Concentrations Of Toxic Heavy Metals Research Articles

Spatial characteristics of ecological and health risks of toxic heavy metal pollution from road dust in the Black Sea coast of Turkey

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxic heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) concentrations of dust samples from the Black Sea coastal road in the north of Turkey. The Black Sea coastal road was represented by 50 sampling sites. The highest average concentrations were identified in Ordu for Cd (0.4 mg kg−1), Cu (132 mg kg−1), and Zn (457 mg kg−1), Samsun for Cr (59 mg kg−1) and Ni (46 mg kg−1), and Artvin for Pb (59 mg kg−1). The analysis of the environmental pollution risk levels of heavy metals was evaluated with the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution assessment indexes (CF and NIPI) and pollution load indexes (PLI and PLIzone). The mean values of Igeo were found in the following decreasing order: Zn (1.2) > Cu (0.5) > Cd (0.2) > Pb (−0.4) > Cr (−0.6) = Ni (−0.6). According to pollution assessment indexes (CF and NIPI), and pollution load indexes (PLI and PLIzone), there were relatively high levels of environmental pollution in Samsun, Ordu, and Artvin provinces, compared to other provinces in the study area. Furthermore, it was identified that the significant contribution of the monomial potential ecological risk (Ei) originated from Cu in Rize (57.6%), Artvin (46.6%), Giresun (40.2%), Pb in Trabzon (31.1%), and Cd in Ordu (71.8%) and Samsun (62.6%). The mean potential ecological risk (PER) values of Ordu and Samsun were categorized as considerable risk. The health risks of toxic heavy metals in road dust for adults and children were evaluated in two different categories, as non-carcinogenic (hazard index, HI), and carcinogenic health risks (total cancer risk, TCR), considering the three possible exposure pathways. In the study area, the mean of HI and TCR for children and adults were found in the negligible non-carcinogenic health risk (HI < 1) and the lower cancer risk range (10−6 <TCR ≤ 10−4), respectively.

Conversion of lime mud waste to hydroxyapatite biomaterials

An economical method to convert a lime mud (LM) waste from the pulp and paper manufacturing process to hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHA) was first introduced. In this work, LM was used as a calcium precursor source to synthesize single phase nHA through the chemical precipitation method with ammonium phosphate dibasic as the phosphate precursor. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation confirmed that the produced nHA had rod-like nanocrystals with an average crystal size of 30 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the pure phase of nHA. The synthesized nHA was identified as AB-type carbonate substitution using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The concentration of toxic elements contained in the synthesized HA was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The result showed that HA nanocrystals prepared in this work contained lower concentration of toxic heavy metals than the concentration limits suggested by ASTM.

Dietary nutrients and health risks from exposure to some heavy metals through the consumption of the farmed common carp (CYPRINUS CARPIO)

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most important cultured fish species in Poland. The aims of our study were to determine the concentration of essential minerals in the muscle tissue of carp obtained from a pond culture and to compare the content of these minerals with the physiological norms of nutrition for the Polish population, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and Estimated Average Requirements (EAR). The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk by assessment of the Estimated target hazard quotients (THQ), total target hazard quotients (ΣTHQ), and carcinogenic risk were also studied. The muscle tissue of the carp was rich in macroelements. The pattern significance gradation of element concentrations was as follows: Na > K > Ca > P > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Se > Co. The concentration of toxic heavy metals in the samples was lower than the maximum allowable level of metals in food products. The risk of consumption of toxicants by an adult at a daily intake of 100 g of fish was 1.45% for Pb, 0.1% for Hg, 0.02% for Cd, and 0.02% for As, compared to the allowable daily intake for each toxicant. The value of the target hazard quotients of each metal was less than 1, indicating that the intake of a single metal through the consumption of carp meat does not pose a considerable health hazard. The total value of the target hazard quotients was also less than 1, indicating the safety of the combined effects of the chemicals. The major risk contributor was Pb with 82.9%, followed by Hg (9.38%), As (6.43%), and Cd (1.29%).

