scholarly journals Heavy metal concentration in vegetables and their potential risk for human health

2021 ◽  
pp. 68-81
Author(s):  
A. Feseha ◽  
◽  
A.K. Chaubey ◽  
A. Abraha ◽  
◽  
...  

This study assesses heavy metal levels in the water, soil, and vegetables (swiss chard, lettuce, cabbage, collard green, tomato, green pepper, and carrot) irrigated with wastewater in Gamo, Ethiopia. The samples of soils, waters, and vegetables were randomly collected, processed, and analyzed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained show that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni had the highest concentration, and Pb, Zn, and Cu had the lowest concentration in irrigation waters. The levels of Cd in the Kulfo river area and Chamo Lake area and Cu in most of the farm soils were also found to be higher than the guideline values. The study also revealed that the mean levels of Cd in most vegetables and Cr and Pb in some vegetables were higher than the maximum recommended limits set by the World Health Organization / Food and Agriculture Organization 2001. Among the vegetables, cabbage had the highest heavy metal content followed by Swiss-chard, carrot, tomato, collard green, green pepper, and lettuce. The Hazard quotient of Cu, and Ni of all samples of vegetables and Cd in some samples vegetables obtained exceeded unity. It signifies that there are potential health risks to the consumers. This study recommends regular monitoring of heavy metals in soils, waters, and foodstuffs to prevent excessive accrual in the food chain.

2021 ◽  
pp. 68-81
Author(s):  
A. Feseha ◽  
◽  
A.K. Chaubey ◽  
A. Abraha ◽  
◽  
...  

This study assesses heavy metal levels in the water, soil, and vegetables (swiss chard, lettuce, cabbage, collard green, tomato, green pepper, and carrot) irrigated with wastewater in Gamo, Ethiopia. The samples of soils, waters, and vegetables were randomly collected, processed, and analyzed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results obtained show that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni had the highest concentration, and Pb, Zn, and Cu had the lowest concentration in irrigation waters. The levels of Cd in the Kulfo river area and Chamo Lake area and Cu in most of the farm soils were also found to be higher than the guideline values. The study also revealed that the mean levels of Cd in most vegetables and Cr and Pb in some vegetables were higher than the maximum recommended limits set by the World Health Organization / Food and Agriculture Organization 2001. Among the vegetables, cabbage had the highest heavy metal content followed by Swiss-chard, carrot, tomato, collard green, green pepper, and lettuce. The Hazard quotient of Cu, and Ni of all samples of vegetables and Cd in some samples vegetables obtained exceeded unity. It signifies that there are potential health risks to the consumers. This study recommends regular monitoring of heavy metals in soils, waters, and foodstuffs to prevent excessive accrual in the food chain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elijah Abakpa Adegbe ◽  
Oluwaseyi Oluwabukola Babajide ◽  
Lois Riyo Maina ◽  
Shola Elijah Adeniji

Abstract Background Heavy metal accumulation in the ecosystem constitutes a potential toxic effect which is hazardous to human health. Increasing environmental pollution has necessitated the use of cattle egrets to evaluate the levels of heavy metal contamination, to establish their use in biomonitoring of heavy metals and to provide data for monitoring pollution in the environment. Results The present study assessed the utilization of Bubulcus ibis in monitoring pollution in five abattoirs, namely Agege, Bariga, Kara, Itire and Idi-Araba, all situated in Lagos State. The concentration of five (5) heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) was determined in the liver, muscle and feather of Bubulcus ibis using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The trend of metal accumulation was in the order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni for all the sampled tissues. The mean tissue concentrations of the metals were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the sites. The highest levels of metal concentration were reported in the liver in all the locations. Mean concentration of Cd in Kara (0.003 ± 0.00058) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those found at Agege (0.0013 ± 0.00058) and Idi-Araba (0.001 ± 0.001). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was also observed between the mean concentrations of Cu in Bariga (0.01 ± 0.001) and Idi-Araba (0.003 ± 0.001). Conclusion All the studied heavy metals were present in the liver, muscle and feathers of the cattle egrets. The contamination levels were ascertained from the study which indicated that cattle egrets are useful in biomonitoring studies and the generated data will serve as baseline data which could be compared with data from other locations for monitoring heavy metal pollution.


