Target Hazard Quotient Values Research Articles

Bioaccumulation of Lead and Mercury in Water, Sediment, and Fish Samples of Baraila Lake, Vaishali, Bihar.

In the current study, a protected subtropical wetland in Bihar (India), Baraila Lake, was investigated for heavy metal (Pb and Hg) status. These metals tend to bioaccumulate in fish, posing a concern to human health. This study reported the concentration of lead and mercury in water, sediment, and fish muscles of Baraila Lake in the year 2022. The samples were collected from pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons at four sampling locations, i.e., Loma, Dhulwar, Chakaiya, and Kawai Baraila, and were analyzed in triplicates. Lead concentration in water samples of all four sites of Baraila Lake observed during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season exceeded the permissible limit for drinking water, while the mercury concentration of all sites was under the permissible limit in both seasons as prescribed by WHO. The extent of elemental pollution was evaluated using the Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (Cd), ecological risk factor (Er), and the potential ecological risk index (Ri). Lead concentration in fish muscles of both seasons exceeded the permissible limit, while the concentration of mercury exceeded in Xenentodon cancila (0.55 ± 0.07µg/g) during the pre-monsoon season. Also, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated in different fish muscles to assess potential human health risks. A higher THQ value of 1303 was observed in carnivore fish during the pre-monsoon season.

Microelements, Fatty Acid Profile, and Selected Biomarkers in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Muscle Tissue: Seasonal Variations and Health Risk Assessment

AbstractThe study assesses associations between microelement levels, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stress markers in grass carp muscle in the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, various factors were considered, including the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and metal pollution index (MPI), to evaluate potential health risks for consumers. The microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and total mercury was determined using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Fatty acid profiling was realized using gas chromatography (GC) detection with a flame ionization detector (FID). The overall tendency of microelement levels was as follows: Fe > Zn > Al > Sr > Ba > Ni > Se > Cr> Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Li > Hg; <LOQ (below limit of quantification): Cd, and Co. The correlation analysis between concentrations of trace elements (Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Li, Sr, Zn, and Hg) and the fatty acids (C16:0, C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C20:4n6c, EPA, and DHA), as well as between Al, Ba, Fe, or Hg and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase—SOD, glutathione peroxidase—GPx, or total antioxidant status—TAS), revealed statistically significant interactions in different seasons. THQ values were lower than 1; TTHQ values ranged from 0.27 to 0.76. The main toxic elements forming TTHQ were Hg and Ni (49%). The calculated health risk assessment indices indicate a low concentration of observed elements and low risks associated with the consumption of grass carp muscle from the tested location, although concentrations and THQ of mercury and nickel may be of slight concern.

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.

Speciation analysis of arsenic in honey using HPLC-ICP-MS and health risk assessment of water-soluble arsenic

It is well known that arsenic is one of the most toxic elements. However, measuring total arsenic content is not enough, as it occurs in various forms that vary in toxicity. Since honey can be used as a bioindicator of environmental pollution, in the present study the concentration of arsenic and its species (As(III), As(V), DMA, MMA and AsB) was determined in honey samples from mostly Poland and Ukraine using HPLC-ICP-MS hyphenated technique. The accuracy of proposed methods of sample preparation and analysis was validated by analyzing certified reference materials. Arsenic concentration in honey samples ranged from 0.12 to 13 μg kg-1, with mean value of 2.3 μg kg-1. Inorganic arsenic forms, which are more toxic, dominated in honey samples, with Polish honey having the biggest mean percentage of inorganic arsenic species, and Ukrainian honey having the lowest. Furthermore, health risks resulting from the consumption of arsenic via honey were assessed. All Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values, for total water-soluble arsenic and for each form, were below 1, and all Carcinogenic Risk (CR) values were below 10-4, which indicates no potential health risks associated with consumption of arsenic via honey at average or recommended levels.

Risk Assessment and Sources Apportionment of Toxic Metals in Two Commonly Consumed Fishes from a Subtropical Estuarine Wetland System.