Geochemical characterization of mine overburden strata for strategic overburden-spoil management in an opencast coal mine

Opencast coal mining generates a large amount of mine overburden spoils and creates huge overburden dumps in and around the mining area. It is a big issue as most of the overburden materials (OBMs) are unsuitable for vegetation due to lack of true soil characteristics, and are generally contaminated with toxic heavy metals (TMs). High sulfur content in overburden spoils is another major concern because it contributes to acid mine drainage (AMD) and metal leaching to the surrounding environments. Here, we studied 15 overburden strata (OBS) and four coal seams lying vertically up to a depth of 35 m below ground in an active opencast coal mine located at Margherita (Assam). The pH of the OBS samples ranged from 2.68 to 7.74, and the sulfur (S) content from 194.31 mg kg −1 to 25,301.5 mg kg −1. The content of TMs also varied from stratum to stratum in overburden horizons, and the pollution index of Ni and Cr were found higher (Pi >2) than the other TMs (As, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Mn). Pb and Co were not detected in the OBS. Sulfur showed moderate to high negative correlation with pH, Cd, Fe, and Mn, whereas a significant positive correlation was observed among pH, Cd, Fe, and Mn content. The analyses of toxic metals and sulfur loads occurring in different horizons of coal overburden led us to develop an effective dumping model that could be useful for sustainable overburden management in any opencast mining.

Photovoltaic neurointerface based on aluminum antimonide nanocrystals

Light activated modulation of neural activity is an emerging field for the basic investigation of neural systems and development of new therapeutic methods such as artificial retina. Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals have great potential for neural interfaces due to their adjustable optoelectronic properties via high-level structural, compositional, and size control. However, toxic heavy metal content (e.g., cadmium, mercury), electrochemical coupling to the cells and low photon-to-current efficiency limit their effective use. Here, we introduce the use of aluminum antimonide (AlSb) nanocrystals as the cell interfacing layer for capacitive neural stimulation in the blue spectrum. We demonstrate successful photostimulation of primary hippocampal neurons below ocular safety limits. In addition, our device shows high biocompatibility in vitro and passive accelerated ageing tests indicate a functional lifetime over 3 years showing their feasible use for chronic implants. We demonstrate that nanocrystal biointerfaces hold high promise for future bioelectronics and protheses.

Removal of iron, zinc, and nickel-ions using nano bentonite and its applications on power station wastewater

Removal of high concentrations of toxic heavy metals from wastewater is very important within the environmental field because heavy metals pollution a serious environmental problem due to them being nonbiodegradable. This study shed some light on the use of Nano bentonite as an adsorbent for the elimination of Iron, Zinc, and Nickel ions from wastewater, and the optimum conditions were evaluated to find out thermodynamic and kinetic parameters and equilibrium adsorption models have been applied. The results showed that adsorption percentage increases with increasing temperature, speed of rotation, and volume of solution, but decreases with adsorbent dose and initial concentration increase. The adsorption process has fit pseudo-second-order kinetic model Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were applied to analyze adsorption data and both were found to apply to these adsorption processes. Thermodynamic parameters e.g., ΔGo, ΔSo, and ΔHo of the adsorption process were found to be endothermic. Finally, the Nano bentonite was observed to be more powerful for the removal of Fe (III), Zn (II), and Ni (II) at the same experimental conditions.

Investigation of toxic heavy metals content and estimation of potential health risks in Chinese herbal medicine

The content of toxic heavy metals (THMs), including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), was determined in a total of 10,245 samples for 279 types of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The exceeding rate (ER) for the four THMs were calculated based on diverse permissible limits (PLs) established by different organizations and national pharmacopeias. Cluster analysis was used to classify the degree risk of THMs contamination according to the calculated ER. Results revealed that Cibotii rhizome, Selaginellae herba, Morindae officinalis radix, Asprellae ilicis radix, and Toxicodendri resina exhibited high-degree risk of Pb contamination. Eckloniae/Laminariae thallus, Spirodelae herba, and Naturalis indigo possessed high-degree risk of As contamination. Tetrapanacis medulla, Centipedae herba, Cyathulae radix, Linderae radix, Meretricis/Cyclinae concha, and Tabanus displayed high-degree risk of Cd contamination. Toxicodendri resina has high-degree risk of Hg contamination. In addition, six types of CHM, including Asprellae ilicis radix, Toxicodendri resina, Eckloniae/Laminariae thallus, Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, Haematitum, and Hedyotidis diffusae herba, may have non-carcinogenic health risk after consumption of raw materials because the calculated hazard quotient and hazard index were over 1.0. In summary, these data provide useful information about THMs contamination in CHM.