Author(s):  
Özgür Canpolat ◽  
Metin Çalta

Keban Dam Lake is the second largest dam lake in Turkey. In addition, it has the feature of being one of the most important dam lakes in our country in terms of both aquaculture potential and electricity generation. In this study, fish samples belong to Capoeta trutta caught from Örencik region of Keban Dam Lake were used. The concentrations of some heavy metals (copper, iron, zinc, chromium, nickel, cadmium, arsenic and mercury) in muscle of Capoeta trutta and the potential health risk from consumption of this fish species were examined. In addidion, the relationship between the heavy metal levels and some biological aspects of fish (weight, length and sex) were determined. As a result of the study, it was determined that the most and the least accumulated heavy metals in the muscle tissue of Capoeta trutta were zinc and cadmium respectively. The concentration of heavy metals showed differences according to weight, length and sex of fish. The results were found indicated that heavy metal levels in the muscle tissue of Capoeta trutta are below the tolerable values recommended by EPA, WHO and FAO. Therefore, there is not any risk for human consumption of this fish species.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandita Sarker ◽  
Muhammed Alamgir Zaman Chowdhury ◽  
Abu Naieum Muhammad Fakhruddin ◽  
Zeenath Fardous ◽  
Mohammed Moniruzzaman ◽  
...  

The present study was undertaken to determine the heavy metal levels and the physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and ash, moisture, and total sugar content) of honeys from Bangladesh. Three different floral honeys were investigated, namely, khalsi (Aegiceras corniculatum), mustard (Brassica juncea), and litchi (Litchi chinensis) honeys. The heavy metals in the honeys were determined by using a High Temperature Dry Oxidation method followed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The mean pH, EC, and ash, moisture, and total sugar contents of the investigated honeys were 3.6, 0.51 mS/cm, 0.18%, 18.83%, and 68.30%, respectively. Iron was the most abundant among all the investigated heavy metals, ranging from 13.51 to 15.44 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Mn and Zn in the investigated honeys were 0.28 mg/kg and 2.99 mg/kg, respectively. Cd was below the detection limit, and lead was found in some honey samples, but their contents were below the recommended Maximum Acceptable Level. Cr was also found in all of the samples, but its concentration was within the limit. The physicochemical analysis of the honey samples yielded levels within the limits set by the international honey legislation, indicating that the honey samples were of good quality and had acceptable values for maturity, purity, and freshness.


Author(s):  
N. P. Udeh ◽  
A. C. Ikegwuonu ◽  
O. A. Okeke ◽  
C. Obudulu ◽  
K. P. Okafor ◽  
...  

Soil samples and cassava tubers collected from farmlands within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka vicinity were analyzed for their heavy metal levels using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) in order to assess their levels of contamination on the environment as a result of excessive fertilizers and automobile emission. Physiochemical properties of the soil samples were determined using standard methods. The soil pH had a mean value of 6.27 ± 0.07, 6.10 ± 0.06 and 6.57 ± 0.03 respectively indicating that the soils were slightly acidic to neutrality. Total organic carbon and nitrate mean values were 105.20 ± 6.20, 95.75 ± 9.57 and 94.6 ± 2.27 and 138.07 ± 12.09, 149.35 ± 14.25 and 149.20 ± 1.17 respectively showing presence of some organic matters. The mean levels of heavy metals in the soil samples were 0.01 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.05 ± 0.03 for lead (Pb), 0.24 ± 0.16, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.001 ± 0.000 for cadmium (Cd) and 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.010 ± 0.006 and 0.001 ± 0.001 for chromium (Cr). These metals levels were in the abundance trend of Pb>Cd> Cr. The mean metal concentrations obtained in the cassava tubers respectively were 0.001 ± 0.001, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.005 ± 0.005 for lead (Pb), 0.000 ± 0.000, 0.0003 ± 0.0003 and 0.000 ± 0.000 for cadmium (Cd) and 0.002 ± 0.002, 0.000 ± 0.000 and 0.002 ± 0.002 for chromium (Cr). These metals levels were in the abundance trend of Pb> Cr > Cd. For both the soil and cassava samples, there were no significant variations in the heavy metal concentrations and also in physicochemical parameter except for pH; this showed that there is low heavy metal enrichment in the soils studied. Based on the study, the following heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cr) falls within the Codex maximum permissible limits 0.1mg/l or ppm expect soil cadmium in science village which is above the Codex limit. The overall results showed that the farmlands (on soils and cassava tuber) appear to be free from poisoning or some metal enrichment and safe for agricultural purposes and also safe for human health and consumption.