The widespread occurrence of heavy metals in aquatic environments, resulting in their bioaccumulation within aquatic organisms like fish, presents potential hazards to human health. This study investigates the concentrations of five toxic heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Cr) and their potential health implications in two economically important fish species (Otolithoides pama and Labeo bata) from a subtropical estuarine wetland system (Feni estuary, Bangladesh). Muscle and gill samples from 36 individual fish were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The results revealed that the average quantities of heavy metals in both fishes' muscle followed the declining order of Zn (109.41-119.93 mg/kg) > Cu (45.52-65.43 mg/kg) > Hg (1.25-1.39 mg/kg) > Pb (0.68-1.12 mg/kg) > Cr (0.31-5.82 mg/kg). Furthermore, Zn was found to be present in the highest concentration within the gills of both species. While the levels of Cu, Zn, and Cr in the fish muscle were deemed acceptable for human consumption, the concentrations of Pb and Hg exceeded the permissible limits (>0.5 mg/kg) for human consumption. Different risk indices, including estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic or target risk (TR), revealed mixed and varying degrees of potential threat to human health. According to the EDI values, individuals consuming these fish may face health risks as the levels of Zn, Cu, and Cr in the muscle are either very close to or exceed the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) threshold. Nevertheless, the THQ and HI values suggested that both species remained suitable for human consumption, as indicated by THQ (<1) and HI (<1) values. Carcinogenic risk values for Pb, Cr, and Zn all remained within permissible limits, with TR values falling below the range of (10-6 to 10-4), except for Zn, which exceeded it (>10-4). The correlation matrix and multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) findings revealed that Pb and Cr primarily stemmed from natural geological backgrounds, whereas Zn, Cu, and Hg were attributed to human-induced sources such as agricultural chemicals, silver nanoparticles, antimicrobial substances, and metallic plating. Given the significance of fish as a crucial and nutritious element of a balanced diet, it is essential to maintain consistent monitoring and regulation of the levels and origins of heavy metals found within it.

Quality Evaluation, health risk Assessment, and geographic origin tracing of Ophiocordyceps sinensis through mineral element analysis

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (OS) is a unique and precious medicinal fungus endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, growing underground for the majority of its lifecycle. The mineral composition of OS is a distinctive feature, yet there is currently a lack of comprehensive mineral profiles. The concerns regarding excessive heavy metals and associated health risks significantly impact the development of the OS industry. Furthermore, OS samples from various production areas exhibit distinct qualities, resulting in significant price differences. Mineral profiles hold great potential for origin tracing. Consequently, there is an urgent need for quality evaluation, health risk assessment, and geographic origin tracing of OS by mineral element analysis. Here, 96 OS samples were collected from the representative producing areas in China to investigate their mineral profiles by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Potassium (K) was found to be the most abundant mineral in the OS samples, with a mean content of 10.73 g/kg. High levels of phosphor (P), sulfur (S) and magnesium (Mg) were also detected with concentrations exceeding 1 g/kg. The mean concentrations of total arsenic in all OS samples were determined to be 8.33 mg/kg. The OS from Nagqu exhibited a relatively high quality with lower levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic. Health risk assessment based on the total target hazard quotient (THQ) value of heavy metals of Zn, Mn, Fe, copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), Pb and Cd indicated that consumption of OS from China did not pose an obvious risk to human health at the ingestion rate declared by the Chinese Pharmacopeia. Finally, three orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were constructed using 75 samples to trace the geographic origins. These models successfully authenticated OS samples from six producing areas and confirmed by 21 blind test samples with 90.48 % accuracy. These results affirmed that OS from different regions possessed distinct metal profiles, which could be utilized to authenticate the geographic origins of O. sinensis.

