Target Hazard Quotient Values Research Articles

Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements of corn fields in southern Iran

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are among the stable and dangerous environmental pollutants that cause complications in the human body. The present study was conducted to assess the health risk of PTEs in corn fields in southwestern Iran. In the summer and autumn of 2022, 180 samples were collected from corn fields in six regions of Khuzestan Province. Potential elements were measured using the atomic absorption method and an AA240Z device. The average concentrations of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu in soil samples from corn fields were found to be 0.20 ± 0.01, 48.96 ± 12.63, 59.93 ± 8.77, and 27.31 ± 5.92 mg/kg, respectively. There was no significant difference in the concentrations of PTEs between the two sampling periods (p > 0.05), but a significant difference was observed among the concentrations of PTEs in the six studied farms (p < 0.05). The highest transfer factor for Zn in corn was 0.62, while the transfer factor for Cu was 0.12, which was lower than that of other elements. The average concentrations of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu in corn samples from agricultural fields during the summer and autumn seasons were 0.058, 21.39, 36.52, and 6.60 mg/kg, respectively. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu was 0.33, 6.11, 0.69, and 0.94 for adults and 1.54, 28.52, 3.24, and 4.4 for children. THQ values for the metals in corn for children were higher than 1. Additionally, the THQ for Ni in adults was higher than 1, indicating a potential health risk. Therefore, based on the data analysis, the THQ of Cd, Ni, Cu, and Zn in corn can pose a danger to human health. According to the results of the Cd carcinogenesis risk index, corn consumption appears to be hazardous for both adults and children.

Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Selected Elements in Veterinary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Using ICP-MS.

One of the major concerns for animal health is the pollution of food and medicines given to animals by non-essential and toxic elements, which also poses a risk to human health via the food chain. The essential (Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) and non-essential elements (Li, Ti, V, Ga, Ag, Cd, In, Ba, Bi, Th, and U) were monitored using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in veterinary active pharmaceutical ingredients (V APIs). Samples were divided into four groups including antibiotic (14 samples), anthelmintic (7 samples), anticoccidial (5 samples), and externally used (5 samples). The results of the antibiotic group had the highest concentrations of most elements. The concentrations of the targeted elements were below the permissible limits as recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) were applied to evaluate the animal health risk associated with the exposure of the target elements in V API samples; the results showed that elements do not pose any risk to animals in all samples as indicated by THQ values less than 1. Validation parameters performed in this study showed good accuracy and validity of the ICP-MS analysis method, with good linearity (R2 ˃ 0.990), and the relative standard deviations (%RSD) were < 4% for all target elements. Analysis of variance (ANOVA-one way) was used to compare the means of veterinary drug groups for all targeted elements. The results showed that all elements have p-values < 0.05 except 52Cr and 54Fe.

Assessing the potential ecological and human health risks of trace metal pollution in surface water, sediment, and commercially valuable fish species in the Pashur River, Bangladesh.

This research examines the contamination levels in the Pashur River in Bangladesh stemming from trace metal discharge originating from the Mongla seaport and various industrial outlets. It delves into both ecological risks and potential health hazards for humans consuming fish carrying accumulated trace metals. The research employed atomic absorption spectrometry to measure the concentrations of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) in surface water, sediment, and fish samples. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and carcinogenic risks were calculated to determine the human health risk caused by the consumption of these targeted fish species. An RI value of 42.89 indicates that the collective presence of trace metals in sediment poses significant ecological risks to the study area. Although the majority of trace metals present in sediment are categorized under class 1 (ranging from unpolluted to moderately polluted) based on the Igeo values, Cd is classified under class 2, signifying a moderate level of pollution. Significantly, THQ values surpass the threshold of 1 for Cr and As, indicating potential health risks associated with the consumption of specific fish species. Among the trace metals analyzed, Ni demonstrates the highest cancer risk (CR) value, at 5.78 × 103, indicating a notable cancer risk associated with the consumption of targeted fish. Recommendations include the strict enforcement of waste disposal policies to mitigate anthropogenic discharge and safeguard the river from further pollution.

