Hazard Quotient Values Research Articles

Experimental study for inorganic and organic profiling of toy makeup products: Estimating the potential threat to child health

Inorganic elements are added to toys as impurities to give desired stability, brightness, flexibility, and color; however, these elements may cause numerous health issues after acute or chronic exposure. In this study, the inorganic profile of 14 elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Se, Sb, Pb, and Zn) in 63 toy makeup products was identified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after microwave acid digestion method. Additionally, organic allergen fragrance was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The systemic exposure dosage (SED), margin of safety (MoS), lifetime cancer risk (LCR), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard indices were used to assess the safety evaluation. Then, 57 out of 63 samples (90.48%) exceeded the limits at least for one toxic element with descending order Ni > Cr > Co > Pb > Sb > Cd > As > Hg. The SED values were compared with tolerable daily intake values and remarkably differences were found for Al and Pb. The MoS values for 57.15% of samples exceeded the limit value for Al, As, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Sb, and Zn elements. The LCR values were observed at 100% (n = 63), 79.37% (n = 50), 85.71% (n = 54), 77.78% (n = 49), and 18.87% (n = 10) for Cr, Ni, As, Pb, and Cd, respectively. Also, the skin sensitization risks were obtained for Cr and Ni at 26.980% (n = 17) and 9.52% (n = 6), respectively. The HQ values for 80% of samples were found to be ≥ 1 at least for one parameter. The investigation of fragrance allergens in samples did not show any significant ingredients. As a result, toy makeup products marketed in local stores were found to be predominantly unsafe. Children should be protected from harmful chemicals by regular monitoring and strict measures.

Indoor and outdoor air quality in street corner kiosks in a large metropolitan area

Poor air quality in workplaces constitutes a great concern on human health as a good fraction of our time is spent at work. In Greece, very unique workplaces are the street corner kiosks, which are freestanding boxes placed on sidewalks next to city streets and vehicular traffic, where one can find many consumer goods. As such, its employees are exposed to both outdoor and indoor air pollutants. Very few studies have examined the occupational exposure of kiosk workers to air pollutants, and thus the magnitude of this unique indoor and outdoor exposure remains unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the levels of indoor and outdoor particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ultrafine particles (UFPs) and black carbon (BC) in different kiosks located in Athens, Greece, in urban-traffic and urban-background environments. Continuous measurements of the above-mentioned pollutants were carried out on a 24-h basis over 7 consecutive days at three kiosks from September to October 2019. Indoor PM10 concentrations in the urban kiosk ranged from 19.0 to 44.0 μg/m3, PM2.5 values ranged from 14.0 to 33.0 μg/m3, whereas BC concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 7.0 μg/m3 and UFPs from almost 9.5 to 47.0 × 103 pt/cm3. Outdoor PM10 and PM2.5 measurements ranged from 29.0 to 59.0 μg/m3 and from 22.0 to 39.0 μg/m3, respectively. BC outdoor concentrations ranged from 1.1 to 2.2 μg/m3. The mean hazard quotient (HQ) for PM10 (4.9) and PM2.5 (4.7) among all participants was >1. The health risk of exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 was found to be at moderate hazard levels, although in some cases we observed HQ values higher than 10 due to high PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in the kiosks. Overall our study indicates that people working at kiosks can be exposed to very high concentrations on particulate pollution depending on a number of factors including the traffic that strongly depends on location and the time of the day.

Chemical characterization of road dust during diwali festival in Guwahati city of Assam, Northeast India.

