Health risk assessment of eight heavy metals in nine varieties of edible vegetable oils consumed in China

Eight heavy metals, namely Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Ni, Pb and As, in nine varieties of edible vegetable oils collected from China were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) after microwave digestion. The accuracy of procedure was confirmed by certified reference materials (GBW10018 and GBW08551). The relative standard deviations were found below 10%. The concentrations for copper, zinc, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and arsenic were observed in the range of 0.214–0.875, 0.742–2.56, 16.2–45.3, 0.113–0.556, 0.026–0.075, 0.009–0.018 and 0.009–0.019 μg g⁻¹, respectively. Cadmium was found to be 2.64–8.43 μg/kg. In general, iron content was higher than other metals in the investigated edible vegetable oils. Comparing with safety intake levels for these heavy metals recommended by Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM), US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), the dietary intakes of the eight heavy metals from weekly consumption of 175 g of edible vegetable oils or daily consumption 25 g of edible vegetable oils for a 70 kg individual should pose no risk to human health.     

Non-carcinogenic risk assessment induced by heavy metals content of the bottled water in Iran

Recently, the exposure to heavy metals from bottled waters raised huge concerns. In this context, for the first time the risk of non-carcinogenic exposure by the heavy metals in Iranian drinking water was assessed. Therefore, by using the obtained data in our previous published study, the target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) by considering to the sexuality of consumers were calculated. THQ in females were determined as significantly higher (p??Pb?>?Hg?>?Cd?>?Cu, respectively. The minimum and maximum of THQ for the males were observed in age groups of?+65 and 1–3?years, respectively. The minimum and maximum of THQ for females were noted in age groups of 11–14 and 1–3?years, respectively. Since TTHQ for all ages were less than 1 (p?相似文献   

Distribution characteristics and ecological risk assessment of toxic heavy metals and metalloid in surface water of lakes in Daqing Heilongjiang Province,China

It is necessary to estimate heavy metal concentrations and risk in surface water for understanding the heavy metal contaminations and for sustainable protection of ecosystems and human health. To investigate the anthropogenic contribution of heavy metal accumulation surrounding an industrial city in China, the concentrations of six heavy metals, including mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cadmium (Cd) were examined; from four different regions of Daqing in autumn 2011 and winter 2012. The results showed heavy metals distributed in the industrial area at concentrations relatively higher than those in other three areas, while concentrations in the farming area and the protected area were lower. The heavy metal concentrations of water bodies in all areas, except those for Hg and As, Cu, Pb and Cr were lower than the cutoff values for the Class I water quality that was set as the highest standard to protect the national nature reserves. While Hg and As of lakes in industry region had a higher level than those in the agriculture and landscape water, the lowest allowed. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in winter were higher than in the autumn. Cu had a higher ecological risks level to freshwater organisms. The discharge of urban sewage and industrial wastewater might be a major pollutant source, thus these sources should identified before remediation efforts. Efforts are needed to protect the lakes from pollution and also to reduce environmental health risks. This study and the valuable data will pave the way for future research on these Lakes in Daqing.     

Ecological and health risk assessment of heavy metals in the Hattar industrial estate,Pakistan

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the heavy metals (HMs) contaminations in soil of the Hattar industrial estate (HIE), Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For this purpose, various types of soils were collected in HIE and analyzed for the HMs concentrations. The HMs showed highest contamination levels in wastewater irrigated agriculture soil (WWIAS), followed by waste dump site soil (WDSS), and the lowest in range land soil (RLS). Determined HMs concentrations were used for pollution quantification factors, including contamination factors (CFs), pollution load index (PLI), ecological risk factor (ER), and potential health risk assessment, including chronic or non-cancer and cancer risk levels.     

