Heavy metals in soil, vegetables and fruits in the endemic upper gastrointestinal cancer region of Turkey

The environmental exposure to heavy metals is a well-known risk factor for cancer. We investigated levels of seven different heavy metals, (Co, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni and Cu) in soil, fruit and vegetable samples of Van region in Eastern Turkey where upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are endemic. Heavy metal contents of the samples were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Four heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Co) were present in 2- to 50-fold higher concentrations whereas zinc levels were present in 40-fold lower concentrations in soil. The fruit and vegetable samples were found to contain 3.5- to 340-fold higher amounts of the six heavy metals (Co, Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni and Cu) tested. The volcanic soil, fruit and vegetable samples contain potentially carcinogenic heavy metals in such a high levels that these elements could be related to the high prevalence of upper GI cancer rates in Van region.     

Evaluating heavy metals contamination in soil and vegetables in the region of North India: Levels,transfer and potential human health risk analysis

This study determined the heavy metals (HMs) accumulation in different vegetables in different seasons and attributed a serious health hazard to human adults due to the consumption of such vegetables in Jhansi. The total amounts of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and cadmium (Cd) were analysed in 28 composite samples of soil and vegetables (Fenugreek, spinach, eggplant, and chilli) collected from seven agricultural fields. The transfer factor (TF) of HMs from soil to analysed vegetables was calculated, and significant non-carcinogenic health risks due to exposure to analysed heavy metals via consumption of these vegetables were computed. The statistical analysis involving Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation matrix suggested that anthropogenic activities were a major source of HMs in the study areas. The target hazard quotient of Cd, Mn, and Pb for fenugreek (2.156, 2.143, and 2.228, respectively) and spinach (3.697, 3.509, 5.539, respectively) exceeded the unity, indicating the high possibilities of non-carcinogenic health risks if regularly consumed by human beings. This study strongly suggests the continuous monitoring of soil, irrigation water, and vegetables to prohibit excessive accumulation in the food chain.     

Potential human health risks from metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) via seafood consumption: Estimation of target hazard quotients (THQs) and toxic equivalents (TEQs)

Edible marine species (fish, cephalopod molluscs, crustaceans) from the Adriatic Sea were analyzed for content in heavy metals (Hg, Cd and Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Health risks to human via dietary intake of seafood were assessed by the target hazard quotients (THQs) and the toxic equivalent factors (TEFs). Mercury maximum concentrations corresponded to fish (0.07-1.56 microg g(-1)w.w.), followed by cephalopod molluscs (0.10-0.55 microg g(-1)w.w.), and crustaceans (0.27-0.33 microg g(-1)w.w.). Cadmium levels in cephalopods (0.18-0.59 microg g(-1)w.w.) were higher than those in fish (0.01-0.05 microg g(-1)w.w.) and crustaceans (0.02-0.04 microg g(-1)w.w.), while for Pb the concentrations were generally low (fish: ND-1.18 microg g(-1)w.w., cephalopods: ND-0.17 microg g(-1)w.w., crustaceans: ND-0.03 microg g(-1)w.w.). For PCBs, concentrations in fish, cephalopods and crustaceans ranged between 141 and 3,406 ng g(-1)l.w., 190 and 542 ng g(-1)l.w., and 202 and 429 ng g(-1)l.w., respectively. Cd and Pb THQ values as well as estimates of PCB TEQ exposure indicated the absence of health risks through consumption of the various seafood. In contrast, mercury TEQs values due to consumption of certain fish species (albacore, rosefish and thornback ray) indicated that human health risk might be of concern.     

Estimation of cancer risks and benefits associated with a potential increased consumption of fruits and vegetables

The current paper provides an analysis of the potential number of cancer cases that might be prevented if half the U.S. population increased its fruit and vegetable consumption by one serving each per day. This number is contrasted with an upper-bound estimate of concomitant cancer cases that might be theoretically attributed to the intake of pesticide residues arising from the same additional fruit and vegetable consumption. The cancer prevention estimates were derived using a published meta-analysis of nutritional epidemiology studies. The cancer risks were estimated using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods, cancer potency estimates from rodent bioassays, and pesticide residue sampling data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The resulting estimates are that approximately 20,000 cancer cases per year could be prevented by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, while up to 10 cancer cases per year could be caused by the added pesticide consumption. These estimates have significant uncertainties (e.g., potential residual confounding in the fruit and vegetable epidemiologic studies and reliance on rodent bioassays for cancer risk). However, the overwhelming difference between benefit and risk estimates provides confidence that consumers should not be concerned about cancer risks from consuming conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables.     