The present study focuses on the elemental analysis of road dust in Guwahati, the largest city of Assam and the largest metropolis of Northeast India during the Diwali festival. Road dust samples were collected on pre-Diwali (PD), the Day after Diwali (DaD), and one week after Diwali (WaD) from two sites (Lankeshwar; LKW and Patharquarry; PTQ). Three composite samples were collected from 3 points at each site. The elemental concentration was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of Ba and Sr increased by 1.6 and 1.7 times, respectively, after Diwali. Among other firework-related elements (FREs), Mg, Al, K, and Cu increased at LKW following Diwali (both DaD and WaD), whereas Mg, Al, and K increased in DaD dust at PTQ. The average concentration of Traffic Related Elements (TREs) at PTQ was significantly higher than at LKW (p < 0.05; 75.40mg/kg vs 63.96mg/kg). Cd had the highest enrichment (EF), followed by Ni and Zn. EF for Cd, Ni, and Zn ranged from high to extremely high enrichment. Ni and Cd exhibited moderate contamination (CF). The ecological risk (ER) values for Cd at LKW and PTQ were 54.32 and 56.71, respectively, indicating a moderate ER. Pearson's correlation was performed to study the relationship between elements, while PCA analysis was used to identify the main sources of these elements. Although the health hazard indices presently do not suggest any immediate danger, hazard quotient (HQ) values for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure were higher for children than adults. In children, the contribution of HQing to HI (total risk) was the highest, accounting for more than 65% of all elements. There is no apparent lifetime cancer risk due to road dust exposure through inhalation.

Klang River Water Quality Assessment and Its Effects on Human Health Using Chemometric Analysis

Introduction: River water pollution has been a significant hazard to human health and is associated with severe health risks. This study evaluates water quality and heavy metal levels in the Klang River, analyzing their health risks through chemometric analysis. Methods: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyse the heavy metal contents in river water samples obtained from 9 sampling stations. Chemometric statistical techniques (principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)) are employed to identify the sources of physicochemical properties and heavy metals. The human health risk was evaluated using statistical analysis, apart from hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR). Results and Discussion: Results showed that the physicochemical parameters were within acceptable limits. The concentration of heavy metals was found to follow a decreasing order of As &gt; Ni below permissible levels, except at P9 and P8. PCA and HCA showed important connections among parameters, emphasizing that COD, NH3N, and TDS are key factors affecting Klang River water quality. Conclusion: The study assesses pollution risks in the Klang River, offering crucial insights for sustainable estuary management. It highlights significant changes in temperature, pH, TDS, BOD, DO, and NH3N levels, along with specific trends in heavy metal concentrations. The Health Risk Assessment indicates acceptable HQ and Target Cancer Risk values. However, the study's limited sample sites and focused timeframe might hinder understanding long-term patterns and regional differences. Extended data collection and additional information are necessary to improve water quality management and protect public health

Bioavailability, risk assessment, and source traceability of potentially toxic elements in bivalve species widely consumed in the emblematic Acapulco Bay, Mexico

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTE) was determined in edible tissue, digestive system, and shells of two bivalve species (Hyotissa hyotis and Spondylus limbatus) highly consumed in Acapulco Bay (southern Mexico) to evaluate the impact on marine ecosystems and human health risk associated with the consumption of potentially contaminated bivalves. PTE concentrations (Ba–Cd–Cu–Co–Cr–Mn–Ni–Pb–Sr–V–Zn) in edible tissues were lower than in the digestive system and shells in both bivalve species. Except for Cr, Pb, and Cd, PTE concentrations in the edible tissue of both species did not exceed international threshold limits. In addition, the biota-sediment accumulation factor values indicate bioaccumulation in edible tissues (Ni, Cd, Pb, Co, and Zn), digestive system (V, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, and Zn), and shells (V, Cr, Pb, Co, and Mn), evidencing availability of pollutants in the Acapulco Bay. Contents of Pb and Cd found in edible tissue can threaten human health. Target Hazard Quotient values indicate that the consumption of edible tissue does not represent any risk of developing non-cancerogenic effects. However, the Target Cancer Risk values indicate a moderate risk of developing carcinogenic effects due to the accumulation of Cr and Pb and an even greater risk due to the accumulation of Cd. Additionally, although local rocks and sediments should be the only source of PTE in uncontaminated marine ecosystems, a low radiogenic Pb isotope composition was detected in the bivalve shells, which partially overlap with Pb isotope compositions of paints and gasoline, indicating anthropogenic lead sources participation in the Acapulco Bay.