Recent Advances in Methods for the Recovery of Carbon Nanominerals and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons from Coal Fly Ash and Their Emerging Applications

Coal fly ash is found to be one of the key pollutants worldwide due to its toxic heavy metal content. However, due to advancements in technology, coal fly ash has gained importance in various emerging fields. They are rich sources of carbonaceous particles which remain unburnt during burning of various coals in thermal power plants (TPPs). Various carbonaceous nanoparticles in the form of fullerenes, soot, and carbon nanotubes could be recovered from coal fly ash by applying trending techniques. Moreover, coal fly ash is comprised of rich sources of organic carbons such as polycyclic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons that are used in various industries for the development of carbon-derived value-added materials and nanocomposites. Here, we focus on all the types of carbon nanominerals from coal fly ash with the latest techniques applied. Moreover, we also emphasize the recovery of organic carbons in polyaromatic (PAHs) and polycyclic hydrocarbons (PCHs) from coal fly ash (CFA). Finally, we try to elucidate the latest applications of such carbon particle in the industry.

The Influence of Metal Microelements, Colloids and Organic Phase on Physical-chemical Properties and Processes in Peloids

The main emphasis in this study was on the modification of peloid characteristics through maturation processes, physical-chemical analysis of salty geothermal water and intact geomaterial, content of toxic heavy metals, radionuclides, and microorganisms in matured peloid, and physical-chemical processes that occur in a highly heterogeneous and microheterogeneous system solid-water. Main processes were considered to be mass transfer, colloidal processes, adsorption and surface compounding by macro- and micronutrients from salty mineral water with surface groups of intact geomaterial. This study indicated that inorganic and organic components of peloid could be in the form of colloids, suspended macro- and microparticles, ions and molecules. Colloidal silica had special importance in peloids. Due to low maximum solubility of silica, there were a number of processes in which coagulated and floculated particles were created during maturation, especially in the presence of metal cations (e.g., Fe3+ and Al3+) and colloidal metal hydroxides which noticeably reduced the solubility of silica. Single charged alkali metal cations caused coagulation of colloidal silica occupying bridging positions between negatively charged colloidal particles. Colloidal silica in peloid together with other micro- and macro phases, and with the help of numerous microelements, comes in interaction, building a complex surface and occluded compounds. In the multiphase system, very complex organic and inorganic compunds are formed, which are important for therapeutic purposes.

Determination of heavy metals and selenium content in chicken liver at Erbil city, Iraq.

Heavy metal contamination of poultry meat is a critical issue for human health due to associated risks of cytotoxicity and systemic pathologies after ingestion of such metals. A total of twenty chicken liver samples were collected from markets of Erbil city and analyzed for ten heavy metals contents by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The targeted metals were cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se). The average concentrations (mg/kg) of targeted trace elements were 0.06±0.027, 0.06±0.05, 2.05±0.34, 1.85±0.47, 0.15±0.17, and 33.53±5.24 for Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn respectively. Copper (Cu) levels significantly exceeded the maximum permissible limit of WHO. Moreover, the average concentrations of toxic heavy metals and selenium were 0.07±0.037, 0.278±0.10, 0.11±0.083, and 2.01±0.454 mg/kg for Cd, Pb, Hg, and Se respectively. Hg and Pb levels exceeded the permissible limits of WHO. Higher levels of Cu and Hg in poultry may pose a serious threat to consumers which demand countermeasures and precautions to be taken. Iraqi Standards Authority and relevant official institutions are strongly recommended to regulate safe disposal of heavy metal waste in the environment to reduce animal exposure to such metals.

