Target Hazard Quotient Values Research Articles

Determination of Trace Elements in Mushrooms by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Characterization of the Health Risk

Five wild edible mushroom species, namely, Macrolepiota mastoidea, Macrolepiota konradii, Macrolepiota procera, Suillus collinitus and Cuphophyllus pratensis, were studied for their trace element contents by inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The potential health risk assessments of children and adults were evaluated by the weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). None of the analyzed elements exceeded the THQ value more than 1, but the HI values indicated that M. mastoidea and S. collinitus may be dangerous to children’s health. The values of CR for As and Cd for children in all mushroom species were above 1 × 10−4 suggesting that there was a potential health risk. The CR values for adults suggest that all mushrooms may pose a threat to human health related to Cd.

Modified matrix solid phase dispersion-HPLC method for determination of pesticide residue in vegetables and their impact on human health: A risk assessment.

The use of pesticides is unavoidable in agricultural practices. This class of chemicals is highly toxic for the environment as well as for humans. The present work was carried out to assess the presence of some pesticides (diafenthiuron, lufenuron, azoxystrobin, difenoconazole, and chlorothalonil) residues in five of the very commonly used vegetables (eggplant, capsicum, apple gourd, cauliflower, and sponge gourd). Matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) technique was used to extract the pesticides and subsequently their quantification was performed through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) detector. The elution was accomplished at wavelength of 254nm by injecting 20µL of standards or samples into chromatographic system. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water (80:20 v/v), where the flow rate was adjusted at 1.0ml/min. The linearity was good (R 2 ≥ 0.994) over a concentration range from 20 to 100μg/ml for the investigated pesticides. The low detection limits showed a quite appreciable potential of the method to detect (1.12-1.61μg/L) and quantify (3.73-5.36μg/ml) the pesticides under study. The accuracy was demonstrated in terms of percent recovery which ranged between 88.5% and 116.9% for all the pesticides under investigation. These results justify the suitability of the technique for the intended purpose. The concentration of difenoconazole in apple gourd (20.97mg/kg), cauliflower (10.28mg/kg), and sponge gourd (40.32mg/kg) whereas diafenthiuron in cauliflower (0.66mg/kg) exceeded the maximum residue level (MRLs) as defined by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Target hazard quotient (THQ) values of difenoconazole and diafenthiuron (except for adults) were more than one which indicates the significant effect on human health on consumption of apple gourd, cauliflower, and sponge gourd.

Heavy Metals in Four Marine Fish and Shrimp Species from a Subtropical Coastal Area: Accumulation and Consumer Health Risk Assessment.

Trace-element or heavy-metal pollution has emerged as a serious concern in terms of both environmental and human health issues. This study measured six trace and toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in four marine fish and shrimp species to assess their accumulation levels and evaluate the risks to human health. The mean concentrations of the metals in fish and shrimp species (Labeo bata, Sillaginopsis panijus, Platycepalus fuscus, and Penaeus monodon) followed the decreasing order of Zn (40.8 ± 9.7 μg/g) > Cu (17.8 ± 7.1 μg/g) > Pb (6.2 ± 1.8 μg/g) > Ni (0.4 ± 0.3 μg/g) > Cd (0.06 ± 0.02 μg/g > Cr (below detection level). Among the metals, only Pb in finfish and Pb, Cu, and Zn in shrimp samples exceeded the national recommended limits, representing possible risks to consumers. The mean metal concentrations in the studied fish/shrimp species followed the descending order of P. monodon > S. panijus > P. fuscus > L. bata, which implies that bottom dwellers and omnivores had higher levels of metals. However, the estimated daily intake (EDI) concentrations of Zn and Cu for the studied species were lower than the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). In addition, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI or TTHQ) values for all species were < 1, indicating that consumers might not experience carcinogenic health risks. A strong significant (p < 0.05) correlation between Cu and Pb (r = 0.623) and Zn and Cu (r = -0.871) indicated they were from the same source of origin. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated possible anthropogenic sources of toxic metals in the study area, specifically industrial wastes and agricultural chemicals.