Risk assessment of heavy metals in honey consumed in Zhejiang province,southeastern China

The levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in eight types of honey collected in China were determined. The average concentrations of the six heavy metals in the honey samples were 46.18, 1329.5, 1.34, 33.98, 13.44, and 1.65 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. All these values were below the maximum allowable contaminant levels in foods (GB2762-2005) and honey (GB14963-2011) in China. The hazard quotients of individual heavy metals and the hazard index of all six heavy metals were far below one, indicating no chronic-toxic risk from these metals for the inhabitants of Zhejiang under the current consumption rates of honey. However, the carcinogenic risk of As for the female inhabitants in Zhejiang exceeded the acceptable level of 10⁻⁴. Therefore, As is the most concerning heavy metal in honey.     

Ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments of the Luan River source water

Distribution and characteristics of heavy metals enrichment in sediment were surveyed including the bio-available form analyzed for assessment of the Luan River source water quality. The approaches of sediment quality guidelines (SQG), risk assessment code and Hakanson potential ecological risk index were used for the ecological risk assessment. According to SQG, The results show that in animal bodies, Hg at the sampling site of Wuliehexia was 1.39 mg/kg, Cr at Sandaohezi was 152.37 mg/kg and Cu at Hanjiaying was 178.61 mg/kg exceeding the severe effect screening level. There were 90% of sampling sites of Cr and Pb and 50% sites of Cu exceeded the lowest effect screening level. At Boluonuo and Wuliehexia, the exchangeable and carbonate fractions for above 50% of sites were at high risk levels and that for above 30% of sites at Xiahenan and Wulieheshang were also at high risk levels. Other sites were at medium risk level. Compared to soil background values of China, Hg and Cd showed very strong ecological risk, and the seven heavy metals of Hg, Cd, Cu, As, Pb, Cr, Zn at ecological risk levels were in the descending order. The results could give insight into risk assessment of environmental pollution and decision-making for water source security.     

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 heavy metals in cosmetic products and their health risk assessment

Heavy metals’ contamination in cosmetic products is a serious threat. Present study was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) in various brands of cosmetic products with special emphasis on their health risk assessment. Five heavy metals including Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb were quantified in different brands of lotions, foundations, whitening creams, lipsticks, hair dyes and sunblock creams using atomic absorption spectrometry. Risk to the consumer’s health was determined using systemic exposure dosage (SED), margin of safety (MoS), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR).On comparative basis, different brands of sunblock creams depicted highest concentration of Ni, Pb and Cr (7.99 ± 0.36, 6.37 ± 0.05 and 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively), whereas lipsticks had elevated levels of Fe at 12.0 ± 1.8 mg/kg, and Cd was maximum in lotions (0.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Multivariate analysis revealed strong associations among Cr, Ni and Pb, while Cd and Fe showed disparity in distribution and sources of contamination. MoS, HQ and HI values were within the permissible limit apart from for lotions and sunblock creams, while LCR value was higher than the permissible limit in all cosmetic products except lipsticks. Regular use of these products can cause serious threat to human health, particularly skin cancer on long time exposure. Therefore, continuous monitoring of cosmetic products, particularly with reference to HMs adulteration should be adopted to ensure the human safety and security.     

Distribution and ecological assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of the East Lake, China

Concentrations and risk assessment of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) were investigated in 106 samples of surface sediments from the East Lake, China in this study. The mean concentration of Zn was highest among the eight heavy metals (225 mg kg^?1), followed by As (191 mg kg^?1), Cr (145 mg kg^?1), Cu (55 mg kg^?1), Ni (27.1 mg kg^?1), Pb (7.93 mg kg^?1), Cd (0.94 mg kg^?1) and Hg (0.21 mg kg^?1). Niuchao Hu was less polluted by heavy metals compare to the other four lakelets of the East Lake. The correlations among these heavy metals and the results of principal component analysis indicated that the distribution of Cd, Pb and Hg was related to anthropogenic activities, whereas Cu, As and Cr were affected by the parent rocks. Zinc and Ni were influenced both by anthropogenic activities and parent rocks. Based on the Sediment Quality Guidelines, the results of toxicity assessment indicated that adverse effects caused by Cr and As would be expected frequently. Nickel, Zn, Cd and Hg may cause adverse effects occasionally and Cu and Pb may cause toxicity infrequently. Arsenic was found to have the highest acute toxicity by toxic units (TUs), followed by Cr, Ni, Zn, Hg, Cu, Cd and Pb. The potential ecological risk index analysis indicated that As, Cd and Hg had considerable or high ecological risk, whereas Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb had low ecological risk. The potential ecological risk index (RI) of the heavy metals in the surface sediments of East Lake was 483, indicating considerable ecological risk. Close attention should be paid to pollution of the heavy metals in East Lake, China.     