Author(s):  
Adefarati Oloruntoba ◽  
Isaiah Adukwu Nathaniel

Aims: To determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in kidney and liver of slaughtered cattle. Study Design:  Analytical method. Place and Duration of Study: Samples obtained from Gwagwalada abattoir in Abuja, Nigeria and transported University of Abuja, Chemistry Laboratory for analysis. The study lasted for four (4) months. Methodology: Wet digestion of samples followed by metal analysis using Accusys 211 Bulk Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Results: The empirical results indicated that the mean levels or concentration of these heavy metals in kidney of cattle were 47.75±0.002 mg/g Zn, 279.5±0.084 mg/g Fe, 10.00±0.00mg/g Mn, while Cd and Pb were not detected. The levels or concentration of heavy metals in the liver sample were 0.500=±0.000025 mg/g Cd, 57.00±0.0001 mg/g Zn, 119.5±0.0016 mg/g Fe, 5.75±0.000025 mg/g Mn, Pb was not detected. The concentration of Fe and Mn were found to be high in kidney sample than the liver sample. Conclusion: The evidence from this study revealed the safety of these investigated offal meats as the concentration of these metals in the kidney and liver sample were within the maximum permissible limit according to the European Commission (EC) and FAO/WHO standards.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-32
Author(s):  
Chris Oche Ikese ◽  
Peter Agorye Adie ◽  
Christie Adah ◽  
Raphael Amokaha ◽  
Grace Abu ◽  
...  

Abstract The levels of some heavy metals in spent engine oils and in the fingernails of auto-mechanics were studied. Engine oils and fingernails were collected from auto-mechanics who had practiced between ≤ 5 years, ≤ 10 years and ≤ 15 years in 3 auto-mechanic workshop clusters. Pb, Ni, V, Cd, and As levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean levels of Pb, Ni, V and Cd in spent engine oils were 14.31, 2.25, 0.38 and 2.07 ppm respectively, and these far exceeded their permissible exposure limits. The mean levels of heavy metals in the fingernails of auto-mechanics who had practiced for ≤ 5 years, ≤ 10 years and ≤ 15 years were all considerably below their pathological thresholds. Thus, auto-mechanics in the study area are exposed to unsafe levels of Pb, Ni, V, and Cd, but no immediate threat of their toxicities in the study population exist. However, a progressive bioaccumulation of the heavy metals was observed with increase in years of practice.


Author(s):  
Gang Liang ◽  
Wenwen Gong ◽  
Bingru Li ◽  
Jimin Zuo ◽  
Ligang Pan ◽  
...  