Distribution of Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in organs of three selected local fish species of Turag river, Bangladesh and impact assessment on human health

The current study estimates the contamination status of heavy metals in fish organs of three local fish species including Amblypharyngodon microlepis (Mola), Trichogaster chuna (Chuna Khalisha) and Annaldale Loach (Gutum fish) which were collected from Turag river during the months from January to March 2022. The heavy metal concentrations of river water and fish organs were assessed through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Heavy metals in river water was detected in the order of Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb > Cr while metal accumulation in the fish organs were detected in the order of Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Cd, Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd and Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd for Trichogaster chuna, Amblypharyngodon microlepis and Annaldale Loach respectively. Among the detected heavy metals, highest contamination factor (CF) of Zn (1.104198) in intestine and lowest CF of Cu (0.00315) was detected in muscle of Amblypharyngodon microlepis (Mola). On the other hand, highest CF of Cd (1.072772) in liver and lowest CF of Zn (0.0225016) in gill of Trichogaster chuna (Chuna Khalisha) was detected. In case of Annaldale Loach (Gutum fish), highest CF of Cu (0.304122) in liver and lowest CF of Zn (0.002593) in intestine was detected. The total target hazard quotients (TTHQ) values of Amblypharyngodon microlepis in liver (1.18816) exceeded allowable threshold of 1 while TTHQ values in the muscle (1.8862) and liver (1.03995) of Annaldale Loach (Gutum fish) surpassed the acceptable standard limit as well. The TTHQ values (Gill- 0.18764, Muscle- 2.1633, Intestine- 1.68741, liver- 1.03995, kidney- 1.82188) for all of the organs of Trichogaster chuna (Chuna Khalisha) exceeded the acceptable standard limit which indicated possible non-cancer risk for all consumers and some of the fishes found unsafe if they are consumed for a longer time. However, the target cancer risk (TCR) values indicated no potential cancer risks by consumption of those fishes. The regulatory authorities should pay more attention to reduce the river water contamination through industrial effluents which might affect public health.

Determination of Trace Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in Poultry Eggs from Jiangxi Province, China and the Corresponding Health Risk

The Cr, Mn, Cu, Se, Ni, As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Fe levels in chicken, duck, and quail eggs from Jiangxi Province were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the potential risks to human health were evaluated. The levels of trace elements from Jiangxi Province were not above the Chinese national standard. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for the elements and total THQ for a combination of trace elements were <1, suggesting the absence of health risk from trace elements. The carcinogenic risks (CRs) of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in all egg samples were negligible or within the acceptable range. These results demonstrate that trace element levels in eggs from Jiangxi Province of China were low and not associated with human health risk. In addition, levels of Fe and Zn were higher in quail eggs (30,166 and 172,356 μg·kg−1), chicken eggs (19,919 and 13,081 μg·kg−1), and duck eggs (27,123 and 14,422 μg·kg−1), suggesting that poultry eggs are good sources of trace elements essential to human health.

Essential and non-essential elements in lettuce produced on a rooftop urban garden in São Paulo metropolitan region (Brazil) and assessment of human health risks

This study evaluated the essential and non-essential elements in lettuce cultivated on a rooftop urban garden in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. In addition, the human health risks associated with the potentially toxic metals based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the possible sources of heavy metal contamination by multivariate statistical were analyzed. The lettuces contain essential macronutrients such as K, Ca, and Mg. The Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations did not exceed the Brazilian legislation limit. Ba, Ni, Cr, Co, and Pb presented low levels compared to oral reference dose and they may be associated to vehicles emissions. Both EDI and THQ values suggested minimal risk upon consumption of lettuce.

Monsoon Effect on Heavy Metal and Chemical Composition in Parastromateus niger of the Oman Sea: Health Risk Assessment of Fish Consumption.