Seasonal succession of phytoplankton community and its relationship with environmental factors of North Temperate Zone water of the Zhalong Wetland,in China

A data set of phytoplankton community and environmental parameters in a hydrological integrity period, i.e. a poor water term, a medium term and a rich water term of North Temperate Zone climate, was analyzed in order to describe seasonal variation of phytoplankton community and its relationship with environmental variables in the Zhalong Wetland of China. The algal population of the Zhalong Wetland was not abundant, with a mean density of 5.08 × 10⁷ cell/L (ranged from 4.54 × 10⁷ cell/L in a poor term to 5.56 × 10⁷ cell/L a medium term). However, its diversity was essentially limited to Cryptophyta, Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Euglenophyta being the group with highest densities. There were considerable seasonal variations in phytoplankton composition. In general, the dominance of Bacillariophyceae was found in a medium term, which was higher than the other period (p < 0.05). The rich water period also showed Bacillariophyceae and Chlorophyta dominance while the phytoplankton was dominated by Cryptophyta erosa in a poor water term. 10 environmental variables, which were significant (p < 0.05) during the studied periods in one-way analysis of covariance, were selected to explore the relationship between phytoplankton structure and environmental factors by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The results of the CCA applied to the environmental factors indicated that water temperature (WT) and ammonia (NH₃-N) significantly influenced the phytoplankton community (p < 0.05; Monte Carlo test of first constrained axis). Besides WT and NH₃-N, the most discriminate physic-chemical variables were nitrite (NO₂-N), suspend solid, nitrate (NO₃-N), silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and all the 10 physical–chemical parameters had a higher marginal effect and λ_A in the series of constrained CCAs though they were not significant.     

Distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in the economic fish of the Southern Fujian Province

The distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Cd, As and Hg) in the economic fish of the Southern Fujian Province was acquired. The Cd content was below the detection limit. 53.5% of As and 26.7% of Hg were lightly polluted, but the indices of P_in (Nemero comprehensive pollution index) and MPI (metal pollution index) both indicated no pollution. The indices of EDI (estimated daily intake) and THQ (target hazard quotient) both indicated no non-carcinogenic risk of HMs. The index of R_i (average annual cancer risk) verified no carcinogenic risk for Pb and acceptable risk for As. Furthermore, molecular docking results revealed As may have significant reproductive toxicity to humans. Our findings serve to heighten an awareness of economic fish consumption and provide a reference for marine environmental management and food security in study area.     

Health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals via dietary intake of vegetables grown in the vicinity of thermal power plants

Six different vegetables grown in the vicinity of three thermal power plants and a background site in Delhi, India were analyzed for 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 7 heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe and Mn). Annual mean concentrations of PAHs and all metals were found to be significantly higher (ANOVA, p < 0.001) at power plant sites as compared to the background site. Higher abundances of coal tracer PAHs such as Phen, Anth, Flan, Pyr and Chry in power plant vegetables suggested possible impacts of coal combustion emissions. Higher ratios of polluted sample-to-background sample of vegetables were found especially for Cr, Cd, Ni and Zn. Spinach and radish showed greater accumulation of PAHs and metals on a mass basis at the power plant sites while vegetables belonging to the gourd family showed highest relative enrichment. Power plant samples showed 184–475% greater metal pollution index (MPI) values as compared to the background location while health risk indices (HRI) for Cd and Ni exceeded the safe limit for most vegetables. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment showed that up to 58 excess cancer cases are likely in Delhi for lifetime ingestion exposure to PAHs at their observed concentrations.     