Characteristics,sources, and health risks of atmospheric PM10-bound heavy metals in a populated middle eastern city

ABSTRACT

This study reports on the characteristics, sources, and health risks of atmospheric PM₁₀-bound heavy metals (HMs) on citizenship living in different regions of Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran were investigated during 2016–2017. A total of 84 samples were analyzed from different regions: (S1) industrial, (S2) high traffic, and (S3) residential. Blood samples were collected from people who came to the east health center of Ahvaz. High volume air samplers, equipped with quartz fiber filters (8?×?10) were utilized for sampling in this study. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was also used for HMs. Risk assessment and hazard index of these pollutants were estimated, using USEPA’s exposure parameters. Based on the results, the highest and the lowest concentration of HM were observed in industrial and residential areas. Blood’s HMs concentration for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were 2.932, 4.199, 8.425, and 71.2?μg/dL, respectively. In conclusion, increasing exposure concentration of HMs would have a significant potential for increased cancer and risk of diseases. The results of this study show that increasing exposure concentration to HM in the studied scenarios have a significant potential for generating different health endpoints, although exposing to HMs led to generating diseases in individuals particularly in polluted and populated districts; so, environmental measures should be considered by urban air authorities to mitigate the concentration of these pollutants in ambient air.     

Heavy metals in agricultural soils and crops and their health risks in Swat District,northern Pakistan

This study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in agricultural soils and crops (fruits, grains and vegetable) and their possible human health risk in Swat District, northern Pakistan. Cd concentration was found higher than the limit (0.05 mg/kg) set by world health organization in 95% fruit and 100% vegetable samples. Moreover, the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn in the soils were shown significant correlations with those in the crops. The metal transfer factor (MTF) was found highest for Cd followed by Cr > Ni > Zn > Cu > Mn, while the health risk assessment revealed that there was no health risk for most of the heavy metals except Cd, which showed a high level of health risk index (HRI ⩾ 10E-1) that would pose a potential health risk to the consumers.     

Health benefits and potential risks related to consumption of fish or fish oil

The nutritional benefits of fish consumption relate to the utilization of proteins of high biological value, as well as certain minerals and vitamins that fish provide. Fish or fish oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that appear to play several useful roles for human health. Conversely, some carcinogenic contaminants are also stored in the adipose tissue of fish. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential health benefits and risks related to the consumption of fish or fish oil. Health benefits related to the consumption of fish or omega-3 PUFAs were obtained by an extensive literature search. Potential health risks related to carcinogenic contaminants (e.g., dioxin, PCB, etc.) in fish were estimated using the U.S. EPA-approved cancer risk assessment guidelines. Potential health risk estimates were evaluated by comparing them with the acceptable excess risk level of 10(-6)-10(-4). Scientific data indicate that the consumption of fish or fish oil containing omega-3 PUFAs reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, decreases mild hypertension, and prevents certain cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Risk estimates in humans for carcinogenic environmental contaminants in fish ranged from an excess risk level of 3x10(-6)-9x10(-4). These risk estimates appeared to meet the acceptable excess risk level criteria. Therefore, consumption of fish in accordance with the State of Michigan Fish Advisory Guidelines is safe and should be encouraged. The top 11 fish species [e.g., sardines, mackerel, herring (Atlantic and Pacific), lake trout, salmon (Chinook, Atlantic, and Sockeye), anchovy (European), sablefish, and bluefish] provide an adequate amount of omega-3 PUFAs (2.7-7.5g/meal) and appear to meet the nutritional recommendation of the American Heart Association.     