Metals and metalloid in medicinal plants: occurrence and risk assessment to human health

Aim: This study was aimed at determining the levels of trace elements in six medicinal plants of tropical origin. Methods: The levels of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Albizia glaberrima (AG), Aristolochia ringens (AR), Brysocarpus coccineus (BC), Ipomoea asarifolia (IA), Sansevieria liberica (SL), and Telfairia occidentalis (TO) were determined using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The estimated dietary intakes of the metals, hazard quotients (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated. Results: The highest levels of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Fe were detected in IA. BC had the highest levels of Mn and Ni while AR had the highest levels of Cu, Co, and As. However, the levels of the metals were mostly below the permissible limits in the plants. The estimated dietary weekly intakes (EWIs) were below the provisional tolerable weekly intake for each chemical element. The EWIs range values were 21.566–643.114 µg/kg per day (kg is the unit of body weight), 0.008–1.529 µg/kg per day, 0.6–7.815 µg/kg per day, 67.569–215.889 µg/kg per day, 4.305–185.451 µg/kg per day, 0.225–1.704 µg/kg per day, 1.03–10.2 µg/kg per day, 0.933–2.286 µg/kg per day, and 62.554–854.4 µg/kg per day for Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, As, and Fe, respectively. The HQ values of the elements were less than 1 except for Cu in AR (1.321). The values of lifetime cancer risks exceeded the permissible limit in all the plant materials. Conclusions: The findings from the study revealed that the consumption of TO, SL, and AG for medicinal purposes has no inherent non-carcinogenic toxicity while the consumption of AR, IA, and BC has some risks of non-carcinogenic toxic. However, the six plant materials showed inherent risks of carcinogenic events, as such their use for medicinal purposes must be cautious, maybe by reducing both the ingestion rate and the frequency of intake.

Concentrations and probable health risks of potentially toxic metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) in some Nigerian lipstick products

BackgroundLipstick is one of the widely used cosmetic items that are produced from both natural and processed materials and they are one of the sources of metals and metalloids released among the users. This study measured concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr in some brands of Nigerian lipstick products and assessed their probable health risks to the users. MethodsA total of twenty (L1 - L20) brands of lipstick products were purchased from the central cosmetic stores and the samples were prepared, digested and concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The probable health risk was assessed via average daily dose (ADD) by ingestion route, hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), cancer risks (CR), and relative intake index (RII). ResultsThe ranges of concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr were 5.6 - 25.1, 2.5 - 21.5 and 5.0 - 61.7 μg g−1, respectively. The ranges of ADD values of Pb, Cr and Cd were 1.2 × 10−3 - 5.7 × 10−3; 1.3 × 10−3 - 5.7 × 10−3 and 5.1 × 10−3 - 1.4 × 10−3 µg day−1, respectively. Among the samples Cr had HQ values 1.3 to 9.6. The HQ values of Cd for L2, L6, L12 and L14 ranges between 1.1 and 1.5. Then HQ values of Pb for L1 -L20 were 1.0 - 4.1. The HI values of Pb, Cr and Cd in each lipstick brands range from 2.8 to 12.5, indicating a non-carcinogenic health risk. The CR values for Cr and Cd are from 6.6 × 10−4 to 6.9 × 10−4 and from 2.0 × 10−2 to 2.5 × 10−2, respectively and they were within the acceptable limit value of 1.0 × 10−4. The RII of Pb, Cd and Cr were 4.50 - 20.1, 2.0 – 19.2 and 1.9 – 23.0 %, respectively. ConclusionAll the health indices indicated non-carcinogenic health risks. The continuous exposure and unintentional ingestion of such lipstick products can pose high risks to the users due to bioaccumulation of Pb, Cd and Cr which may lead to negative health conditions.