This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals (copper, zinc, and lead) and chemical compositions (fat, protein, moisture, and ash) in the Parastromateus niger muscle of the Oman Sea in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine heavy metal concentrations in fish muscle tissue. Chemical composition contents were measured using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Zinc was the most abundant heavy metal in two seasons (0.077 ± 0.005μg/g), followed by copper (0.033 ± 0.005μg/g) and lead (0.015 ± 0.005μg/g). The mean concentrations of all heavy metals of muscle in pre-monsoon were higher than in post-monsoon. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb were lower than the maximum permissible limits (MPL) of international standards for human consumption established by FAO, FAO/WHO, WHO, and MAFF. The protein and fat content in fish muscle collected in pre-monsoon was higher than in post-monsoon. A significant difference between protein, fat, moisture, and ash values was recorded in two seasons (P < 0.05). The human health risk of heavy metals was evaluated according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of each heavy metal in two seasons was lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI). THQ (target hazard quotient) and TTHQ (total target hazard quotient) values were lower than the threshold limit of 1.0, indicating a non-carcinogenic risk for consumers. TR (target carcinogenic risk) value for Pb was much lower than the unacceptable risk level (10-4); therefore, the consumption of muscles of Parastromateus niger did not significantly pose a human health risk.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Cooking Methods on the Heavy Metal Levels in Crayfish Muscle.

The current study investigated the effects of various cooking styles (boiling, frying, and steaming) and seasoning methods (home cooking and ready-to-eat commodity) on levels of nine heavy metals in the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) muscle. The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), and target cancer risk (TCR) were used to assess the health risk in the crayfish muscle. The results showed that cooking processes significantly increased the concentration of Cu, which raises a potential risk for children (the THQ values > 1). The levels of toxic heavy metals in the ready-to-eat crayfish muscle were significantly higher than those in household cooking. Especially for As, the THQ values rose to 7.1 and 13.2 for adults and children respectively. Therefore, home cooking is safer than ready-to-eat crayfish, and children should consume crayfish within a limited range. The recommended consumption of the cooked abdominal muscle of crayfish should be 257 and 58g/day, for children (16kg) and adults (70kg), respectively.

Assessment of the potential health risks associated with six trace elements in halieutic products from the Mauritanian Atlantic coast

BackgroundHalieutic products are consumed widely and literature showed that they may be a major source of human exposure to various environmental contaminants such as trace elements. Mauritanian Atlantic coast is an importing fishing area, which is under anthropogenic pressure that could pollute the area. Our study focused on the determination of six trace elements (Cd; Hg; Pb; Cu; Fe and Zn) in the muscle of most consumed and worldwide-commercialized halieutic products (Sardinella aurita; Sardinella maderensis; Trachurus trachurus; Dentex angolensis; Mugil cephalus and Octopus vulgaris). Samples were collected from two sites with important anthropogenic activities (Nouakchott and Nouadhibou coast). MethodsThe presence of cadmium, lead, copper, iron and zinc was proceeded using ICP-OES technique, while the determination of mercury was carried out with a Direct Mercury Analyzer. ResultsLead was not detected in samples from Nouakchott coast; however, it was detected in two from five samples of O. vulgaris species collected from the Nouadhibou coast. Cd; Hg and Pb concentrations in all species were under the maximum residue level fixed by the European Commission regulation. The highest mean content of cadmium (0.06 mg kg−1) was detected in O. vulgaris and for mercury in S. maderensis (0.11 mg kg−1). The highest mean value of copper (10.91 mg kg−1) was obtained with M. cephalus whereas the highest of iron (229.10 mg kg−1) and zinc (11.28 mg kg−1) were found with S. aurita and T. trachurus respectively. To evaluate the potential health risks linked to the consumption of the studied fish product; the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) set by the US Environmental Protection Agency were used to estimate the non-carcinogenic risks. Results showed that S. aurita; S. maderensis; T. trachurus and D. angolensis have THQ and HI values that are under the tolerated limit. ConclusionResults of the current study indicate that the examined halieutic product from the Nouakchott and Nouadhibou coast have accepted concentrations of non-essential trace elements according to the limits set by the European Commission regulation. As regards the estimation of potential health risks, calculation showed no risk related to the consumption of the studied species in children and adults.