Copper in Commercial Marine Fish: From Biomonitoring to the ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Method

The presence of potentially harmful metals in commercially available saltwater fish has been extensively documented in scientific literature. This has demonstrated the significance of monitoring the crucial copper (Cu) levels in fish fillets from a perspective focused on human health risks (HHR). This study aimed to evaluate the human health risk (HHR) associated with the presence of Cu in 40 different species of commercial marine fish purchased from Malaysia. The fish samples were gathered from various sources from April to May 2023. The 40 species of commercial marine fish had concentrations of Cu (0.72–82.3 mg/kg dry weight) that fell below acceptable levels defined by seafood safety recommendations. Therefore, these fish are considered good sources of the essential element. The target hazard quotient values for Cu were below 1, suggesting that the hazards of Cu from fish eating are non-carcinogenic. Furthermore, it was discovered that the computed values for the predicted weekly consumption were lower than the defined provisional tolerated weekly intake of Cu. Consuming fish purchased from Malaysia is unlikely to harm consumers’ necessary copper intake. However, it is crucial to consistently monitor the safety of consumers who heavily depend on commercially caught marine fish from Malaysia. This monitoring is an essential aspect of implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, which industries are concerned about and report on annually.

Proximate analysis, levels of trace heavy metals and associated human health risk assessments of Ethiopian white sugars

In this study, white sugar samples collected from five Ethiopian sugar manufacturing plants were analyzed for their proximate composition, and trace heavy metals level (Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb). Human health risk assessments associated with heavy metals exposure from white sugar ingestion were also assessed. Proximate analysis was conducted according to AOAC methods. For heavy metals determination, the sugar samples were digested using a mixture of HNO3, HClO4 and H2O2 (4:3:1) at 250 °C for 3 h prior to FAAS analysis. The measured mean values (%) of proximate parameters including moisture, ash, fiber, protein, fat and carbohydrate were found in the range of 0.07–0.61, 2.56–4.33, 0.06–0.24, 0.78–1.49, 1.16–1.89 and 92.13–95.03, respectively. The average concentration of heavy metals found in the sugar samples were ranged as 1.366–12.502, 0.107–0.268, 0.099–0.842, 0.458–1.000, 10.140–25.480, 0.053–0.322, 0.427–0.827 and 0.074–0.528 in mg/kg for Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb, respectively. All the studied metals are below FAO/WHO permissible limit except Cd and Pb in Kessem, Fincha'a and Metahara samples. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values are <1, indicating no non-carcinogenic risks of the heavy metals to an adult population via consumption of white sugar. However, the single element incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) occurrence is probable from Ni for samples obtained from Kessem sugar factory (ILCR>1.0 × 10−4). The cumulative ILCR of heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb) resulting from consumption of white sugar by an adult person reveal a potential adverse cancer risk (ILCR>1.0 × 10−4) for all the studied samples except for sugar samples obtained from Wonji sugar factory. Therefore, continuous monitoring of these toxic metals should be made mainly by sugar industries and responsible government regulatory bodies to avert heavy metal toxicity associated with white sugar consumption in Ethiopia.

Spatial distribution of heavy metal abundance at distance gradients of roadside agricultural soil from the busiest highway in Bangladesh: A multi-index integration approach

Bangladesh is currently experiencing significant infrastructural development in road networking system through the construction or reconstruction of multiple roads and highways. Consequently, there is a rise in traffic intensity on roads and highways, along with a significant contamination of adjacent agricultural soils with heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ecological risk, health risk and the abundance of seven heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Ni) in three distance gradients (0, 300, and 500 m) of agricultural soil along the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. The concentration of heavy metals was measured with an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) on a total of 36 soil samples that were taken from 12 different sampling sites. Based on the findings, Cd had a high contamination factor for all distance gradients, whereas Cr had a moderate contamination factor in 67% of the study areas. According to the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Cd, Cr, and Pb were the predominant pollutants. Principal component analysis (PCA) result shows these metals mainly came from anthropogenic sources. The considerable positive correlations between Cu–Pb, Cu–Cd, Pb–Cd, and Cr–Ni all pointed to shared anthropogenic origins. As per Potential Ecological Risk Assessment (PERI) analysis, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni each contribute significantly and pose a moderate threat. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for all pathways of exposure to Pb and Cr in soils were more than 1, which would pose a significant risk to human health in the following order: THQadult female > THQadult male > THQchildren. This study will help to evaluate the human health risk and develop a better understanding of the heavy metal abundance scenario in the agricultural fields adjacent to this highway.