Biochar industry to circular economy

Biochar, produced as a by-product of pyrolysis/gasification of waste biomass, shows great potential to reduce the environment impact, address the climate change issue, and establish a circular economy model. Despite the promising outlook, the research on the benefits of biochar remains highly debated. This has been attributed to the heterogeneity of biochar itself, with its inherent physical, chemical and biological properties highly influenced by production variables such as feedstock types and treating conditions. Hence, to enable meaningful comparison of results, establishment of an agreed international standard to govern the production of biochar for specific uses is necessary. In this study, we analyzed four key uses of biochar: 1) in agriculture and horticulture, 2) as construction material, 3) as activated carbon, and 4) in anaerobic digestion. Then the guidelines for the properties of biochar, especially for the concentrations of toxic heavy metals, for its environmental friendly application were proposed in the context of Singapore. The international status of the biochar industry code of practice, feedback from Singapore local industry and government agencies, as well as future perspectives for the biochar industry were explained.

Assessment of potential human health risk due to heavy metal contamination in edible finfish and shellfish collected around Ennore coast, India.

This study aims to estimate anthropogenic sources of pollutants such as heavy metals that pollute or poison the commercial marine finfish and shellfish present around the Ennore coastal area and to identify, quantify and manage the associated risks for the betterment of society. The levels of toxic heavy metal concentrations from monitoring and surveillance of copper, chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead and zinc heavy metals were estimated from water, sediment and commercial marine finfish and shellfish samples that were collected for study. The individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) and Metal Pollution Index (MPI) values varied between finfish and shellfish. Target hazard quotient (THQ) index values were calculated, and copper and zinc were found to be elevated at levels affecting children in particular. Thus, efforts are urgently needed to resolve the current and potential risks associated with the negative impact of heavy metal intake from seafood on human health. This study attempts to identify levels of metal contamination and corresponding risk factors with regard to human health.

Bioconversion of lawn waste amended with kitchen waste and buffalo dung in to value-added vermicompost using Eisenia foetida to alleviate landfill burden

Enormous quantities of waste such as lawn waste (LW) and kitchen waste (KW) are generated in urban institutes, proper management of which is crucial. The present work was designed to bio-convert LW and KW amended with buffalo dung (BD) into humus-rich manures through composting and vermicomposting technology over a period of 3 months. At the termination of vermicomposting process, there was significant decline from initial value in certain parameters like pH (8.17–6.74), total organic carbon (36.12–28.04) and C:N (39–16), whereas increase was observed in parameters like electrical conductivity (1.19–3.22), N (1.35–1.89%), P (0.18–0.44%), K (0.78–1.06%). Concentration of toxic heavy metals (Co, Cd, Cu, As, Cr, and Pb) declined significantly in the end product. Fecundity of earthworms was favored more by higher proportion of BD, moderate KW, and 10% LW in the feedstock, and was maximum in the combination (BD60% + LW10% + KW30%) followed by (BD50% + LW0% + 50%), (BD40% + LW20% + KW40%) and (BD30% + LW20% + KW40%). Enzymatic activities such as urease, phosphatase, and dehydrogenase were found to be high initially, but declined towards maturity of the vermicompost. The study shows that buffalo dung, kitchen waste, lawn waste (6:1:3 ratio) give best quality vermicompost.

Evaluation of Fecal Coliform Prevalence and Physicochemical Indicators in the Effluent from a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the North-West Province, South Africa.

Compliance of the effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to the regulatory standards, which mostly entail the removal/reduction of organic waste and deactivation of the potential microbial pathogens is of great importance. The detection of indicator parameters can be used to determine the effectiveness of a WWTP and the level of compliance with the South African regulatory standards. The performance of the WWTP was assessed by biological, physical and chemical measures in wastewater final effluent. The Escherichia coli ranged from 0 and 2420 count/100 mL in the final effluent. The recorded values for the physicochemical parameters were within the following ranges: pH (7.03–8.49), electrical conductivity (81.63–126.5 mS/m), suspended solids (0.40–20.4 mg/L), ammonia (0–22.15 mg/L), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (1–73 mg/L), nitrate (0–16.1 mg/L), ortho-phosphate (0–8.58 mg/L) and free chlorine (0–3.21 mg/L). Furthermore, the concentration of toxic heavy metals was recorded to be between 1–10 ug/L for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. In conclusion, all the parameters that were evaluated in this study indicate that the studied WWTP is performing in accordance with the prescribed general limits.