Excessive dietary Cr6+ had no adverse effect on mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) but provoke consumers health risk

Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is a metallic contaminant that in organisms and poses a great threat to biological health and ecology due to its toxicity and biomagnification. However, the potential health risks to mud crabs and humans from dietary excessive Cr6+ were currently unknown. Therefore, a 9-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of dietary Cr6+ levels (1.4, 77.5 and 312.2 mg/kg) for mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). The results indicated that dietary Cr6+ levels had no significant effect on growth performance for mud crab. Cr concentrations in hepatopancreas and muscle significantly increased with dietary Cr6+ levels increasing from 1.4 to 312.2 mg/kg. The antioxidant capacity of mud crab was enhanced by increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and scavenging capability for hydroxyl free radical (SCHR) to resist the Cr6+ toxicity. However, there was no statistical difference in the rate of apoptosis in hemocytes among all treatments. Expression levels of caspase 2 gene related to apoptosis in hemocytes significantly up-regulated with dietary Cr6+ level increasing from 1.4 to 312.2 mg/kg. For food safety, crabs fed diets with 77.5 and 312.2 mg/kg Cr6+ had target hazard quotient (THQ) values greater than 1 for the hepatopancreas, indicating a serious risk for human consumption. According to the target cancer risk (TCR) analysis, people who consumed muscle in mud crab fed diet with 312.2 mg/kg Cr6+ were at unacceptable cancer risk. Overall, the results of the present study indicated mud crab had a strong resistance to Cr6+ toxicity, and dietary excessive Cr6+ did not decline growth performance and survival, oxidative stress and apoptosis in mud crab. Excess Cr6+ were accumulated in tissues such as hepatopancreas and muscle, and consumption of crabs tissues fed diets with 77.5 and 312.2 mg/kg Cr6+ will provoke health and cancer risk in humans.

Evaluation of bee pollen from different botanical sources with elemental analysis

Bee pollen contains many nutrients, including minerals. Elements are minor substances of bee pollen, they play a crucial role in identifying its quality. As a food supplement, concentrations of essential macro and microelements, and harmful trace elements have to be verified to determine its quality and safety. This study aimed to identify the element contents of bee pollens from different botanic sources. Firstly, we applied melissopalynological analysis to find the botanical origins of bee pollen samples. Then, it was determined the concentrations of 13 elements in the samples. Element concentration was measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Potassium (K) occurred at the highest concentrations in samples (8666.67-9623.33), followed by magnesium (Mg) (808.08-672.08), sodium (Na) (263.00-349.67), calcium (Ca) (261.33-294), iron (Fe) (96.00-110), Zn (33.77-57.00), Manganese (Mn) (20.15-33.85), Copper (Cu) (5.27-9.60), Nickel (Ni) (1.13-2.48), Chromium (Cr) (1.95-2.20), Selenium (Se) (0.72-1.03) and Cobalt (Co) (0-008) respectively as mg kg-1. Target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI), and recommended daily allowance (RDA) values were calculated with these results. Considering the THQ values, it was determined that the consumption of bee pollen was safe for adults, but not suitable for consumption by children. At the same time it was concluded from this study that bee pollen can be a good mineral source in terms of essential elements, K, Mg, Se, Mn, Na, Ca, Fe, Cu., and Cr