Bioaccumulation of carcinogenic metals in river fish: A quantitative investigation of public health risk

The rivers are severely contaminated by human activities due to its massive outflow and industrial effluents. Three economically significant fish species Sperata seenghala, Wallago attu, and Cyprinus carpio from the river water were selected for the assessment of heavy metals (HMs). The edible part of the collected fish from the river sampling sites were analyzed to determine the metal concentrations and potential health risks to humans. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) technique was used to measure HMs including lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) for both water and fish samples. Order of HMs in the fish was found as Pb > Cd > Cr. Levels of HMs in all species were found higher than the European Commission (EC) recommended acceptable levels. The metal pollution index (MPI) indicates that W. attu and S. seenghala, two highly consumed fish species, have accumulated HMs in higher concentrations. Wallago attu has the highest bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for both Pb and Cd permissible levels. For adult and children, the Hazard Index (HI) and Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were less than 1, which indicated that there would be no non-carcinogenic health consequences. Carcinogenic risk (CR) exposure to Pb, Cd, and Cr for all consumers was found to be higher than the permitted limit (10−6-10−4), while children were found more vulnerable than adults in terms of CR values. The study findings identified several sources of contaminants in the area, including agricultural waste, lubricant usage, and electroplating material production dumping near into the river water. Based on the results of the analysis, metal concentrations exceeded the thresholds for carcinogenic health risks, indicating that fish from the area are generally unsafe to consume. Therefore, immediate action must be taken to reduce or prevent the discharge of contaminants into the river. Additionally, regular monitoring of the river's water quality should be conducted to control the contamination of water.

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.

Elemental composition of toxic and essential elements in rice-based baby foods from the United States and other countries: A probabilistic risk analysis

Consumption of rice-based foods provides essential nutrients required for infants and toddlers’ growth. However, they could contain toxic and excess essential elements that may affect human health. The study aims to determine the composition of rice-based baby foods in the USA and outside and conduct a multiple-life stages probabilistic exposure and risk assessment of toxic and essential elements in children. Elemental concentrations were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in thirty-three rice-based baby foods. This includes 2 infant formulas, 11 rice baby cereals, and 20 rice snacks produced primarily in the United States, China, and other countries. A probabilistic risk assessment was conducted to assess risks of adverse health effects. Results showed that infant formula had higher median concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) compared to rice baby cereal and rice snacks. On the contrary, rice snacks had the highest median concentration of Arsenic (As) (127 μg/kg) while rice baby cereals showed the highest median concentration of Cd (7 μg/kg). A higher lifetime estimated daily intake was observed for samples manufactured in the USA compared to those from China and other countries. Hazard quotient (HQ < 1) values were suggestive of minimal adverse health effects. However, lifetime carcinogenic risk analysis based on total As indicated an unacceptable cancer risk (>1E-04). These findings show a need for ongoing monitoring of rice-based foods consumed by infants and toddlers as supplementary and substitutes for breast milk or weaning food options. This can be useful in risk reduction and mitigation of early life exposure to improve health outcomes.

Spatial distribution of drinking, irrigation water quality, and health risk indices of high-altitude lakes

High-altitude lakes (HAL) play a key role in several ecological services of the environment by managing the water supply and flood control. The slow rate of inflowing contaminant circulation results in a buildup of higher levels of contamination level and makes these lakes more vulnerable. The present study focused on determining HAL's water quality parameters (WQP) in the Swat District, northern Pakistan. Water samples (n = 32) were collected and analyzed for basic parameters, anions, and potentially harmful elements (PHE). Results of examined parameters were noted under WHO threshold values, except for a few samples of iron (Fe) and arsenic (As). The concentrations of WQP in HAL were used to calculate drinking and irrigation water quality indices (WQI). Results revealed that the water of HAL was excellent and suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. Gibbs plot and Piper model were used to identify water as a mixed type and source characterization of rock dominance. Water quality data were used for average daily dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) to find HAL water's potential health risks. The highest ADD value of 188 μg/kg-day was observed for nitrate (NO3), and the lowest of 0.31 μg/kg-day was noted for arsenic (As). However, maximum HQ values of 0.18 were reported for As and were observed to be less than the threshold of 1. Therefore, based on water quality, the HAL was recommended for use in drinking, domestic, and irrigation purposes.