Cadmium and lead accumulation in important food crops due to wastewater irrigation: Pollution index and health risks assessment

The contamination of farm soils with heavy metals (HMs) has raised significant concerns due to the increased bioavailability and accumulation of HMs in agricultural food crops. To address this issue, a survey experiment was conducted in the suburbs of Multan and Faisalabad to investigate the spatial distribution, bioaccumulation, translocation, and health risks of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in agricultural crops. The results show a considerable concentration of Cd and Pb in soils irrigated with wastewater, even though these levels were below the permissible limits in water and soil matrices. The pollution index for Cd was mostly greater than 1 at the selected sites, indicating its accumulation in soil over time due to wastewater irrigation. Conversely, the pollution index for Pb was below 1 at all sites. Among the plants, Zea mays accumulated the highest concentration of Cd and Pb. The translocation factor from soil to root was highest for Brassica olearecea (7.037 for Cd) and Zea mays (6.383 for Pb). The target hazard quotient (THQ) value of Cd exceeded the non-carcinogenic limit for most vegetables. The highest value was found in Allium cepa (5.256) and the lowest in Allium sativum (0.040). In contrast, the THQ level of Pb was below the non-carcinogenic limit for most vegetables, except for Allium cepa (1.479), Solanum lycopersicum (1.367), and Solanum tuberosum (1.326). The study highlights that Allium cepa poses the highest health risk for humans, while Medicago sativa poses the highest risk for animals due to Cd and Pb contamination. These results underscore the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate the health risks associated with HM contamination in crops and soils.

Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis from Arctic: Its Biochemical Composition, Antiradical Potential, and Human Health Risk.

Ascophyllum nodosum is a brown seaweed common in Arctic tidal waters. We have collected A. nodosum samples from the Barents Sea (BS), Irminger Sea (IS), and Norwegian Sea (NS) in different reproductive stages and have evaluated their biochemical composition, radical scavenging potential, and health risks. The total content of dominating carbohydrates (fucoidan, mannitol, alginate, and laminaran) ranged from 347 mg/g DW in NS to 528 mg/g DW in BS. The proportion of two main structural monosaccharides of fucoidan (fucose and xylose) differed significantly between the seas and reproductive phase, reaching a maximum at the fertile phase in the BS sample. Polyphenols and flavonoids totals were highest in NS A. nodosum samples and increased on average in the following order: BS < IS < NS. A positive correlation of free radical scavenging activity for seaweed extracts with polyphenols content was observed. The concentration of elements in A. nodosum from the Arctic seas region was in the following order: Ca > Mg > Sr > Fe > Al > Zn > As total > Rb > Mn > Ba > Cu > Co. Seaweeds from BS had the lowest metal pollution index (MPI) of 38.4. A. nodosum from IS had the highest MPI of 83. According to the calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values, Arctic A. nodosum samples pose no carcinogenic risk to adult and child health and are safe for regular consumption. Our results suggest that the Arctic A. nodosum has a remarkable potential for food and pharmaceutical industries as an underestimated source of polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoids.

Determination and health risk assessment of heavy metals in chicken meat and edible giblets in Tehran, Iran

BackgroundHeavy metals are considered significant threats to public health, and they can accumulate in different parts of chickens, which are popular and affordable protein sources for the Iranian people. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to determine the concentration of seven heavy metals, encompassing arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn), in 150 samples of chicken meat, liver, and gizzard in Tehran, Iran, using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Furthermore, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with consuming these metals in chicken tissue were assessed. Results: The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Cu, Fe, and Zn in the meat were 0.03, 0.008, 0.007, 0.008, 0.49, 6.15, 4.2 mg.kg−1, in the liver, 0.03, 0.058, 0.011, 0.028, 4.81, 120.02, 17.95 mg.kg−1, and in the gizzard, 0.019, 0.018, 0.0072, 0.011, 1.22, 24.25, 14.36 mg.kg−1, respectively. The highest metal contents were found in the liver. The lowest amounts of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn were found in the meat, and the minimum contents of Pb were detected in the gizzard. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values in 100 % of cases were less than one and at an acceptable level. In 54 % of cases, cancer risk (CR) values were higher than 10−4 and unacceptable. ConclusionsChicken consumption by adults and children may pose a significant health risk, and heavy metal monitoring in other protein sources is necessary for human safety.