Assessment of Pb and Ni and potential health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables grown on the roadside soils in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Vegetables cultivated near roads absorb toxic metals from polluted soil, which enter the human body through the food chain and cause serious health problems to humans. The present study investigated the concentration of lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) in soils and vegetables grown along the roadside of District Swat, Pakistan, and the health risks associated with the consumption of the tested vegetables. In results, Pb concentration was higher in plants located at the distance between 0-10m away from the roadside than the WHO permissible limit. In such plants, Pb concentration was higher than Ni. Rumex dentatus contained the highest concentration of Pb (75.63mgkg-1 DW) among the tested vegetables while Ni concentration (27.57mgkg-1 DW) was highest in Trachyspermum ammi as compared to other plants. Concentration and accumulation of both the metals decreased in soil and plants with increasing distance from the road. Similarly, target hazard quotient values noted for Pb (up to 3.37) were greater than unity, which shows that there is a potential risk associated with the consumption of tested vegetables near the road. Moreover, the values of target cancer risk (up to 0.8413) were greater than 0.0001, which shows that there is a risk of cancer with the consumption of tested vegetables. In conclusion, the consumption of tested vegetables was very dangerous as it may lead to higher risks of cancer. Strict regulatory control is recommended on the cultivation of these vegetables along the roadside to avoid any contamination due to roadside exhaust.

Bioaccumulation and human health risk assessment of some heavy metals in sediments, Sparus aurata and Salicornia europaea in Güllük Lagoon, the south of Aegean Sea.

In the current study, it was aimed to determine the sediment in Sparus aurata (Linnaeus 1758) tissues and Salicornia europaea L. Cu, Zn Fe, Hg, Cd, Pb and Mn concentration distributions in Güllük Lagoon which is located in the south of Aegean Sea and under the influence of anthropogenic activities by means of metal pollution and health indices and to investigate the effects of these metals on public health. The concentration range of Cu, Zn, Fe, Hg, Cd, Pb and Mn in sediment samples was determined as 12.16-26.00, 1.62-2.03, 7.77-8.36, 7.52-16.15, 0.071-0.40, 7.99-13.74 and 12.11-12.63mgkg-1, respectively. Cu and Hg concentrations in sediment were found to be higher than sediment quality guidelines standards. In addition, according to the enrichment factor (EF), Hg, Cd and Cu were found to show above moderate enrichment. Cu, Zn, Fe, Hg, Cd and Mn concentrations in S. aurata muscle tissue were 1.31 ± 2.30, 1.01 ± 0.24, 3.43 ± 0.75, 2.79 ± 0.85, 0.01 ± 0.01 and 1.80 ± 1.12mgkg-1, respectively. S. europaea heavy metals (HMs) concentrations were determined as Cu = 10.97 ± 3.20, Zn = 0.74 ± 0.62, Fe = 5.69 ± 0.22, Hg = 9.62 ± 8.84, Cd = 0.53 ± 0.33, Pb = 0.22 ± 0.26 and Mn = 8.61 ± 0.14mgkg-1. It was seen that Hg in S. aurata muscle tissue and Hg in S. europaea concentrations exceeded the limit values determined for consumption purposes. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values were found to be < 1 for S. aurata and S. europaea. When all these results were considered, it was determined that the metals that could pose a potential ecological and health risk were Hg, Cd and Cu in the study area.

Toxic and essential elements in selected fish species from the Tigris River (Turkey) and assessment of their health risks and benefits

The distribution of 18 toxic and essential elements (TEEs) (Sr, As, Ba, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ca, Cd, K, Co, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Cr and Zn) was investigated in tissues/organs of three fish species showing similar feeding habits from the Tigris River. The findings revealed that concentrations of TEEs in fish depend on the species. The highest contents of most TEEs were recorded in the gills followed by the liver, skin and muscle. Generally, inverse relationships were recorded between fish size and TEEs in tissues of fish species which may be explained by the lower metabolic rate and dilution effect of higher lipid content in the bigger fish. The average contents of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn and inorganic As in muscle tissues of fish species were below the permissible limits. The estimated daily intakes of Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr, Zn, inorganic As, Cd, Co, Cr and Pb were much lower than the reference doses set by USEPA. The target hazard quotient and hazard index values were below 1, indicating that non-carcinogenic health effects are unlikely to occur. The carcinogenic risk values for inorganic As were below 10−6, indicating no carcinogenic health risks for consumers. It was found that daily consumption of 230 g of fish would not be expected to cause any health risks. In addition, it was found that fish species would provide great benefits considering intake of essential elements. These findings revealed that nutritional benefits from consumption of fish species outweighed the health risks posed by toxic elements in fish.