Natural radionuclide and toxic metal contents of rock salts from mines in Central Anatolia of Turkey

ABSTRACT In this study, the natural radionuclide andpotentially toxic heavy metal contents of rock salt samples collected from three different salt mines located in Çankırı city in the Central Anatolia of Turkey were determined using gamma-ray and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry.Also, concentrations of radionuclides and heavy metalsin different table salts (sea, lake, and Himalayan) consumed in Turkey were determined to compare with rock salt. The average activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K measured in rock salt samples were found as 1.4, 5.6 and 34.0 Bqkg−1, respectively.The average concentration of Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr and Pb in rock salt samples was analysed as 64.8, 12.9, 504.6, 3.6, 1.8, 2.0, 1.6 and 1.4 µgg−1, respectively. The concentration of Cr, Co, As, Cd, and Hg was below the detection limits.Also, the total annual effective dose (AED) and daily intake of potentially toxic heavy metals due to an intake of the radionuclides and heavy metals from rock salt samples wereestimated. The average value of AED was estimated as 8.4 μSv, which is significantly lower than the average annual effective dose of 290 μSv received by the ingestion of natural radionuclides.

Heavy Metals in the Soils of Placer Small-Scale Gold Mining Sites in Myanmar.

Background.Artisanal and small-scale mining activities are widely practiced globally. Concentrations of heavy metals associated with gold, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) can increase in the environment as a result of mining activities, leading to environmental pollution and pose toxicity risks to humans and animals.Objectives.The aim of the present study was to investigate soil concentrations of toxic heavy metals in placer small-scale gold mining operations in Myanmar.Methods.Soil samples were collected from three placer small-scale gold mining sites: Site A located in the Hmawbon public protected forest, Site B and Site C, situated in the Nant-Kyin reserved forest around Nar Nant Htun village. At each site, soil samples were collected from four gold mining stages (ore processing, sluicing, panning, and amalgamation). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was utilized to examine the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg.Results.The highest heavy metal concentrations were generally found in the amalgamation stages across all the gold mining sites. Across the three mining sites, the maximum heavy metal concentrations in the amalgamation stage were 22.170 mg.kg−1 for As, 3.070 mg.kg−1 for Cd, 77.440 mg.kg−1 for Hg, and 210.000 mg.kg−1 for Pb.Conclusions.The present study examined the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg and Pb in the soil of several small-scale gold mining sites in Banmauk Township, Myanmar. The results demonstrated the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of the gold mining sites. Miners in this area work without proper personal protective equipment, and frequent exposure to heavy metals in the soil may cause adverse health effects. The present study provides baseline data for future risk assessment studies of heavy metal contamination in gold mines.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests

Sequentially recover heavy metals from smelting wastewater using bioelectrochemical system coupled with thermoelectric generators

Smelting wastewater is characterized with high concentration of toxic heavy metals and high acidity, which must be properly treated before discharge. Here, bioelectrochemical system (BES) coupled with thermoelectric generator (TEG) was first demonstrated to simultaneously treat organic wastewater and smelting wastewater by utilizing the simulated waste heat that was abundant in smelting factories. By modulating the input voltage generated from simulated waste heat via TEG to 0, 1.0 and 2.0 V, almost all the Cu2+, Cd2+ and Co2+ in smelting wastewater were sequentially recovered with a respective rate of 121.17, 158.20 and 193.87 mg L−1 d−1. Cu2+ was bioelectrochemically recovered as Cu0. While, Cd2+ and Co2+ were recovered by electrodeposition as Cd(OH)2, CdCO3 or Co(OH)2 on cathodic surface. High throughput sequencing analysis showed that the microbial community of anodic biofilm was greatly shifted after successive treatment by batch-mode. Desulfovibrio (17.00%), Megasphaera (11.81%), Geobacter (10.36%) and Propionibacterium (8.64%) were predominant genera in anodic biofilm enriched from activated sludge in BES before treatment. After successive treatment by batch-mode, Geobacter (34.76%), Microbacter (8.60%) and Desulfovibrio (5.33%) were shifted as the major genera. Economic analysis revealed that it was feasible to use TEG to substitute electrical grid energy to integrate with BES for wastewater treatment. In addition, literature review indicated that it was not uncommon for the coexistence of waste heat with typical pollutants (e.g. heavy metal ions and various biodegradation-resistant organic wastes) that could be treated by BES in different kinds of factories or geothermal sites. This study provides novel insights to expand the application potentials of BES by integrating with TEG to utilize widespread waste heat.