The Bioaccumulations of Metal(loid)s in the Tissues of Invasive Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) Fish from the Kızılırmak River (Türkiye) and Health Risk Assessment.

The present research was an examination of the concentration levels of 10 metal(loid)s that had accumulated in the muscle, gills, and liver tissues of Carassius gibelio (Prussian carp) fish. The fish species, used as samples in the study, were obtained from the part of the river in Gülşehir (Türkiye). Besides, possible health risks to consumers were specified based on the daily estimated intake (EDI) of metal(loid)s in adults. Additionally, considering the inhabitants' frequency of fish consumption in the area, target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), carcinogenic risk (CR), and maximum safe consumption quantity (MSCQ) values were assessed. All of the examined metal(loid)s in the research were determined in all of the tissues of the fish. Also, Fe and Zn had the highest levels in the tissues, and Pb had the lowest level. There were statistically significant differences of Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb among the tissues (p < 0.05). It was determined that the gender of the fish did not affect the accumulation of the metal(loid)s in the tissues. According to the research results, no significant statistical difference was found between the accumulation of the metal(loid)s (except Ni) and the size of the fish (length and weight) (p > 0.05). The estimated daily intake levels of the metal(loid)s accumulating in the eatable muscle of the samples were calculated to be lower than the reference dose limit. Besides, the THQ and the HI values lower than 1 were found. Carcinogenic risk values related to inorganic As were below 10-6. This result specifies that consumption of the fish poses no carcinogenic risks to consumers' health. It was concluded that less than 70g of C. gibelio daily consumption would not harm consumers' health.

Assessment of trace element occurrence in Nile Tilapia from the Rosetta branch of the River Nile, Egypt: Implications for human health risk via lifetime consumption

River pollution can harm human health through direct contact, drinking water, and the consumption of contaminated fish and irrigated agricultural products. Surface water and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) samples were collected monthly from July 2022 to June 2023 at three sites (El-Rahawy, Sabal, and Tala) along the Rosetta Nile branch in Egypt to monitor the presence of eight trace elements. The potential human health risks from consuming contaminated fish were also assessed. Iron and manganese were consistently detected in all water samples across most seasons and locations, with concentrations generally below the WHO permissible levels. All 72 analyzed fish muscle samples were found to contain trace elements. The mean concentrations of metals in the fish muscle samples, in descending order, were: iron > zinc > copper > manganese > tin > antimony > lead > mercury. Significant spatial and seasonal variations were observed in both water and fish samples. El-Rahawy was identified as the most contaminated site, with summer exhibiting the highest contamination rate compared to other seasons. Fish samples collected from El-Rahawy demonstrated the highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) values for most elements, particularly mercury, lead, iron, manganese, and antimony. Target hazard quotient (THQ) calculations for the trace elements in Nile tilapia muscles revealed that all trace elements, except antimony, had THQ values below 1, suggesting that consuming Nile tilapia from these sites is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. However, THQ values for antimony exceeded the threshold of 1, indicating a potential health risk for consumers. Although the detected trace elements in the fish were below the permissible toxicity limits, some could pose a future threat to human health, necessitating further studies, ongoing monitoring, and preventive measures.

The Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in the Water and Tissues of Invasive Fish Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) and Non-carcinogenic Health Risk Assessment from Meriç Delta Wetland, Türkiye.

Meriç Delta, which has a wide variety of ecosystems, is an A Class Wetland and the most significant natural stagnant freshwater ecosystem located in the south-western of Thrace Region of Türkiye. In this research, heavy metals (Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb) were investigated in the surface water and Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) obtained from Meriç Delta lakes (Gala, Pamuklu, Sığırcı, and Dalyan), which are located on an important migration route of water birds. The heavy metals in surface water samples and fish tissues were determined by ICP-MS. Dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation (%), pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and total phosphorus parameters were measured in surface waters. High total phosphorus content was detected in the investigated region. The measured As, Cr, and Ni values in water samples were determined to be higher than Türkiye Regulation Standards criteria. Fish were taken from Gala and Sığırcı Lake. The mean concentrations of measured heavy metals were found to be below permissible values in fish muscle and gill. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ values (HI) of all heavy metals did not exceed the limit value.