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.

Spatiotemporal variations, health risk assessment, and sources of potentially toxic elements in potamic water of the Anday Stream Basin (Türkiye), Black Sea Region.

Monitoring and protecting freshwater habitats are paramount for a sustainable water management perspective. This study investigated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the potamic water of the Anday Stream Basin (Türkiye), Black Sea Region, for a hydrological year (from May 2020 to April 2021). Among PTEs, the highest average values were recorded for sodium (Na) at 41.3mg/L and the lowest for mercury (Hg) at 0.009μg/L and noted under quality guidelines. The stream was found to be at the level of "Low Heavy Metal Pollution" and "Low Contamination" based on the ecotoxicological risk indices. The highest calculated hazard quotient (HQ) value of 1.21E-02 for Cd was noted in the children via the dermal pathway and the lowest of 6.91E-06 for Fe in adults via the ingestion pathway. Results revealed a higher hazard index (HI) value of 1.50E-02 for Cd to children and the lowest of 1.98E-05 for Fe to adults. As a result of applying agricultural risk indices, the stream showed sodium adsorption ratio values less than 6 and was found to be "Excellent" for agriculture. However, the sodium percentage values were less than 20 and found "Permissible" and the magnesium hazard > 50 and noted as "Unsuitable" for agriculture. Statistical analysis revealed that natural factors mainly attributed to PTE contamination of the Anday Stream Basin.

Hydrochemical properties and heavy metal concentrations (ecological and human risk) of lake Rukwa

This study examined lake Rukwa's hydrochemical characteristics and heavy metal levels (ecological and health hazards). Results showed that the pH ranged from 8.83 to8.95, EC ranged from 1470 to 1572.22 µS/cm, and TDS ranged from 1053.04 to 1262.63 Mg/l. The findings revealed that lake Rukwa is characterized by Na-K-HCO3 water chemical type. Gibb's diagram revealed that rock weathering and evaporation regulate water's chemical composition. The calcite and sepiolite precipitation enriches the water with Na-CO3-SO4-Cl. The study suggests silicate mineral weathering, rock-water interactions, direct ion exchange, and secondary mineral precipitation govern the geochemical evolution of lake Rukwa. The results also revealed that 30% of samples had moderate ecological risk (30 < RI < 60), whereas 70% had severe risk (60 < RI < 120). The oral hazard quotient (HQ) values for lead (Pb) in children were significantly higher (HQ > 1) at all locations, indicating a potential health risk. However, the dermal HQ values were found to be within acceptable levels. Most sites had acceptable Hazard Index (HI) values, except for Pb in children and adults. In Monte Carlo simulations, heavy metal HQ values were below standard limits, except for oral Pb exposure, which exceeded 1 for adults (7.29E-04) and children (2.79E-03). The average CR values for oral and dermal Pb in adults (7.29E-04, 3.47E-04) and children (2.79E-03, 1.02E-03) exceeded 1.0E-04, suggesting carcinogenic potential. These findings highlight significant oral and dermal carcinogenic hazards from Pb exposure to lake Rukwa and the necessity for effective comprehensive measures to mitigate these risks.

Distribution and Risk Assessment of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the South Han River

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of 24 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the South Han River and to assess human health risks of exposure to PFAS through ingestion of water in the same river. Surface water samples were collected in March, June, September, and December, 2023 at seven sampling sites in the river. Ten of the 24 PFAS (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFMPA, PFMBA, PFBS, PFOS, and GenX) were detected and PFBA, PFBS, and PFPeA were predominant. The highest concentration level of PFAS in the river was found at the S1 site, and its total concentration ranged from 691 to 1,021 ng/L. The hazard quotient values of four PFAS (i.e., PFBA, PFBS, PFHxA, and GenX) did not exceed one-tenth of the World Health Organization’s acceptable hazard level.

