Sb, Sr, Th, U, W, and V) in the paddy soils and different organs of the rice plants from ten various sites in a typical industrial zone were investigated, where pyrite ores were used for the production of sulfuric acid and subsequent cement over several decades. The results showed that the contents of Cd, Pb and Zn in studied paddy soils generally exceeded the maximum permissible level (MPL) in China, and the contents of Sb and V were approaching the MPL. Moreover, the rice is easier to bioaccumulate Cd, Cu, and Zn than the other studied elements. The hazard quotient (HQ) calculations indicate that the rice containing such multiple elements may cause a high potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk for residents, particularly for the senior group. The Pb isotope tracing method combined with PCA (principal component analysis) further uncovered that the pyrite industrial utilization contributed 18.58–55.41 % to the highly enriched PTMs in paddy soils. All these findings indicate that the paddy soil system has been contaminated by the pyrite industrial activities and certain distances or areas should be rigidly forbidden from rice cultivation in the proximity of the pyrite smelting and related industrial sites.

Trace elements in outdoor and indoor PM2.5 in urban schools in Xi'an, Western China: characteristics, sources identification and health risk assessment.

The PM2.5-bounded elements were measured in outdoor and indoor from two urban middle schools in Xi'an. The PM2.5 mass was from 42.4 to 283.7µg/m3 with bounded element from 3.4 to 41.7µg/m3. Both the particle mass and the bounded elements displayed higher levels compared with previous studies in school environments. The most abundant elements were Ca, K, Fe, S, Zn and Cl both indoor and outdoor in two schools, which accounted for about 90% of the total elements. Strong correlations between indoor and outdoor were obtained along with relative effect from students' and teachers' activities on the indoor distributions between workdays and weekends. There had different indoor/outdoor (I/O) distributions for the two schools. It revealed the main outdoor sources for elements in JT and predominance of indoor sources in HT. The principal component analysis investigated main sources of elements in this study were coal combustion, geogenic dust and industrial emission, even though there displayed differences in the two school classrooms. The health risk assessment showed that the cancer risk for Ni and Pb was below the safe value while As and Cr might pose acceptable potential threat to both students' and teachers' health. The total non-cancer risks of accumulative multi-metals in JT exhibited to be higher than 1, indicating that there existed the potential non-carcinogenic health risks of exposure metals.

Health risk assessment for human exposure to mercury species and arsenic via consumption of local food in a gold mining area in Colombia

The risk to human health from exposure to certain pollutants through the consumption of fruits, tubers, and fish were evaluated in a settlement located in a Colombian area highly impacted by gold mining activities. The concentrations of mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in edible food tissues and methylmercury (MeHg) in fish were determined for risk assessment. A questionnaire-based dietary survey was answered by 178 residents of three population groups: children (CHD), women of childbearing age (WCBA), and the rest of the population (RP). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of MeHg presented values of 1.9 and 2.4 times higher than the provisional tolerable weekly intake (1.6 μg/kg BW/week) recommended by the FAO/WHO for CH and WCBA, respectively. The results of the HQ values of As and Hg for different food were above the safety level (HQ < 1) for most of the groups. For Hg, the highest HQ values correspond to fish, whereas for As in most of the food, but specially in fruits. The total target hazard quotients (HI) were higher than 1, in all the groups (except for CHD that consume tubers) indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. The values of carcinogenic risk (CR) for As through exposure to food ranged from 1.2·10−4 to 7.7·10−4, well above than the safety level of US EPA risk (10−4–10−6), suggesting the probability of carcinogenic risk for the entire population via ingestion. Therefore, safety control mechanisms and environmental education strategies should be applied to address food intake, associated with good agricultural practices to provide solutions to protect the health of the residents in areas affected by gold mining activities.

Appraisal of groundwater quality and health risk in the Yalamlam basin, Saudi Arabia.