Comprehensive risk assessment of lead concentrations in chicken, quail, and duck egg albumen and yolk using Monte Carlo simulations

This study conducted a comparative analysis of the concentration of the lead (Pb) in the albumen and yolk of eggs from domesticated chicken, quail, and duck, with a concurrent assessment of the potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with the consumption of eggs sourced from Türkiye. A total of 78 poultry egg samples were gathered from breeding farms and farmers' markets situated in Şanlıurfa province. Lead concentrations were assessed through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Human health risk assessment adheres to the guidelines set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), which primarily emphasizes estimated daily intake (EDI), international lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), target hazard quotient (THQ), and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) as a probabilistic approach. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare Pb concentrations within egg yolks and albumens, as well as among various types of eggs. The levels of Pb found in the albumen of chicken, quail, and duck eggs were measured to be 0.31 ± 0.11, 0.43 ± 0.11, and 0.47 ± 0.16 μg kg−1, respectively. The concentrations of Pb in the yolks of chicken, quail, and duck eggs were found to be 0.54 ± 0.19, 0.28 ± 0.11, and 0.69 ± 0.21 μg kg−1, respectively. These concentrations were below the maximum permitted levels set by the FAO/WHO. The results indicated that Pb content in all tested eggs was safe for consumption, with exposure levels significantly below Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) risk thresholds. The THQ values were less than one, indicating no non-carcinogenic risk. In addition, this study provides accurate and reliable data for policy makers to improve food safety measures and reduce potential public health risks.

Assessing health hazards of dried fish consumption from coastal markets in a developing nation

Dried fish is a crucial protein source for coastal populations in developing countries, but it is becoming increasingly contaminated with heavy metals due to the use of traditional drying methods. This study assessed Cd, Cr, Pb, and Mn levels and their health risks in four commonly consumed dried fish species (Harpodon nehereus, Trichiurus lepturus, Penaeus affinis, and Amblypharyngodon mola) from the central coast of Bangladesh. Results showed Mn levels (17.47 ± 4.69 mg/kg) exceeded FAO limits (4.35 mg/kg), with the highest concentrations in H. nehereus. Cd levels (0.24 ± 0.16 mg/kg) in A. mola were also above safety thresholds. Lead was found in all species except P. affinis, with the highest concentration in A. mola (0.432 ± 0.06 mg/kg), which was within safe limits. Risk assessments revealed higher health risks for children, with elevated Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values compared to adults. H. nehereus had the highest THQ values for Cr (0.0014 mg/kg) and Mn (0.00044 mg/kg). Multivariate analyses indicated contamination from both anthropogenic and natural sources. The study stressed the need for better monitoring and mitigation to ensure the safety and nutritional value of dried fish.

Heavy Metal Biomonitoring in Cultured Rainbow Trout of the Black Sea and Risk Estimations on Its Consumption.

In recent years, the growing importance of fish species obtained through aquaculture, coupled with a decline in wild-caught fish, has raised concerns about the potential accumulation of pollutants in these fish. This work aimed to analyze the amounts of elements in trout cultured mainly between Sinop and Samsun shores at the south of the Black Sea and marketed in Sinop fish markets. The comparison of these values with national and internationally accepted regulations was conducted, and evaluation of health risks for consumers was performed. Oncorhynchus mykiss samples were bought in April, May, and June of 2022 and 2023. The heavy metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fish tissues were wet digested in Teflon vessels. The outcomes were contrasted with established regulatory limits for heavy metals in fish. Fortunately, the metal concentrations detected in the fillets were found to be below the permissible levels set by regulations, indicating that the fish were not significantly contaminated. Furthermore, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values, which are utilized to evaluate the possible health risks connected with heavy metal exposure, were calculated. It was reassuring to find that both EDI and THQ values were below the acceptable thresholds, suggesting that the consumption of O. mykiss is not likely to pose a threat to human health. To preserve seafood safety and safeguard public health, however, constant monitoring of fish metal levels is necessary.