Detection, distribution, and health risk assessment of heavy metals in wild catfish sold in Maiduguri Metropolis of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria

Heavy metals (HMs) are naturally occurring elements with high atomic weights and a density at least five times greater than water. HMs can be released into the soil, water, and air through industrial, domestic, agricultural run-offs, medical and technological activities. Thirty wild fresh catfish were bought from two major fish markets in Maiduguri (Custom and Monday markets). Zinc (Zn) and Arsenic (As) were determined by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptivestatistics and independent sample t-tests. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of the metals was calculated, and the target cancer risk (TCR), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) was derived. The mean concentration (mg/Kg ± SD) of Zn in the liver (0.26 ± 0.32) was higher compared to that in muscle (0.22 ± 0.27), but this was not statistically different (t (58) = 0.608, p = 0.545). However, the mean concentration of As in the liver (0.27 ± 0.33) was lower compared to that in the muscle (0.28 ± 0.23), but this was not statistically different (t (52) = -0.003, p = 0.997). Although, no significant statistical difference, the mean concentration ranking of Zn based on the Fish market was Monday market &gt; custom market, while that of As was custom market &gt; Monday market. EDI values were within tolerable limits. TCR, THQ, and HI values obtained were below the threshold of 1. In conclusion, HMs (Zn and As) were detected in the liver and muscle of all fish samples tested at a lower rate compared to their Maximum Permissible Limits (MPLs) set by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, because of their non-degradable nature and tendency to bio-accumulate in fish tissues and organs, it can be concluded that long-term consumption poses a greater Public Health risk of HMs intoxications in the study area. Therefore, fish consumers should be enlightened more about the harmful effects of HM toxicity by relevant health authorities.

Investigation of heavy metals in tissues and habitats of three edible frogs from Türkiye.

The soil, water, and organisms have been contaminated by heavy metals due to human activities and industrialization, which has produced a major environmental problem that has a deleterious effect on human health and food quality. Frogs, one of the good bioindicators for environmental pollution, are also among the alternative essential protein sources for humans. In Türkiye, three of these frogs are edible: Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax bedriagae, and Pelophylax caralitanus, also known as Anatolian water frogs. Hence, to assess the possible health risks that might result from consuming frog legs in addition aquatic habitat of Anatolian water frogs, the water, sediment, and frog tissue samples (muscle and liver) were obtained from 11 different provinces covering all regions of Türkiye and analyzed to determine Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, and As concentrations. The results revealed considerable variations in heavy metal concentrations among frog tissues, influenced by the sampling sites and species (ANOVA: p < 0.05). The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values, calculated based on the average serving size, were also lower than the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI) levels for adult consumers. Furthermore, the study computed the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for heavy metals, all of which were below the critical value of 1, indicating that consuming the hind leg muscles from these frog species would not pose an adverse health risk for humans.

Level of Heavy Metals in Fish and Associated Human Health Risk From the Omo Delta in Southern Ethiopia: A First-Hand Report.