17种中药材中重金属污染分析与健康风险评估

目的 对17种中药材中残留的5种重金属进行污染程度评价和健康风险评估,为中药材快速检验方法的开发提供理论依据和数据支持。方法 电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定17种中药材中的重金属残留量,采用超标率、单因子污染指数法、内梅罗污染综合指数法进行重金属污染程度评价,采用每日最大可耐受摄入量( estimated daily intake, EDI )、靶向危害系数( target hazard quotients, THQ )、累计目标危害系数( total target hazard quotient, TTHQ )进行健康风险评估。结果 17种中药材按总超标率大小排序为干姜>独活>柴胡>细辛>白附子>川芎>天麻>沉香>板蓝根>菊花>阳春砂>栀子>芡实>白芷>金银花>广藿香>苍术;Hg超标最普遍,涉及14种药材,以干姜中Hg超标最严重,导致干姜的单项和综合污染指数评价均为重度污染级,3种污染评价结果基本一致;有13种药材还存在多种重金属同时超标现象,如白附子存在Cd、Pb、Hg和As4种重金属超标;17种中药材的健康评估风险均无明显的健康风险危害。结论 17种药材均存在不同程度的重金属超标现象,污染现象普遍,形势严峻,虽然无明显健康危害,但重金属累积风险的加重,势必会影响中药材质量,进而危害人体健康,因此,要对中药材重金属污染问题加以重视,并采取有利的监测手段加以控制。     

Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic levels in three pelagic fish species from the Atlantic Ocean: Intra- and inter-specific variability and human health risks for consumption

Three commonly consumed and commercially valuable fish species (sardine, chub and horse mackerel) were collected from the Northeast and Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean in Portuguese waters during one year. Mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic amounts were determined in muscles using graphite furnace and cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. Maximum mean levels of mercury (0.1715 ± 0.0857 mg/kg, ww) and arsenic (1.139 ± 0.350 mg/kg, ww) were detected in horse mackerel. The higher mean amounts of cadmium (0.0084 ± 0.0036 mg/kg, ww) and lead (0.0379 ± 0.0303 mg/kg, ww) were determined in chub mackerel and in sardine, respectively. Intra- and inter-specific variability of metals bioaccumulation was statistically assessed and species and length revealed to be the major influencing biometric factors, in particular for mercury and arsenic. Muscles present metal concentrations below the tolerable limits considered by European Commission Regulation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). However, estimation of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks by the target hazard quotient and target carcinogenic risk, established by the US Environmental Protection Agency, suggests that these species must be eaten in moderation due to possible hazard and carcinogenic risks derived from arsenic (in all analyzed species) and mercury ingestion (in horse and chub mackerel species).     

结晶紫阻抑光度法测定果蔬中Vc的含量

目的建立结晶紫阻抑光度法测定果蔬中Vc的含量。方法以结晶紫为抑制剂,加入结晶紫后Vc的吸收峰有明显的降低,建立了一种测定Vc含量的新方法。结果Vc量在1.0~50 mg.L-1范围内服从比耳定律,回收率为97.2%~99.0%,相对标准偏差0.35%~0.95%。结论该方法用于测定果蔬中Vc的含量,结果令人满意。     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in commercial squids from different geographical origins: Levels and risks for human consumption

The concentrations of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in five commercially valuable squid species from different geographical origins (Atlantic, Indic and Pacific Oceans). Out of the 18 quantified PAHs (the 16 PAHs considered by US EPA as priority pollutants, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene and benzo(j)fluoranthene) only dibenz(a,h)anthracene was not detected. The total concentrations of PAHs varied by a factor of more than 100-fold, from 0.22 (Loligo gahi) to 60.9 μg/kg ww (Loligo reynaudii). Intra- and inter-specific variability of PAH levels was statistically assessed. Nine carcinogenic (probable/possible) PAHs accounted for 1% (L. reynaudii) to 26% (Loligo opalescens) of the total PAHs content being the main contributors naphthalene (in Loligo duvaucelii, L. reynaudii and Loligo vulgaris species), chrysene (in L. opalescens) and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (in L. gahi). PAHs source analysis indicated that four of the five zones of capture of the different squid species are significantly affected by both petrogenic and pyrolytic sources. Assessment of the target carcinogenic risks, established by the US EPA, suggested that L. gahi (Atlantic Ocean) and L. opalescens (from Pacific Ocean) may pose additional risks for consumers, if not eaten in moderation, derived from benzo(a)pyrene ingestion.     