Distribution and pollution, toxicity and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments from urban and rural rivers of the Pearl River delta in southern China

Sediments were collected from the upper, middle and lower reaches of both urban and rural rivers in a typical urbanization zone of the Pearl River delta. Six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed in all sediment samples, and their spatial distribution, pollution levels, toxicity and ecological risk levels were evaluated to compare the characteristics of heavy metal pollution between the two rivers. Our results indicated that the total contents of the six metals in all samples exceeded the soil background value in Guangdong province. Based on the soil quality thresholds of the China SEPA, Cd levels at all sites exceeded class III criteria, and other metals exhibited pollution levels exceeding class II or III criteria at both river sites. According to the sediment quality guidelines of the US EPA, all samples were moderately to heavily polluted by Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Compared to rural river sites, urban river sites exhibited heavier pollution. Almost all sediment samples from both rivers exhibited moderate to serious toxicity to the environment, with higher contributions from Cr and Ni. A “hot area” of heavy metal pollution being observed in the upper and middle reaches of the urban river area, whereas a “hot spot” was identified at a specific site in the middle reach of the rural river. Contrary metal distribution patterns were also observed along typical sediment profiles from urban and rural rivers. However, the potential ecological risk indices of rural river sediments in this study were equal to those of urban river sediments, implying that the ecological health issues of the rivers in the undeveloped rural area should also be addressed. Sediment organic matter and grain size might be important factors influencing the distribution profiles of these heavy metals.     

Potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid in the sediments of Wuyuer River basin,Heilongjiang Province,China

The spatial distribution, sources, and potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid were evaluated in sediments of the Wuyuer River and its tributaries. Metal and metalloid concentrations and chemical speciation (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, As, Zn and Hg) in 187 surface sediment samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Metals and metalloid in the sediments of the Wuyuer River were greater than the background values of the Songnen Plain, and mean heavy metal concentrations were greater in downstream segments of the river than in upstream segments. Speciation results indicated that Cd was chemically mobile and Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were potentially bioavailable. Mercury and As existed mainly in the residual fraction. Hakanson’s potential risk index indicated that the total potential ecological risk of these elements was moderate in the Wuyuer River. Among the selected metals and metalloid, Hg and Cd were the most potentially toxic and mainly distributed near the cities of Keshan, Yi’an and Fuyü. Because the speciation of Cd in the river sediments is highly bioavailable, the concentrations of Cd should be closely monitored. This research provides managers with information needed to better regulate the environment of the Wuyuer River.     

Health risk assessment of heavy metals via dietary intake of foodstuffs from the wastewater irrigated site of a dry tropical area of India

The present study was conducted to assess the risk to human health by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr) through the intake of locally grown vegetables, cereal crops and milk from wastewater irrigated site. Milk is not directly contaminated due to wastewater irrigation, but is an important route of food chain transfer of heavy metals from grass to animals. Heavy metal concentrations were several fold higher in all the collected samples from wastewater irrigated site compared to clean water irrigated ones. Cd, Pb and Ni concentrations were above the ‘safe’ limits of Indian and WHO/FAO standards in all the vegetables and cereals, but within the permissible limits in milk samples. The higher values of metal pollution index and health risk index indicated heavy metal contamination in the wastewater irrigated site that presented a significant threat of negative impact on human health. Rice and wheat grains contained less heavy metals as compared to the vegetables, but health risk was greater due to higher contribution of cereals in the diet. The study suggests that wastewater irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in food stuff causing potential health risks to consumers.     