Consumption of foodstuffs is the most likely route for human exposure to heavy metals. This study was designed to investigate the toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) concentrations in different foodstuffs (cereals, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat) and then estimate the potential health risks of toxic metals via consumption to the local residents in Beijing, China. Most of the selected toxic metal levels in the foodstuffs were lower than the maximum allowable concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg for Chinese foodstuffs recommended in the China National Food Safety Standard. The health risks associated with the toxic metals Pb, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg were assessed based on the target hazard quotients (THQs) proposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The THQ values of the foodstuffs varied and were 0.03–0.29 for Cr, 0.02–0.23 for Pb, 0.01–0.33 for Cd, 0.01–0.06 for As, and 0.00–0.04 for Hg, not exceeding the maximum level of 1. The total THQ (TTHQ) values were 0.88 for vegetables, 0.57 for cereals, 0.46 for meat, 0.32 for fish, and 0.07 for fruits. This indicates that the risk contribution from vegetable intake (38.8%) was significant in comparison to that from other foodstuffs. The TTHQ values were 0.96 for Cr, 0.54 for Pb, 0.50 for Cd, 0.19 for As, and 0.09 for Hg, suggesting that Cr was a major risk contributor (41.7%) for the local residents of Beijing, which should attract great attention. However, the THQ/TTHQ values were all below 1, suggesting no health risks to the local population through consumption. Furthermore, dietary weekly intakes (WIs) were also calculated and the values were all lower than the proposed limit of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWI) established by the the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This suggests no additional health risks as well as consistency with the THQ results.


Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1213
Author(s):  
Muhammad Faisal ◽  
Zening Wu ◽  
Huiliang Wang ◽  
Zafar Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Imran Azam

The goal of this research is to assess hazardous heavy metal levels in PM2.5 fractioned road dust in order to quantify the risk of inhalation and potential health effects. To accomplish this, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to determine concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg) in the PM2.5 portion of road dust samples from five different land use areas (commercial, residential, industrial, parks, and educational) in Zhengzhou, China. The following were the average heavy metal concentrations in the city: Cr 46.26 mg/kg, Cu 25.13 mg/kg, Ni 12.51 mg/kg, Zn 152.35 mg/kg, Cd 0.56 mg/kg, As 11.53 mg/kg, Pb 52.15 mg/kg, and Hg 0.32 mg/kg. Two pollution indicators, the Pollution Index (PI) and the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), were used to determine the degree of contamination. Both PI and Igeo indicated the extreme pollution of Hg and Cd, while PI also ranked Zn in the extreme polluted range. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) model for adults and children was used to estimate health risks by inhalation. The results identified non-carcinogenic exposure of children to lead (HI > 0.1) in commercial and industrial areas. Both children and adults in Zhengzhou’s commercial, residential, and park areas are exposed to higher levels of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn).


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 808
Author(s):  
Hai Nguyen Duc ◽  
Hojin Oh ◽  
Min-Sun Kim

The burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has increased worldwide, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this phenomenon is related to environmental, dietary, and lifestyle risk factors. We aimed to determine the association between the levels of serum heavy metals, hs-CRP, vitamins, and curry intake and to predict risks of MetS based on marginal effects. A data set of 60,256 Koreans aged ≥ 15 years between 2009 and 2017 was used to obtain information on sociodemographic, lifestyle, family history characteristics, MetS, food intake survey, and serum heavy metals. Daily intake of vitamins was measured by a one-day 24 h recall, and curry consumption was calculated using a food frequency questionnaire. Serum heavy metal levels were quantified by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and using a mercury analyzer. We found that vitamin B1, B2, B3, C, and A intakes were significantly lower in subjects with than without MetS. In contrast, serum levels of Pb, Hg, Cd, vitamin A, E, and hs-CRP were significantly higher in subjects with MetS. The risk of MetS was significantly lower for high curry consumers than low curry consumers (adjusted odds ratio 0.85, 95%CI 0.74–0.98). The risks of MetS were reduced by 12% and 1%, when vitamin B1 and C intakes increased by one mg, respectively, but were increased by 14%, 3%, and 9%, when serum levels of Pb, Hg, and hs-CRP increased by one unit. These results show that the potential health benefits resulting from vitamin and curry intakes could protect the public against the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Further studies are required to reduce risk factors associated with serum heavy metal levels and to determine whether interactions between vitamin and curry consumption influence the presence of MetS.


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