Hazard Identification and Potential Risk Analysis of Toxic Metals in Redbelly Tilapia (Coptodon zillii) Consumed and Surface Water from the Niger Delta Estuary

Anthropogenic activities have caused toxic metals to escalate, polluting rivers, and accumulating in water, sediments, and fish. This harms aquatic ecosystems and has enduring impacts on humans and aquatic life. The study aimed to assess the accumulation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Cd, and Zn) in Redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii) and water obtained from three sampling stations along Atuka Creek which is a crude oil-contaminated site in a southern creek in Nigeria. The investigation further intends to evaluate potential health risks linked to the consumption of C. zillii and to analyze the pollution and productivity levels of the corresponding aquatic ecosystem. The results show significant variations in heavy metal concentrations across stations, with Station 1 exhibiting the highest contamination levels attributed to its proximity to pollution sources. The fish from Station 1 revealed elevated levels of contamination, surpassing recommended limits for Pb, Fe, Ni, and Zn. Calculations of chronic daily intake (CDI) values indicate potential health risks for both adults and children, particularly in Stations 1 and 2. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values surpassed safe limits in these stations, suggesting non-carcinogenic health risks linked to fish consumption and swimming. Moreover, lifetime cancer risk (ILCR and TLCR) assessments revealed an augmented risk of cancer, especially in Stations 1 and 2. These findings emphasize the need for stern pollution control measures, regulations, and remediation strategies to mitigate heavy metal contamination, ensure water quality, and safeguard public health in southern Nigerian communities.

Source apportionment and health risk assessment of PM10 bound carbonaceous and elemental species in the central Himalayas

In this extensive investigation, the sources and health risk assessment of carbonaceous aerosols, as well as the elemental compositions (Ca, Al, Fe, S, K, Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, Cr, Cu, Mn, Cs, P, Y, Sb, Ni, Sn, F, Sr, Br, Pm, U, Pb, Th, Br, Rb, and V) of PM10, were conducted throughout January-December 2021 in Nainital, a central Himalayan region of India. The average annual mass concentration of PM10 was determined to be 64±6 µg m-3. Carbonaceous aerosols (CAs), comprising OC, EC, WSOC, and SOC, exhibited annual averages of 9.3±0.8 µg m-3, 4.9±0.5 µg m-3, 1.5±0.2 µg m-3, 2.7±0.2 µg m-3, and 2.97±0.45 µg m-3, respectively. The elemental composition featured major contributors such as Ca, Al, Fe, S, and K, alongside trace levels of various elements (Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, and Cr). Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified six primary contributors to PM10, each with varying percentage contributions: crustal/soil/road dust, soil re-suspension, combustion, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The health risk assessment revealed elevated Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Cr and Mn in children, indicating a non-carcinogenic health risk. Adults exposed to high Cr levels may face potential carcinogenic risks, while elements like Al, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni pose no health hazards, aligning with USEPA guidelines.

Human health risks of trace metals through the dietary intake of potato tubers and exposures of potato cultivating soils: A case study of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh

BackgroundTrace metal contamination in soil and farm products is common in Bangladesh, which enhances public awareness. Most of the studies in our country ignored potential human health risks from different routes of exposures to trace metals present in potato tubers and potato-growing soils. ObjectivesThe study objectives were to measure trace metals pollution level in soils, and to evaluate human health risks due to dietary intake of potato tubers, as well as ingestion, dermal and inhalation exposures of potato-cultivating soils of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. MethodsAn atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Fe, Co, and Mn in the extract of soils and potato tubers. The study employed contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) to evaluate the level of soil pollution. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risks were assessed based on calculated Hazard Quotient and Cumulative Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (∑ILCR), respectively. ResultsA threshold of "moderate contamination" (1.0 ≤ CF < 3.0) can be assigned to certain soil sampling sites based on the computed CF values for Ni, Cd, and Pb. On the contrary, the calculated PERI indicated that the soils of potato-cultivating regions of the study area are ecologically free from pollution. Regarding non-cancer risks, the measured hazard quotient (HQ) values for all avenues of exposure to trace metals were below 1.0, indicating that they are safe for human health. On the other hand, the calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for Ni in 83.3% of potato tuber samples for both sexes and Cd in 58.3% of males and 91.7% of females had scores greater than 1.00E-04, which indicates carcinogenic risks to adult humans. However, the estimated mean ∑ILCR for males and females in various routes of exposure showed a decreasing trend in the order of ILCROral (potato ingestion) >ILCRSoil ingestion >ILCRDermal adsorption >ILCRSoil inhalation. ConclusionThe agricultural soils of Bangladesh are becoming progressively degraded due to multiple contamination causes along with trace metals. The investigation recommended that future traceability efforts focus on locating possible sites of entry for toxic metals into the nation's food supply chain.