Assessment and bioaccumulation of heavy metal contaminants in Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora Hamilton, 1822)

Unpolluted freshwater is a crucial component for maintaining the health of humans. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation and potential health hazards of heavy metal contaminants (Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb) in water, sediments, and tissues of the golden mahseer fish (Tor putitora) from Zhob River to assess their suitability for human consumption. Samples (soil, water, and fish) were collected from the Zhob River, and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) was employed to measure the concentration of these metals found in soil, water, and various fish body tissues (muscles, skin, gills, and liver). The overall results revealed that water quality parameters, i.e., temperature and pH were found within tolerable ranges, while electrical conductivity and turbidity exceeded the permissible limits of FAO/WHO for fish. Furthermore, this study also identified elevated concentrations of Pb in water and soil, as well as Fe and Cd in soil beyond the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In contrast, the concentrations of other targeted metals examined in fish body tissues were found below the permissible limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating the suitability of this fish species for human consumption. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of these targeted metals in various fish body tissues was found to be within the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), suggesting no associated health risks for the local population. Furthermore, both the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) values measured in this study were less than one, indicating the absence of potential non-carcinogenic health risks related to the consumption of this riverine mahseer fish, but combined metal intake may pose potential health risks. Carcinogenic risk assessment for some metals like Cd, Cr, and Pb revealed no cancer risk for consumers. Moreover, our present research observed comparatively high bioaccumulation (BAF) of each targeted metal in the fish liver from both Zhob River water and soil as compared to other body tissues. Multivariate analysis, including the correlation matrix, revealed strong and significant correlations (P < 0.05) among heavy metal pairs (Fe/Cr, Fe/Pb, Cr/Fe, Cr/Pb, Pb/Fe, Pb/Cr). Hierarchical cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were utilized to trace the origins of these metals, attributing their presence to nearby rock weathering, mining, as well as municipal and agricultural activities. These factors were recognized as potential sources of heavy metal bioaccumulation in riverine fish. Thus, our current study concluded that the Zhob River was contaminated with these heavy metals and emphasized the need to prevent domestic and industrial sewage inflow. The monitoring of these metals in the food chain was also underscored as crucial for reducing all kinds of associated health risks. This study provides the first report on heavy metal distribution in highly abundant and edible mahseer fishes of the Zhob River.

Total arsenic and arsenic species in selected seafoods: Analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography- inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and health risk assessment

The objective of the present study was to determine the inorganic and organic arsenic species and assess the actual risk of selected seafood produced in Sri Lanka in terms of inorganic arsenic species. A total of 80 samples, comprising 75 seafood samples and 5 freshwater samples, including mollusks, echinoderms, and crustaceans, were analyzed for their total arsenic (TA) levels and arsenic species. TA levels in seafood were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave digestion. Arsenic species, including arsenobetaine (AsB), arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), were selectively separated and quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ICP-MS, following water bath extraction with 30 mmol/L nitric acid. The TA levels in seafood ranged from 0.036 to 11.686 mg kg-1. The spike recovery values for the five arsenic species lay within 80 % to 120 %, and the chromatographic recovery percentages ranged from 85.5 % to 123.6 %. In most samples, 100 % AsB was detected. Sea cucumber and both marine and freshwater giant river prawns showed AsB percentages of the total arsenicals at 83.2 %, 39.7 %, and 21.3 %, respectively. DMA was found in sea cucumber and marine giant river prawn at levels of 0.065 mg kg-1 and 0.048 mg kg-1, respectively, while MMA was not detected in any samples. AsIII was found in marine water giant river prawn and freshwater giant river prawn at levels of 0.010 mg kg-1 and 0.044 mg kg-1, respectively. AsV was only found in marine giant river prawn at a concentration of 0.193 mg kg-1. No other samples contained detectable levels of inorganic arsenicals. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for marine and freshwater giant river prawn were 0.90 and 0.2, respectively, indicating no significant health risks since the THQ values were <1. Therefore, our study suggests that consuming the studied seafood does not pose any health risks in terms of arsenic.