Groundwater quality in Yalamlam basin, Saudi Arabia, was appraised for drinking, irrigation, livestock and poultry applications by international standards, drinking water quality index (DWQI), irrigation water quality (IWQ) parameters, and irrigation water quality index (IWQI) calculations. Potential non-carcinogenic health risks due to high NO3- and F- water were assessed for various age groups using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) models. Groundwater samples (n = 40) were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and major and minor constituents. The average total dissolved solids (TDS), EC, and total hardness (TH) in the groundwater are 3478 µS/cm, 1739mg/l, and 1240mg/l, respectively. High salinity, TH, NO3-, and F- in this aquifer restrict the usage of groundwater for drinking. DWQI values suggest that only 47.5% of samples are potable. According to USEPA recommendation, 72.5%, 80%, and 100% of samples for NO3- and 22.5%, 32.5%, and 40% of samples for F- surpassed the limit (HQoral > 1) for adults, children, and infants, respectively, which creates non-carcinogenic health hazards to the respective age groups. The total hazard index is greater than one in 75%, 87.5%, and 100% of samples computed for adults, children, and infants, respectively. Due to high salinity, 53% of samples are not pertinent for irrigation. USSL classification reveals that groundwater samples in the study site are recommended only for salt-tolerant crops and coarse-textured high permeability soil. In this study, IWQI is reclassified using salinity, which suggests that 68% of samples are moderately suitable for irrigation. Based on EC alone, 83% are desirable for livestock and poultry uses whereas integration of multiple parameters with EC indicates that only 53% are acceptable for all kinds of livestock and poultry uses in the study site. Spatial distribution of major and minor ions, DWQI, HQoral, and IWQI imply that groundwater quality is degraded from upstream to downstream. High salinity groundwater in the downstream wells is unsuitable for any application, which needs a proper treatment before use. Spatial maps created for various parameters are useful for identifying the good quality groundwater zone for groundwater development potential for various stakeholders.

Assessment of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals contamination in Korle and Kpeshie Lagoons, Ghana

Abstract. Clottey CA, Nukpezah D, Koranteng SS, Darko DA. 2021. Assessment of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals contamination in Korle and Kpeshie Lagoons, Ghana. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 6: 36-50. Lagoons are highly productive coastal systems that could provide natural services to the surrounding ecosystem; however, their pollutions cause adverse changes in their natural environment. Korle and Kpeshie Lagoons in Ghana receive waste from industries and municipal sewage. Controlling and monitoring contaminants in these systems is very important to environmental protection. This study examined the presence of heavy metals (arsenic, chromium, copper, cadmium, lead, and zinc) in sediments, crabs (Callinectes amnicola), and fish (Sarotherodon melanotheron) at Kpeshie and Korle Lagoons. Although lagoons are highly productive coastal systems that offer ecosystem services, their pollution has a negative impact on the surrounding environment. Municipal sewage and industrial waste are dumped into Ghana's Korle and Kpeshie Lagoons. Contaminant monitoring and control in these systems are crucial for environmental protection. The study compared the concentrations of the heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, and zinc) in sediments, crabs (C. amnicola), and fish (S. melanotheron) at Kpeshie and Korle Lagoons to the environmental standards set by international organizations like the WHO and US EPA. The sediments from the Korle and Kpeshie Lagoons had traces of contamination in the following metal concentrations in S. melanotheron: cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, and arsenic, in that order: As, 0.397 ± 0.07; Cd, 1.10 ± 1.31; Pb, 1.227 ± 5.77; Cu, 3.494 ± 4.56; Cr, 5.895 ± 9.76; Zn, 23.225 ± 10.93, and in C. amnicola: As, 0.288 ± 0.07 mgkg-1; Cd, 4.60 ± 2.69 mgkg-1; Cr, 39.521 ± 55.89 mgkg-1; Cu, 31.085 ± 16.26 mgkg-1; Pb, 10.902 ± 12.95 mgkg-1; Zn, 36.042 ± 17.8 mgkg-1. The sediments are severely polluted with Cd and Pb, according to pollution indices like pollution load index (PLI), contamination factor (Cf), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The FAO/WHO-allowable limit for cadmium, chromium, and lead was exceeded in C. amnicola and S. melanotheron. Consumption of C. amnicola and S. melanotheron does not appear to pose a potential non-carcinogenic health risk on an individual's daily basis. The estimated target hazard quotient (THQ) in Kpeshie Lagoon of Cd, Cr, and Pb of the fishery investigated was less than 1.