Effect of boiling and grilling on some heavy metal residues in crabs and shrimps from the Mediterranean Coast at Damietta region with their probabilistic health risk assessment

The goal of the current research was to study the effect of cooking on the residual contents of toxic heavy metals in crabs (12−14 cm CW) and shrimps (25–35/pound) samples widely consumed in Mansoura city, Egypt, along with assessment of public health risks associated with consumption of these crustaceans contaminated with such metals. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer detected arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in all tested samples by different levels, but the majority of samples contained heavy metals by levels exceeded the Egyptian MPLs. Our results showed that cooking of crustaceans either by boiling or grilling effectively reduced heavy metals contents. The results of health risk assessment indicated that the consumption of crabs and shrimps marketed in Egypt may carry potential health risks for consumers. Although cooking effectively reduced heavy metals in crabs and shrimps, the non-carcinogenic risks still present in this foods and couldn’t be totally eliminated. Therefore, in order to reduce the heavy metals content of the crustaceans, in addition to applying efficient cooking processes such as boiling and grilling, stringent control measures should be followed to avoid contamination of crustaceans with toxic heavy metals and to confirm that their concentrations didn’t overdo their legal limits.

Heavy metal (As, Cd, and Pb) concentration in selected leafy vegetables from Jengka, Malaysia, and potential health risks

This study determines the toxic heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb) concentrations in selected leafy vegetables (pak choi, amaranth, and caisim) that were collected from an agricultural area in Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia. A potential health risk via the ingestion pathway is also evaluated. A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS) analysis was applied to determine metal concentration. Heavy metal concentrations for leafy vegetables ranged between 0.03 and 0.05 mg/kg for lead (Pb), followed by 0.19–0.43 mg/kg for arsenic (As) and 0.15–0.54 mg/kg for cadmium (Cd). Cd is likely to be accumulated and absorbed more than arsenic (As) and Pb based on the bioconcentration factor (BCF). Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested the metal origin is anthropogenic (the agricultural activities). Target hazard quotient (THQ) value below unity ( 1 × 10–4) possibly will pose a health risk to consumers. This study suggested leafy vegetable intake from this area poses some degree of potential health hazards to the consumer. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation such as bioavailability metal form analysis to obtain a more accurate risk assessment is needed.

Monitoring of toxic heavy metals contamination in commonly used Chinese materia medica

Monitoring of toxic heavy metals (THMs) contamination, including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), for the quality control in Chinese materia medica (CMM) is critical for ensuring safe medication use in the pharmaceutical industry. A validated inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry method was used to determine THMs content in 1887 samples for 27 selected types of commonly used CMM. The correlation coefficient of the calibration curves for four THMs was higher than 0.995, indicating that the linearity is fine. The recovery rate was ranged in 82.6–105.4% for four THMs. The percentage of RSD in inter-day and intra-day precision test for four THMs was all lower than 10%. The limit of quantitation in test solution for Pb, As, Cd and Hg was 0.212, 0.500, 0.038, 0.044 μg/L, indicating that this validated ICP-MS method exhibited excellent sensitivity. Among these THMs, Pb and Cd are the most abundant contaminants in 27 selected types of CMM. In diverse permissible limits (PL) established by different countries/organizations, Cinnamomi ramulus and Eucommiae cortex usually exceeded the PL of 0.3 μg/g for Cd and occasionally exceeded the PL of 5.0 μg/g for Pb. Chuanxiong rhizome seldom exceeded the PL of 1.0 μg/g for Cd. Eucommiae cortex, Raphani semen, Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma and Bupleuri radix occasionally exceeded the PL of 0.3 μg/g for Cd. In conclusion, we hope to raise awareness of THMs contamination in commonly used CMM that affects safe medication use among farmers, manufacturer, and consumers.