Intake of chemical contaminants through fish and seafood consumption by children of Catalonia, Spain: health risks.

The intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated diphenylethers (PCDEs), hexachlorobenzene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through fish and seafood consumption by children of Catalonia, Spain, was assessed. In 2005, samples of the 14 most consumed marine species in Catalonia were randomly acquired in various cities of the country. Analysis of the above chemical contaminants were determined according to the appropriate analytical techniques and the daily intakes were estimated. For most pollutants, intake was higher in boys than in girls. Average exposure of children to contaminants through fish and seafood consumption did not exceed the respective tolerable daily intake of those pollutants for which it has been already established (metals, PCDD/Fs plus dioxin-like PCBs, HCB, and PAHs). In relation to body weight, intake by children of most contaminants was higher than that found for other age groups of the general population of Catalonia.     

Commercial squids: Characterization,assessment of potential health benefits/risks and discrimination based on mineral,lipid and vitamin E concentrations

The most consumed squid species worldwide were characterized regarding their concentrations of minerals, fatty acids, cholesterol and vitamin E. Interspecific comparisons were assessed among species and geographical origin. The health benefits derived from squid consumption were assessed based on daily minerals intake and on nutritional lipid quality indexes. Squids contribute significantly to daily intake of several macro (Na, K, Mg and P) and micronutrients (Cu, Zn and Ni). Despite their low fat concentration, they are rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentanoic (EPA) acids, with highly favorable ω-3/ω-6 ratios (from 5.7 to 17.7), reducing the significance of their high cholesterol concentration (140–549 mg/100 g ww). Assessment of potential health risks based on minerals intake, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks indicated that Loligo gahi (from Atlantic Ocean), Loligo opalescens (from Pacific Ocean) and Loligo duvaucelii (from Indic Ocean) should be eaten with moderation due to the high concentrations of Cu and/or Cd. Canonical discriminant analysis identified the major fatty acids (C14:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:3ω-3, C20:4ω-6 and C22:5ω-6), P, K, Cu and vitamin E as chemical discriminators for the selected species. These elements and compounds exhibited the potential to prove authenticity of the commercially relevant squid species.     

Appraisal of contamination of heavy metals and health risk in agricultural soil of Jhansi city,India

The accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in soil is presently a significant threat to the environment. The Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Co concentrations were assessed in the agricultural soil samples. The results of various contamination indices including contamination factor, geo-accumulation indices, and ecological risk indices revealed that Cd is responsible for moderate to high contamination of soil. The multivariate statistical analyses including PCA, HCA, and correlation matrix suggested the mixed origin of HMs in the soil. Ingestion was found to be a primary route of exposure while dermal and inhalation exposure was negligible. Overall, the non-carcinogenic health risks were well within the safe limit to human health. However, healthwise, children were likely to be at greater risk compared with adults, due to their generally increased exposure to toxic agents through hand/mouth ingestion. Moreover, no carcinogenic risks were determined through the inhalation exposure of Cd, Ni, and Co.     

Prediction and risk assessment of five heavy metals in maize and peanut: A case study of Guangxi,China

To assess the contamination levels and health risk of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) to human beings, the concentrations of these heavy metals in soil were surveyed and the concentrations in maize and peanut grains were estimated by models. The geo-accumulation index (I _geo) was calculated, and chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were estimated. Results indicated that the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in the soil samples exceeded the limit set by authorities in China. However, the concentrations in maize and peanut grains were rarely higher than the allowable concentrations suggested by the Ministry of Health of China (MHC). In accordance with geo-accumulation, these heavy metals in soil samples were polluted to different extents. Prediction models were developed to effectively assess the health risk of using TOC, Mn, pH, and CaO to human beings. Therefore, the concentrations of these heavy metals in the grains could be decreased by changing their levels in soil. The CDI, HQ, and HI were estimated by estimating concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in maize grains, indicating that these metals exhibited a slight health risk to adult residents.     