Health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in minerals-fortified milk and young child formula in Brazil

Exposure to potentially toxic elements above certain limits can cause adverse effects on human health, with young children being the most vulnerable. Then, the aim of this study was to determine, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the concentration of potentially toxic elements (Al, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn, Ti, and U) in minerals-fortified milk (MFM) and young child formula (YCF) commercialized in Brazil and recommended for children aged 1–3 years. High concentrations (mg kg−1) were found in MFM and YCF, respectively, for Ti (21.1–23.7 and 8.62–25.7), Al (0.59–4.69 and 0.23–4.92), and Ni (0.66–2.89 and 1.09–1.59). Total As concentrations varied from 0.02 to 0.07 mg kg−1, Pb, Sn, Cd, and U were present at low concentrations and Hg was not detected in any sample. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the target carcinogenic risk (TCR) were also determined, and almost all the THQ values were found below 1, except for Ni, indicating potential risk to children in two of the brands analyzed. The concentrations determined for total As were worrying because, if it was inorganic form, all analyzed samples would represent health and cancer risk, indicating the urgent need for updated protocols for As speciation and food monitoring in the Brazilian market. Thus, controlling the processing and increasing the monitoring of these products is essential to avoid adverse effects on children’s health in the short and long term.

Determination of tetracycline residues in potatoes and soil by LC-MS/MS: Method development, validation, and risk assessment

A method utilizing liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated according to the Commission Implementing Regulation (CIR) EU 2021/808 for quantifying four tetracyclines (TCs) in potatoes and soil. The method demonstrated recovery values ranging from 70 to 121% and precision (repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility), with coefficient of variation (CV) values below 18% for all TCs in both matrices. The limits of quantification (LOQs) for the TCs ranged from 0.90 to 1.87 μg/kg in potatoes and from 0.68 to 1.25 μg/kg in soil. The decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) ranged from 10.4 to 12.3 μg/kg and 11.9 to 14.3 μg/kg, respectively. Analysis of 538 potato and soil samples from Egyptian farms revealed a 13.2% occurrence of TC residues, with a higher frequency in soil (19.33%) than in potatoes (7.06%). Target hazard quotient (THQ) values indicated that TC residues in potatoes do not pose a health risk to Egyptian consumers.

The levels, single and multiple health risk assessment of 23 metals in enteral nutrition formulas

Enteral nutrition formulas are products that provide macro and micronutrients to patients who cannot receive their nutrition orally. In this study, the levels of 23 metals known to have potential health risks were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in a total of 28 enteral nutrition formula. Metal exposure was calculated according to three different daily energy intake scenarios (Scenario 1 = 50% oral nutrition + 50% enteral nutrition formula, Scenario 2 = 25% oral nutrition + 75% enteral nutrition formula and Scenario 3 = 100% enteral nutrition formula) and evaluated in terms of non-carcinogenic health risks. The mean levels of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Se, Li, Be, V, As, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, La, Hg and Pb in the samples analyzed were determined 12,000 ± 3300, 64 ± 1.6, 10 ± 13, 1300 ± 400, 8500 ± 2500, 75 ± 30, 61 ± 21, 0.34 ± 0.36, 0.05 ± 0.08, 7.3 ± 2, 1.6 ± 0.6, 457 ± 166, 0.02 ± 0.1, 0.14 ± 0.12, 0.01 ± 0.1, 74 ± 103, 0.63 ± 0.4, 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.14 ± 0.7 μg/L. These metals were considered safe in terms of non-carcinogenic health risks when analyzed individually. However, when the target hazard quotient values of all metals were evaluated together, hazard index values were higher than the reference value of 1, for both men and women, indicating potential health risks.