This study was the first to investigate the levels of heavy metals in commercially important fish species (Lates niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus) and the human health risk in Southern Ethiopia. Sixty fish samples were collected from the Omo delta. The target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target cancer risk (TCR) were used to estimate the human health risks. The mean levels of heavy metals detected in the liver and muscle of Lates niloticus generally occurred in the order of Fe> Zn > Pb > Cu >Mn> Cr > Co > Ni and Fe > Pb > Zn >Mn > Cu > Co > Cr >Ni, respectively. Similarly, the mean levels of iron in the muscle and liver tissues of Oreochromis niloticus were in the order of Fe > Pb > Zn >Mn> Cu > Cr > Co > Ni and Pb > Fe > Zn >Mn> Co > Cu > Ni, respectively. The THQs in the muscle of L. niloticus and O. niloticus decreased in the order Pb > Cr > Cu >Mn> Co > Zn > Fe> Ni and Pb >Mn> Co > Cu > Zn > Ni> Fe respectively. Pb had the highest THQ value in L. niloticus and O. niloticus, which were 0.61 and 0.409, respectively in adult. Similarly, Pb had noted that, L. niloticus and O. niloticus had the highest THQ values, at 0.87 and 0.58, respectively in children. The HI values due to consumption of L. niloticus muscle were 0.668 for adults and 0.942 for children. The mean concentrations of Pb and Cr in the tissues of L. niloticus and O. niloticus were above the FAO/WHO permissible limits. Consequently, investigating heavy metal pollution levels in fish and human health risks from the Omo delta is imperative for addressing environmental and public health concerns.

Ecological and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation in Ganges Fish Near Varanasi, India.

Heavy metal contamination in river Ganga is one of the factors for deterioration in its water quality and also adds to human health risks. We designed our study to achieve a holistic approach by not only estimating the concentration of heavy metals (lead, manganese, chromium, and cadmium) in the river water at different sites based on human anthropogenic activities but also in the fishes residing in the same sites that are collected for human consumption on daily basis. We found that Ganga River in Varanasi is highly loaded with metals (PLI = 6.698). Mean concentration in water was 1.29mg/L for Pb, 1.325mg/L for Mn, 0.169mg/L for Cr, and 0.161mg/L for Cd, which were above the permissible limits stated by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in drinking water. Fish, including exotic and invasive species, were collected from the wild and were processed for the presence of these metals in their tissues. Degree of heavy metal concentration followed liver > gills > muscles. The highest accumulation of Pb was observed in Carpio (Cyprinus carpio) liver (8.86µg/g) and lowest in Baikari (Clupisoma garua) muscles (0.07µg/g). Total target hazard quotient (THQ) value, i.e., hazard index (HI) showed values in following sequence: Cyprinus carpio > Oreochromis niloticus > Channa gachua > Johnius coitor > Mastacembelus armatus > Mystus tengara > Clupisoma garua. Maximum HI value was recorded in C. carpio, which is highly consumed fish by humans, hence, may be harmful to them.

Uptake of toxic and nutrient elements by foraged edible and medicinal mushrooms (sporocarps) throughout Connecticut River Valley, New England, USA.

Foraging for edible and medicinal mushrooms is a cultural and social practice both globally and in the United States. Determining the toxic and nutrient element concentrations of edible and medicinal mushrooms is needed to ensure the safe consumption of this food source. Our research examined wild, foraged mushrooms in New England, USA to assess nutrient (Ca, K, Mg, P) and toxic (As, Hg, Pb, Cd) element relationships between mushrooms, substrates, and soils. We examined a gradient in nutrient and toxic elements from more rural Mountain and Hill Zones in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire to more developed and urban Valley and Coastal Zones in Connecticut. Substrates and mineral soils were moderate to weak predictors of mushroom tissue concentrations. We found significant differences in nutrient and toxic element concentration among the five common genera: Ganoderma, Megacollybia, Pluteus, Pleurotus, and Russula. In particular, Pluteus had consistently higher toxic element concentrations while Pleurotus and Russula had the highest Bioaccumulation Factors (BAFs). We found that the urban areas of the Valley and Coastal zones of Connecticut had Cd Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values and ΣTHQ values > 1.0, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health hazard. However, the trend was largely driven by the > 2.0 Cd THQ for Pluteus. Our results suggest that foraging in more urban areas can still yield mushrooms with safe concentrations of toxic elements and abundant nutrients. Further research of this kind needs to be conducted within this region and globally to ensure humans are consuming safe, foraged mushrooms.