Evaluation of trace metals concentration and human health implication by indigenous edible fish species consumption from Meghna River in Bangladesh

This study is focused on the determination of trace metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Cd) concentrations of nine different indigenous fish species of Meghna River in Bangladesh to know the possible risk in human consumption. Fishes' wet muscles samples were analyzed to evaluate the level of trace metal concentrations. The concentrations (mg kg⁻¹ w/w) of the six selected trace metals were in the order Zn (1.42 ± 0.12) > Cr (1.31 ± 0.08) > Cu (0.92 ± 0.09) > Pb (0.54 ± 0.07) > Cd (0.51 ± 0.07) > As (0.47 ± 0.02). The results revealed that all the selected trace metals were below the maximum permissible limits recommended by the reference standards. The fish species may pose no risk with respect to the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI). Target hazard quotient (THQ) values for Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in all the fish species were <1.0, except for As which is dominantly organic in fishes. Both adults and children are vulnerable to carcinogenic health threat due to Cd exposure.     

Appraisal of probabilistic levels of toxic metals and health risk in cultivated and marketed vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas of Delhi,India

A total of six vegetables (S. tuberosum, D. carota, S. lycopersicum, A. esculentus, S. oleracea and B. juncea) were analysed for five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) to evaluate the contamination load in vegetables collected from five cultivated and two market sites (n = 504) at Delhi, India. The irrigation water samples and soil samples (n = 180) were only collected from cultivated sites. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in soil and water samples were well below the permissible level except for Cd 0.001–0.013 µg g⁻¹. Similarly, the concentration of Cd (>0.20 µg g⁻¹) was detected higher in all investigated vegetables except for tomato. The evaluation index value was highest for spinach and lowest for tomato. The transfer factor values and metal pollution index was maximum in spinach and okra. Principal component analysis (PCA), Tukey’s HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) test, and one-way and two-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were also applied to statistically analyse the results.     

Perspectives on phytoremediation of zinc pollution in air,water and soil

In this article, we discuss the phytoremediation of Zn pollution in the environment and the mechanism of plant resistance focusing on the mycorrhiza and subcellular mechanisms affecting metal binding and efflux in plants. Phytoremediation is a green low-cost technology that use plants to remove heavy metals (HMs) from soil. As part of this, it is necessary to consider the plant's tolerance to for example zinc (Zn) together with the plant's ability to accumulate and adapt to the specific local environment. During the process of restoring ecosystem contaminations, pH, organic matter, root exudates and microbial biomass affect the efficiency of phytoremediation while considering chemical modification, biosynthesis, microbial assistance and gene technology. However, obstacles remain in terms of for example chemical modifications that may cause either new pollution or disrupt the plant-microorganism symbiosis while other applications such as genetic engineering to change plant traits and function thereby improving heavy metal tolerance and absorption. The selection of gene fragments is complicated and requiring careful considerations due to environmental and human health side effects. Furthermore, using biochar may help to reduce the costs and increase the efficiency of plant phytoremediation. At the same time, there is an urgent need to combine nanotechnology and use of artificial chelating agents and plant hormones to screen the microbiome conducive to plant Zn absorption in order to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation.     

Mineral content and microbiological examination of some white cheese in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia during summer 2008

Different local and exported white cheese samples were collected from different markets in Jeddah during September 2008. Trace and heavy metals including Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe and Cd were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentration of the tested metals was in the range, Fe⁺⁺ > Zn⁺⁺⁺ > Mn⁺⁺ > Pb⁺⁺ > Cu⁺⁺ > Cd⁺⁺. The mean concentration of 7.63, 7.19, 0.5, 0.47, 0.16 and 0.14 μg/g was recorded for Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cu and Cd, respectively. The concentration of iron ranged from 3.5 to 11.9 μg/g, zinc from 3.4 to 10.5, manganese from 0.12 to 1.0, lead from 0.14 to 1.14, and copper from 0.09 to 0.22. Yeasts and fungi were counted on Sabouraud and Potato Dextrose media and incubation was carried out at 25 °C for 7 and 5 days, respectively. Yeast count and fungi count of cheese were ranged from 0.1 to 0.44 CFU/g and from 0.123 to 1.11 CFU/g, respectively. Three out of 20 samples of cheese were contaminated with toxigenic fungi with 5% contamination level. Aflatoxin G1 was recorded in three samples using immunoadsorbent column chromatography with a range from 7 to 13 ppm.