Changes in concentrations of potentially toxic and essential elements of Iranian rice using various cooking methods: A probabilistic health risk-assessment study

In the present study, 41 domestic rice samples were analyzed for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and essential elements (EEs) using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Then, a health risk assessment was carried out. Effects of cooking methods, including the rinsed and kateh (unrinsed) methods, on removing PTEs were investigated as another major aim of this study. The rinsed cooking process demonstrated significant efficacy in decreasing concentrations of Pb, Al, and Ba, as well as EEs, including Ca, Fe, K, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, and Zn. The mean levels of PTEs (Al, As, Ba, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ti) were respectively 4.532, 0.018, 2.186, 0.425, 0.014, 0.102, and 0.027 mg kg−1. Rinsed the rinsed cooking method included the greatest significant decreases in PTE and EE concentrations. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values of Cr, Cu and Mo were greater than those of safety limits in children but less than 1 U. Using rinsed cooking method, concentrations of PTEs, including Al, Ba and Pb, decreased 2, 3 and 7 folds in rice samples, respectively. Technically, incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values indicate carcinogenic risks for exposure to As, Cr, and Ni for children and Cr and Ni for adults., and Ni for children, This study provides knowledge that reflects the need to set up food-safety risk management and the importance of promoting further coordinated and focused policy actions to achieve food and nutrition security.

Pollution of four heavy metal elements in dried chili peppers in Guizhou Province and its health risk assessment

This study aimed to evaluate arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) levels in dried chili peppers from nine districts in Guizhou Province. These heavy metals, widely dispersed and capable of transferring to crops, pose potential health risks to humans. The assessment included modeling daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard index (TTHQ), and target carcinogenic risk (TCR) to assess health risks across different population groups. Results showed chromium (0.9540 ± 0.301 mg/kg) and lead (0.8949 ± 0.266 mg/kg) had the highest concentrations, followed by arsenic (0.3287 ± 0.093 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.0627 ± 0.017 mg/kg). Children exhibited higher EDI values than adults, indicating greater health risks from dried chili pepper consumption at equivalent levels. THQ and TTHQ values were below 1 across all regions, indicating no significant health risks associated with dried chili pepper consumption. Similarly, TCR values were below 10–4 for all nine regions, indicating an acceptable level of carcinogenic risk. Overall, consuming dried chili peppers in Guizhou Province poses an acceptable health risk, but caution is advised, especially for children, to limit heavy metal exposure.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination risk in dry fish from India: A comprehensive study

The widespread presence of heavy metal contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, and consequently in fish, has emerged as a paramount concern owing to the staple role of fish in the Indian diet. The present study addresses heavy metal contamination in dried fish consumed across India and its associated health risks. The objectives of this study were to determine the heavy metal concentrations in dried fish from different regions of India, assess daily heavy metal intake through dried fish consumption, and evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. Subsequently, 111 dried fish samples from Guwahati-Assam, Mumbai, Karad-Maharashtra, and Goa were analyzed for eight selected heavy metals using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method results indicated varying contamination levels across locations, with As being the most abundant heavy metal. In Maharashtra and Assam, the heavy metal load in dried fish was as follows: As > Cr > Ni > V > Cd > Pb > Co > Hg. For Goa, the order was As > Cr > Ni > V > Cd > Co > Pb > Hg. Dietary exposure assessments revealed varying levels of exposure between adults and children, with As and Cd posing higher risks to children. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values for all metals were within acceptable limit of one. Health risk assessments revealed generally low hazard levels for adults, but higher risks for children, particularly at higher percentiles. Furthermore, As was identified as posing a medium risk of cancer. In essence, this research emphasizes the necessity for strict monitoring and regulations with the aim of controlling health hazards related to heavy metal pollution in food sources.