Heavy metal accumulation in a bioindicator species, Limpet Patella caerulea, in Yalova (İzmit Bay): Risk assessment for human health

In this study, monthly heavy metal concentrations in the whole-body tissue of Patella caerulea (Mediterranean limpets), a bioindicator species living in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Izmit (Marmara Sea), were examined for the first time. The mean metal concentrations in Patella caerulea (mg kg-1 dw) were 2.01–5.74 Cd, 2.45–12.90 Cu, 0.74–1.95 Pb, 21.12–109.57 Zn, 16.31–154.67 Ni, and 1120.67–3086.00 Fe. Cd levels in all months and Pb levels in October and November were found to be above the safe limits set by international organizations. The estimated daily intakes and estimated weekly intakes determined for each heavy metal were below the acceptable daily intakes and provisional tolerable weekly intakes. However, the target hazard quotient and total target hazard quotient values calculated for Cd, Ni, and Fe were found to be higher than 1. The carcinogenic risk value was also found to be high.

Fast Detection of Cadmium in Chocolate by Solid Sampling Electrothermal Vaporization Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Its Application on Dietary Exposure Risk Assessment.

In this work, a rapid detection method using solid sampling electrothermal vaporization atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-ETV-AAS) was established for cadmium in chocolate. The instrumental system includes a solid sampling ETV unit, a catalytic pyrolysis furnace, an AAS detector, and a gas supply system with only an air pump and a hydrogen generator. Herein, MgO material with 1.0–1.5 mm particle size was first employed to replace the kaolin filler previously used to further shorten the peak width and to thereby improve the sensitivity. With 350 mL/min of air, a chocolate sample was heated for 25 s from 435 to 464 °C to remove water and organic matrices; then, after supplying 240 mL/min hydrogen and turning down air to 120 mL/min, a N2/H2 mixture gas was formed to accelerate Cd vaporization from chocolate residue under 465 to 765 °C. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit (LOD) was obviously lowered to 70 pg/g (vs. previous 150 pg/g) with R2 > 0.999; the relative standard deviations (RSD) of repeated measurements for real chocolate samples ranged from 1.5% to 6.4%, indicating a favorable precision; and the Cd recoveries were in the range of 93–107%, proving a satisfied accuracy. Thus, the total analysis time is less than 3 min without the sample digestion process. Thereafter, 78 chocolate samples with different brands from 9 producing countries in China market were collected and measured by this proposed method. Based on the measured Cd concentrations, a dietary exposure assessment was performed for Chinese residents, and the target hazard quotient (THQ) values are all less than 1, proving no significant health risk from intaking chocolate cadmium for Chinese residents.

Pollution Evaluation and Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Eleven Tissues of Mylopharyngodon piceus Collected from an Aquaculture Pond in Huzhou, near Southern Taihu Lake

Pollution evaluation and health risk assessment are critical procedures for residents consuming black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) contaminated with non-essential hazardous trace elements in an artificial wetland also known as an aquaculture pond. Samples were collected, dissected and digested to analyze the pollution status and health risk associated with four heavy metals present in eleven tissues of black carp fish based on the metal pollution index (MPI) and target hazard quotient (THQ). The results indicated that the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were 1.36 ± 0.04 mg/kg, 13.70 ± 0.50 mg/kg, 2.85 ± 0.10 mg/kg, and 4.98 ± 0.18 mg/kg in large black carp, while the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were 4.27 ± 0.08 mg/kg, 50.84 ± 0.82 mg/kg, 9.33 ± 0.18 mg/kg, and 22.49 ± 0.42 mg/kg in small specimens. The MPI values showed that the heavy metal pollution detected in small fish was much more significant than in large fish. Notably, the polluted metals were more likely to accumulate in the viscera (e.g., brain and heart) rather than in the external tissues (e.g., muscle and epidermis). In addition, the estimated THQ and HI values for three edible tissues demonstrated that the health risk associated with muscle tissue intake of both small and large black carp was within the acceptable range, while the contaminants were likely to pose health risks associated with the consumption of fish head tissue. Small black carp are generally not fit for human consumption, thus both the epidermis and muscle of the fish are often cooked in China. However, the ingestion of large black carp is relatively safe. The contributions to THQ values of these four heavy metals decreased in the following sequence: Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Cd &gt; Cu. Cr is the critical pollutant with its contribution to HI values measuring over 50%. We suggest that in artificial wetlands (e.g., aquaculture ponds) more attention should be paid to heavy metal pollution, the conservation of the aquaculture ecosystem, and effects on human health.