Science, policy, and trends of metals risk assessment at EPA: how understanding metals bioavailability has changed metals risk assessment at US EPA

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Office of Water have made significant changes in the approaches taken to assessing metals in the aquatic environment. Over the last 20 years, the Office of Water has progressed through a variety of metals assessment tools from total recoverable metal to the biotic ligand model. These changes were initially driven by the recognition that the total metals criteria were out of date and that emerging science would make it possible to address bioavailability more thoroughly. More recent drivers are expectations that the agency ensure the criteria are protective of endangered species and that the agency can bring the best available science to conducting total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for waters not meeting uses because of metal contamination. Changes have included: moving from total recoverable metals concentration to dissolved metals and the development of dissolved metal to total metal translator guidance, the development of water effect ratios (WERs) guidance, and most recently incorporation of the biotic ligand model (BLM) into criteria derivation for aquatic life protection (USEPA, 2007a. Aquatic Life Ambient Freshwater Quality Criteria-Copper 2007 Revision. EPA-822-R-07-001. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/copper/index.htm.). On March 8, 2007, the agency published its Framework for Metals Risk Assessment (USEPA, 2007b. Framework for Metals Risk Assessment. EPA 120/R-07/001. http://www.epa.gov/osa/metalsframework.) discussing the state of the science for the persistent bioaccumulative, and toxic nature of metals and the considerations of this science that will impact many programs. This paper provides a brief insight to these agency activities.     

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。     

Bio-accumulation and health risk assessment of heavy metals in different edible fish species from Hurghada City,Red Sea,Egypt

BackgroundHeavy metal contamination has become a serious issue in this century especially detected in fish organs. Due to the presence of radioactive compounds in agricultural and sewage effluent, which destroys aquatic ecosystems, threatening human livelihoods. Health hazards associated with low and high consumption consumers assessed in five commercial fish species collected from Hurghada City, Egypt, during winter and summer, 2020. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique used for determination heavy meals in different organs and expressed as μg/g wet weight.ResultsHeavy metal concentrations in muscle ranged between:(0.054–0.109), (0.260–1.043), (0.264–0.897), (5.895–11.898), (0.381–0.970), (13.582–29.133) and (0.332–0.589) µg/g for Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe and Ni respectively, which were lower than those of gills and liver. These concentrations were within WHO, FAO/WHO, and EU standards. Consumption of edible species was lower than the (TDIs) established by the (JECFA) and Egyptian Standards. Even though THQ and TTHQ values were < 1 while, in children with highly consumer were> 1.ConclusionThis study concluded that intake of Red Sea fish is safe for human health. It is critical for consumers to be aware of the consequences of excessive fish consumption, particularly children with highly consumer, which represent possible health risks.     

Health risk assessment of semi-volatile organic pollutants in Lhasa River China

The semi-volatile organic compounds in Lhasa River were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography method with mass spectrometric detection. Total concentrations of 23 organic pollutants in samples from five sites ranged from 1.56 to 2.78 μg/L. The average concentrations for ΣPAEs, ΣPAHs and ΣBTEXs obtained in this study were 1.53, 0.33 and 0.51 μg/L, respectively. Moreover, the results of analysis of variable showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the sites for levels of ΣPAHs, ΣPAEs and ΣBTEXs. Cluster analysis was applied to detect spatial similarity for grouping of sites under the monitoring network. The results indicated that the five sites in this study could be divided into two significant groups, i.e. low and high pollutant groups. Health risk assessment was conducted by multimedia environmental goals (MEG), risk quotient (RQ) for each pollutant and hazard quotient (HQ) approach from USA ecological risk assessment (ERA) for screening stage. Calculated both total ambient severity and RQ were less than 1 and therefore minimal risk to human and ecological health. For analysis results of HQ, whether for the ingestion exposure or dermal adsorption pathway were all less than 1, the results also agreed with the RQ model and MEG model for evaluating the potential for adverse health effects due to exposure semi-volatile organic compounds from surface water. Therefore, SVOCs in Lhasa River posed little or no threat to the health of local consumers and ecological environment.