Health risks associated with mercury intake from rice and rice products

The main route of human exposure to toxic contaminants is through the consumption of contaminated food. To protect against potential negative health effects of rice consumption, the concentration of total mercury (THg) in rice and rice products sold in Poland was determined, and a consumer risk assessment was carried out. In this study, the concentration of THg in selected types of rice and rice products was determined and assessed. The determinations were carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) in a DMA-1 mercury analyzer. Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient values (THQ), and tolerable weekly intake (TWI), the toxicological risk associated with the intake of total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) from the products tested was also estimated. The analysis indicated that the highest Hg content was in rice cakes and the lowest in white rice and rice noodles. Total mercury content was found to be below the maximum permitted level. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) values for THg and MeHg in rice and rice products were lower than 1. These findings suggest that the food items examined pose no health risk.

The level, human exposure, and health risk assessment of acrylamide in chips and breakfast cereals: A study from Türkiye

The aim of this study is to determine the acrylamide levels of corn chips, potato chips and breakfast cereals and to evaluate the acrylamide exposure level resulting from the consumption of these foods in terms of health risks. Firstly, the acrylamide levels of corn chips (n=19), potato chips (n=11), and breakfast cereals (n=20) were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Then, the dietary acrylamide exposure resulting from chips and breakfast cereals consumption was calculated. Finally, dietary acrylamide exposure, target hazard quotient, the lifetime carcinogenic risk, and the margin of exposure approach values were calculated. The mean acrylamide levels of corn chips, potato chips, and breakfast cereals were 317±12, 3578±546, and 138±14 µg/kg, respectively. The mean acrylamide level of all chips was 1513±1876 µg/kg. The mean daily acrylamide exposure from the consumption of corn chips, potato chips, and breakfast cereals was calculated as 0.11±0.10, 1.28±0.58, and 0.08±0.06 µg/kg bw/day, respectively. The target hazard quotient values of acrylamide exposure from the consumption of corn chips, potato chips (except ketchup-flavored potato chips), and breakfast cereals are less than 1. However, the level of acrylamide exposure from the consumption of a total of 13 food samples−2 from corn chips, 10 from potato chips, and 1 from breakfast cereals−reaches alarming levels in terms of carcinogenic health risks. It is required that consumers reduce the frequency and amount of consumption of chips and breakfast cereals, especially potato chips. The results can serve as a guide for reducing exposure to acrylamide through chips and breakfast cereals consumption.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles and nano-hydroxyapatite enhanced Cd immobilization, activated antioxidant activity, improved wheat growth, and minimized dietary health risks in soil-wheat system

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in alkaline soils has posed a serious global food safety and health threat. In this work, the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) on Cd uptake by wheat in Cd-contaminated soils were evaluated by potting experiments. Results revealed that wheat grain yield increased with the application of nanomaterials (NPs), particularly at higher concentrations. The addition of ZnO NPs or n-HAP reduced Cd concentrations in wheat grains, shoots, and roots by 8.40∼44.54 %, 34.50∼57.28 %, 9.32∼41.26 % and 6.72∼14.29 %, 18.18∼32.19 %, and 1.08∼11.02 % compared with those in controls, respectively, while simultaneously increasing leaf antioxidative activity of SOD, POD, and CAT and decreasing MDA content. Soil pH increased and exchangeable Cd was transformed into more stable organically-bound and residual-bound Cd, thereby reducing soil available Cd content (0.1 g/kg ZnO NPs:16.97 %; 2.0 g/kg n-HAP:14.98 %). As a result, Cd enrichment in wheat tissues was reduced significantly by 0.1 g/kg ZnO NPs or 2.0 g/kg n-HAP. The health risk was assessed, and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) value was <1 with 0.1 g/kg ZnO NPs, which was within the safe range (P<0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that ZnO NPs were more effective than n-HAP in preventing Cd from entering plant roots. Furthermore, soil availability Cd was most affected by soil fractionation, whereas Cd concentrations in wheat tissues had the greatest effect on grain Cd accumulation. These results provide a key basis for the safe and sustainable application of nanoparticles and indicate that type and concentration should be fully considered when selecting nanomaterials to control Cd stress.