Health risk assessment of commercial fish and shrimp from the North Persian Gulf

BackgroundBioaccumulation of trace metals in the food web demands continuous monitoring of seafood safety. Here, the food safety of commercial fish bluespot mullet Crenimugil seheli, deep flounder Pseudorhombus elevates, and Jinga shrimp Metapenaeus affinis was assessed from commercial and industrial region of the West Bandar Abbas, the North Persian Gulf, for the first time. MethodsFor this purpose, concentrations of trace metals Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb, and their health risks were investigated. ResultsResults showed the average concentration of all trace metals in all species was below concentrations proposed by WHO/FAO/USEPA. The finding on risk assessment of three species indicated three species are safe for daily consumption. Long-term consumption of three species would not pose potential non-carcinogenic health risk. However, it would result in carcinogenic effects from the ingestion of trace metals Ni, Cr, and Cd. ConclusionsThe data emphasizes the need for the continuous monitoring in this industrial region in the future to manage and control pollutant sources and to ensure the quality of seafood.

Human risk assessment of toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) in marine fish from the Amazon

The present study evaluated As, Hg, Pb and Cd burdens in both ecologically and commercially important 314 marine fishes belonging to 47 species sampled along the Amazon Coast. We specifically investigated variations in these four elements among different habitats and their relationships with trophic position and estimated potential human health risk by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TR). Our analyses revealed that Hg concentrations in reef-associated fish were over 2-fold those recorded in demersal fish (p < 0.001). A stable isotope analysis indicated that most of the fish species analyzed herein are secondary consumers (i.e., TP > 2.9) and their trophic positions exhibited a significant negative correlation to As, Pb and Cd. Positive significant relationships were noted between As–Cd, As–Pb, As–Hg, Hg–Cd and Cd–Pb, suggesting that these elements exhibit similar dispersion properties and bioaccumulation homology, probably arising from natural fluvial inputs from the Amazon basin system. Detected As concentrations were higher than established guidelines and legal limits in 63.8% of the examined species (n = 30), whereas Cd, Hg and Pb levels were generally very low. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of iAs, Hg and Pb were above reference dose (RfD) in more almost half of species analyzed and HQ values were each found to pose potential non-carcinogenic health risks if high amounts are consumed over time. HI indicates that the determined elements attained levels considered as potential human health hazards trough consumption of eight cartilaginous fish. The TR values of iAs and Pb were higher than the guideline value and given this, individuals who continuously consume cartilaginous fish contaminated with the toxic elements determined here will likely be under increased cancer risks in the long term.

Road dust-driven elemental distribution in megacity Dhaka, Bangladesh: environmental, ecological, and human health risks assessment.