Elemental profile of food aids and mineral provision for pregnant and lactating refugee women

In this study, the levels of Al, As, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr and Zn were determined in 56 composite samples of food aids using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It also looked at the potential of food aids on mineral provision for pregnant and lactating women (PLW). The mean mineral contents in cereals were 46.3–378 mg kg-1 for Ca, 24.6–64.4 mg kg-1 for Fe, 2752–4072 mg kg-1 for K, 774–1510 mg kg-1 for Mg, and 14.1–26.1 mg kg-1 for Zn. Cereals presented low dietary significance for K, Ca and Zn as a daily portion (450 g) could only provide between 5% and 69% of Adequate Intake (AI) or Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for PLW. Conversely, corn soya blend (CSB) and pulses appear to play a key role in mineral intakes. However, the existing daily ration for pulses demonstrated little importance to complement dietary K and Ca deficits. Fortunately, Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were low enough to guarantee no potential health risks associated with several toxic elements. Overall, it was observed that the food aids do not provide sufficient amount of selected minerals for PLW.

Health-risk Assessment and Evaluation of Different Metals in Different Tea Products Consumed in Jordan Using ICP-MS and ICP-OES

This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements in black, green, white and oolong tea samples in different brands that are widely consumed in Jordan to assess the health risk associated with their consumption. Inductively Coupled Plasma equipped with Mass Spectrometry and Optical Emission Spectrophoto¬metry (ICP-MS/OES) were used for analysis after sample preparation. The mean concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Pb, Sn, Cd, Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na were found to be in the range of not detected to 135.4 mg/kg and 0.10–389.93 mg/kg for both infused and digested samples, respectively. The daily intake of Ca, K, Na and Mg was found in the range of 0.31–9.03% of their Recommended Dietary Intake (RDA). The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Target Cancer Risk (TR) were used for the assessment of health risks associated with the metals’ intake. THQ, HI and TR values of all elements were found to be below the allowable limits determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agent (US-EPA), suggesting that the consumption of different tea products from the Jordanian market does not pose a significant risk to human health.

Comparison of the health risks associated with exposure to toxic metals and metalloids following consumption of freshwater catches in China

Crayfish, carp, and crab threaten the consumer’s health due to the enrichment of the toxic elements. The concentration of the toxic elements (As, Cr, Cd, and Pb) in these aquatics was less investigated simultaneously in situ. In this study, the toxic elements in these aquatics from the same site of Hanchuan, Hubei Province, China were measured by ICP-MS to assess the enrichment of the four toxic elements in them and the health risk to the consumer. The results showed that the concentrations of these elements in muscle were lower than those in hepatopancreas/ liver, except for Cr in crayfish. Furthermore, the concentrations of Cd in the hepatopancreas of crayfish and crab exceeded the standards of China and the European Union. Accordingly, the hepatopancreas of crayfish and crab are not recommended for consumption. The estimated daily intake of these elements in the muscle of crayfish, carp, and crab did not exceed the provisional tolerable daily intakes, the corresponding target hazard quotient (THQ), and the cancer risk (CR) values for As were lower than 1 and 1 × 10–6, respectively. However, the accumulated consumption of the muscle of the three freshwater catches could result in a significant increase in the total THQ value. The total ingestion of the muscle of these catches should be limited. Collectively, these findings may renew interest in food safety and the health risk to humans owing to the consumption of freshwater catches.