Human Health Risk Assessment of Some Trace Metals through Fish Consumption from Qua Iboe River, Oruk Anam, Nigeria

Food consumption is an important route of human exposure to organic chemicals. To assess the health risks associated with these chemicals due to fish consumption, the levels of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, V, Pb and Sn) in water and fish from Qua Iboe River were assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry (ASS). Physicochemical parameters in water were determined using standard methods. The levels of physicochemical parameters in water were within permissible limits set by World Health Organisation (WHO). The levels of trace metals in water samples varied from one sampling location to another and ranged from 0.01± 0.01 to 0.10 ±0.00mg/L in wet season and from 0.01± 0.01 to 0.08± 0.01 mg/L in dry season. In fish, the levels ranged from 0.01± 0.01 to 0.61 0.01 mg/kg in wet season and from 0.02± 0.01 to 0.51± 0.01mg/kg in dry season. Results of physicochemical parameters showed variations across the sampling locations and seasons. Human health risk of trace metals contamination due to consumption of the fish revealed that hazard quotient (HQ) values were all less than unity (HQ &lt;1). It therefore means that there is no health risk implication for consumers of commercial fish from the river. From the results, routine monitoring of these metals in studied river is strongly recommended to check escalation. Riverine communities should be educated by government on danger associated with indiscriminate disposal of wastes into aquatic environment.

Geospatial quality assessment of locally available ice for heavy metals and metalloids and their potential risks for human health in Karachi, Pakistan

Extreme hot conditions during summers, high poverty rate and continuous electricity load shedding affect commercial manufacturing and sale of ice in many countries. The vendors prepared ice using untreated piped water, tanker water and ground water. These waters may contain hazardous pollutants and ice made from them will pose a potential human health risk. Thus, it is important to regularly monitor the chemical composition of water sources and the quality of the manufactured ice. A contemporary examination was carried out to evaluate the physico-chemical properties and heavy metals and metalloids in the ice sold in all the districts of Karachi, Pakistan. This pioneering study was an innovative effort to assess the ice quality in relation to potential pollutant hazards to human health; with concomitant geospatial information. The geospatial distribution of ice quality and major constituents were among the measured parameters; carefully associated with further geospatial information, determined using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) techniques. Interestingly, the physico-chemical analyses revealed that the ice quality was marginally adequate and the total mean metal-metalloid contents were in the sequence of Pb > Ni > Zn > Fe > Cr > As. The concentrations of these metals were above the upper allowable limits with reference to the recommended WHO guidelines. We observed that 57.1% and 35.7% ice samples had good physico-chemical properties assessed using the Ice Quality Index (IQI). Conversely, the IQI for metals showed that the ice was unsafe for human consumption. In terms of health risk assessment, the overall mean CDI (Chronic Daily Intake) and HQ (Hazard Quotient) values were in the order of Pb () > Ni (3.2) > Zn (2.3) > Fe (2.1) > Cr (1.6) > As (0.5) and Pb (7.4) > As (1.7) > Cr (0.5) > Ni (0.4 > Zn (0.008) > Fe (0.003), respectively. This study highlighted that routine monitoring of the water supplies available for making ice is required to protect public health.