Road dust, which reflects ambient air quality, receives various pollutants including toxic metal(oid)s from several natural and/or anthropogenic sources. This manuscript reports a comprehensive evaluation of the levels of seventeen metal(oid)s in road dust of a megacity (Dhaka, Bangladesh). Different evaluation approaches were implemented including statistical analysis and GIS mapping, besides environmental, ecological, and human health risk indices. From 30 sampling sites, representative samples were collected, which were analyzed by neutron activation analysis. The average concentrations (± SD) of Na, Mg, Al, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Rb, Sb, Cs, Ba, and W were 11,738 ± 560µgg-1, 12,410 ± 1249µgg-1, 62,127 ± 5937µgg-1, 8.89 ± 0.47µgg-1, 5224 ± 1244µgg-1, 66 ± 8µgg-1, 66.7 ± 6.9µgg-1, 547 ± 110µgg-1, 25,150 ± 1723µgg-1, 8.39 ± 0.65µgg-1, 125 ± 17µgg-1, 3.63 ± 0.56µgg-1, 87 ± 9µgg-1, 0.75 ± 0.28µgg-1, 4.40 ± 0.48µgg-1, 397 ± 87µgg-1, and 3.82 ± 1.77µgg-1, respectively. The distance-based redundancy analysis showed that the northern region was enriched with Na, Mn, Al, Fe, Zn, and Rb, while the southern region was enriched with Fe, Al, Ti, Cr, and Mg. The GIS mapping shows hot spots of Sc, Cr, Zn, and Cs were observed mostly in heavy traffic areas. Significant positive correlations of Fe-Sc, Al-Mg, V-Mg, V-Al, Cs-Rb, Cs-Sc, Rb-Sc, As-Na, and Cs-Rb invoked their inter-dependency and persistence in road dust. Depending on a set of environmental and ecological index-based calculation, the degree of metal(oid) pollution followed the descending order as W > Sb > Zn > Cr > As > Ti > Sc > V, while no pollution was recorded by Mn, Fe, Al, Rb, Cs, Co, and Ba. Importantly, the total hazard index values for adults and children were higher than unity, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks from exposure of road dust. Furthermore, the total carcinogenic risks from Cr and As through ingestion and dermal contact exceeded the standard guideline values. The implementation of different evaluation approaches strengthens the findings of metal(oid) source apportionment.

Human Health Risks Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Oreochromis niloticus from a Tropical Reservoir

This study evaluated the human health risks of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Co and Ni in Oreochromis niloticus inhabiting Agodi reservoir in Ibadan, Nigeria. The metals’ concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of consumers from the intake of metals in the fish was evaluated by Health Risk Index (HRI), Health quotient (HQ) Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Target cancer risk (TR). The metal concentrations in the fish were below the recommended limit by Environmental Protection Agencies. HRI and HQ of each examined metal was greater than one, indicating that there was potential noncarcinogenic health risk associated with the consumption of the fish. However, the THQ and TR were less than one. This indicated that Oreochromis niloticus will not pose any immediate carcinogenic threat to its consumers. It is therefore recommended that only eco-friendly activities should be permitted in/around aquatic ecosystems especially Agodi reservoir in order to keep contaminants below safety limit.

Assessment of systemic and carcinogenic health risks of persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in four fruit vegetables in south-western Nigeria

PurposeThe study assessed the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in four regularly consumed fruit vegetables.Design/methodology/approachThe OCPs’ residues were quantified using a gas chromatograph coupled with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and the dietary exposure of children, and adult consumers to the detected OCPs was evaluated using carcinogenic and systemic health risk estimations.FindingsAldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, a-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and dieldrin were detected in the four fruit vegetables. The predominant OCP residue in carrot, cucumber, tomatoes and watermelon was endosulfan sulphate with mean concentrations of 2.532 mg kg−1, 1.729 mg kg−1, 2.363 mg kg−1 and 1.154 mg kg−1, respectively. The residues levels in some of the fruit vegetables were higher than their respective maximum residue levels (MRLs) of 0.01–0.05 mg kg−1 set by the European Commission with concentrations above MRLs ranging between 25.5% and 100%. The systemic health risk estimations showed that the hazard index (HI) values for carrot (3.20), cucumber (9.25), tomatoes (50.21) and watermelon (16.76) were >1 for children consumers and the respective HI values of 2.87, 15.57 and 5.20 for adult consumers of cucumber, tomatoes and watermelon were >1 which implies potential systemic health risks. Four carcinogens (aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide) had cancer risk index values greater than the acceptable risk of 1 in 1 million for both adult and children consumers.Originality/valueThe paper shows that despite the ban on the use of OCPs in Nigeria, they are still being used for agricultural production especially on some locally produced and regularly consumed fruit vegetables as reported in the present study. The non-existence of surveillance programmes on pesticide usage and the lack of proper monitoring of pesticide residues in food products including fruit and vegetables must have contributed to the levels of the detected OCP in the samples analysed. The current daily intake of OCP via contaminated vegetables may pose potential health risks to both the children and adult consumers of the fruit vegetables.