Health risk associated with soil and plant contamination in industrial areas

AimsThe aim of the study was to assess human health risk stemming from i) contact with contaminated soil and ii) consumption of plants growing in contaminated soils in allotment gardens and farmlands located in regions heavily affected by the Zn-Pb and steel industries and in hard coal mining areas.MethodsBased on the pseudo-total concentration of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) measured in soil and plant samples and using the US EPA methodology, we assessed estimated daily intake (EDI), as well as non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risk in two exposure scenarios (recreational and residential), stemming from the contact with soil with varying degrees of PTE contamination, i.e.: Cr(3+,6+), Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. In the recreational scenario, we analyzed three exposure pathways (accidental soil ingestion, dermal contact with contaminated soil and inhalation of contaminated soil particles) for a child (0–6 years), an economically active adult (20–40 years), a senior (40–60 years) and a retiree (60–70 years). In the residential scenario, we additionally analyzed an exposure pathway associated with the intake of contaminated lettuce leaves grown in the soils studied for a child and an adult. With respect to non-carcinogenic health risk, we calculated hazard quotient (HQ) values for individual contaminants under each exposure pathway and target hazard quotient (THQ) values for different exposure pathways.Results and conclusionsWe found that the proportion of different exposure pathways in the total health risk decreased in the following order: intake of contaminated vegetables > accidental soil ingestion > dermal contact > inhalation of contaminated soil particles. Children are more exposed to toxic effects of potentially toxic elements than seniors and economically active adults.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals potential health risks associated with chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of 2-Phenylphenol

Chronic exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals through foods of aquatic origin, at levels that are commonly found in the environment, can affect metabolic health and lead to metabolic diseases. One such chemical is 2-phenylphenol (2-PP), a suspected endocrine disruptor that is used extensively in agriculture and industry, and has become a widespread pollutant in aquatic environments. This study evaluated the risk of exposure to 2-PP through foods of aquatic origin from Vembanad Lake, using a Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and an untargeted metabolomics approach. The study found that 2-PP content was higher in samples from areas with intense industrial, tourism, and agricultural activities. The average concentration of 2-PP in fish, crustaceans, and mollusks from the Vembanad estuary ranged from 0.012 to 0.017 mg/kg. The mean concentration of 2-PP was used to assess the THQ of exposure to the coastal population. The results showed that the THQ value was <1, indicating a low to moderate health risk for both adults and children. Furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics approach using HPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS was used to study the metabolome changes associated with chronic exposure to 2-PP (at the environmentally relevant concentration) over 60 days in the Wistar albino rat model. The findings indicated significant alterations in the phospholipid, fatty acid, sterol lipid, and amino acid profiles, suggesting that chronic exposure to 2-PP at environmentally relevant concentrations could affect purine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and cholesterol metabolism.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation and risk assessment in fishery resources from the Gulf of Thailand

The muscle tissues of 19 fish species, two crab species, and one shrimp species collected from the Gulf of Thailand (GoT) were analyzed to determine the levels of heavy metals, including Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg. The results revealed that the mean concentrations of the heavy metals, in descending order, were Zn > Cu > Fe > Cd > Hg > Mn > Pb > Ni. Among the examined metals, zinc was found to be the most prevalent in fish tissues. Based on the risk assessment indices, the estimated average daily doses (ADD) of the heavy metals were found to be below the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) recommended by the joint Committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on food contaminants. The results of the target cancer risk analysis revealed no related cancer risk from the consumption of the fishes considered for the study. However, the target hazard quotient (THQ) values exceeded the threshold of 1 (THQ > 1) specifically for mercury in Gymnothorax spp. and Terapon spp. Furthermore, the calculated hazard index (HI) values for fish muscles were all below 1, indicating that there is no significant health risk for humans at the current consumption rates, except in Terapon species for both normal and habitual consumers. Notably, habitual consumers of Gymnothorax species showed the highest HI value (>1), suggesting potential long-term effects on human health when consuming larger quantities of these fishes.