Heavy metals levels in fish from aquaculture farms and risk assessment in Lhasa,Tibetan Autonomous Region of China

Fish is consumed as a common food by humans due to its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. However, they can accumulate toxic chemicals (such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants) from water and food chain. Very few studies have been investigated on heavy metal contents in fish from Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. In order to study heavy metals levels in fish from aquaculture farms and evaluate the risk that human consume fish in this area, we collected four types of aquaculture fish species (6 big-head carps, 5 grass carps, 5 carps and 5 tilapias) from fisheries around Lhasa city in this study. 9 heavy metals (Cr, As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ba, Co, Mn and V) in different tissues of fish were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Cr, Ba, Co, Mn and V could easily accumulate in the gill, and Cu was detected in the hearts of all the fishes. Toxic metal (As, Cd and Pb) contents were higher in the liver than those in other tissues, heavy metal levels were the lowest in the muscle among all tissues. Most of heavy metal concentrations in the tilapia tissues were higher than those in other fish tissues, especially arsenic. Arsenic content in the tilapia samples was ~2–4 times higher than the maximum levels (MLs) of contaminants in the national standard, and other metals were all lower than the MLs. Compared the estimated daily intake of heavy metals through fish consumption with tolerable daily intakes recommended by FAO, the metals daily intake of As, Cd and Pb from fish consumption might not pose serious health risk to the local inhabitants. It is therefore necessary to determine the dose level for human, which is considered to be taken daily over a lifetime without adverse effects.     

Health risks of dietary intake of environmental pollutants by elite sportsmen and sportswomen

The dietary intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) by elite sportsmen and sportswomen of Catalonia, Spain, was assessed. In 2000, food samples were randomly acquired in various cities of Catalonia. Analysis of the above pollutants were determined according to the appropriate analytical techniques (ICP-MS, HRGC/HRMS, HPLC). In general terms, elite sportsmen and sportswomen showed a higher intake of Cd, Hg, Pb, HCB, PCNs, PCDD/Fs and PAHs than the general population, while it was lower for PCDEs (both sexes), and PCBs and PBDEs (women). According to the FAO/WHO provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for metals, the WHO tolerable daily intake (TDI) for HCB, and the US EPA’s reference dose (RfD) for PAHs, the dietary intakes of environmental pollutants should not mean a potential toxic hazard. However, the WHO-TDI for PCDD/Fs and “dioxin-like” PCBs is exceeded in sportsmen. The current results indicate that the consumption of those food groups showing the highest contribution to the intake of these pollutants should be diminished. In relation to this, the reduction of the consumption of dairy products and cereals would be important.     

Determination of heavy metals in albumen of hen eggs from the Markazi Province (Iran) using ICP-OES technique

Increase of distribution of environmental contaminants such as heavy metals have been caused the knowledge of the safety and hygiene of food is very important, especially eggs, because of its role in the daily diet. There are very few studies about the investigation of the heavy metal contents in egg-white. In this study, six heavy metals include Aluminium (Al), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Antimony (Sb) in egg-white from 32 industrial poultry farms were investigated, by ICP-OES. All the samples were collected in all area of Markazi Province, Iran in autumn 2013. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in egg-white as follows: 0.119 for Al, 0.785 for As, 0.750 for Pb, 0.249 for Cd, 0.270 for Hg and 0.186?mg/kg for Sb. Also, the concentration of the some heavy metals were higher than maximum allowable concentration that probably it is associated to use pesticides and activities of industrial factories around the poultry farms.     

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.     

Heavy metals (As,Cr, Pb,Cd and Ni) concentrations in rice (Oryza sativa) from Iran and associated risk assessment: a systematic review

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the second cereal consumed in Iran. Many studies have been carried out in Iran about the contamination of rice by environmental pollutants such as heavy metals. The aim of present study was:

??to systematically review about Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Nickel (Ni) concentrations in cultivated rice in Iran and;

??to estimate the non-carcinogenic risk for age and sex groups.

We applied the target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) to evaluation of the non-carcinogenic risk. International and Iranian databases were searched from January 2008 to October 2016. Data obtained from 27 articles showed that minimum and maximum concentrations of heavy metals were As (0.05?±?0.09?μg/g dry weight) and Ni (0.83?±?0.04?μg/g dry weight), respectively. The rank order of heavy metals based on THQ was As?>?Cr?>?Pb?>?Cd?>?Ni. Also the rank order of consumers rice based on TTHQ were rural females (0.49)?>?urban females (0.461)?>?rural males (0.455)?>?urban males (0.41). Minimum and maximum of TTHQ was related to 35–44 and 15–24 years age groups both males and females, respectively. Since THQ and TTHQ were either lower than 1 value, therefore, consumers were not exposed to carcinogenic risk by consumption of rice cultivated in Iran.     

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.     

维药刺叶锦鸡儿重金属及有害元素形态分布和健康风险评价

目的测定刺叶锦鸡儿中重金属及有害元素铜、镉、铅、砷和汞(Cu、Cd、Pb、As和Hg)的含量,了解其形态分布特征。方法采用欧洲共同体参考物机构(European Community Bureau of Reference,BCR)对不同形态的重金属及有害元素进行提取,使用原子吸收分光光度法测定重金属及有害元素的含量。依据联合国粮农组织/世界卫生组织(FAO/WHO)提出的健康人群金属的最大日允许摄入量(MTDI)及周耐受摄入量(PTWI)进行健康风险评估。结果刺叶锦鸡儿中Cu、Cd、Pb、As和Hg的含量分别为28.511 6,0.031 0,1.310 7,0.164 6和0.187 9mg·kg-1。其中,Cu、Pb和As以残渣态为主;Cd以可还原态所占比例最高;Hg以酸溶态的含量最高。健康风险初步评价结果表明,成人每日摄入刺叶锦鸡儿15~50g,从刺叶锦鸡儿中摄入的Cu、Cd、Pb、As和Hg含量分别为427.67~1 425.58,0.47~1.55,19.66~65.53,2.47~8.23和2.82~9.39μg,分别占每日允许摄入量(ADI)的21.39%~71.29%,0.82%~2.19%,9.17%~30.58%,1.96%~6.53%和6.62%~22.04%,均低于FAO/WHO所推荐的每人每日允许摄入量。结论日摄入刺叶锦鸡儿15~50g,对人体健康风险影响较小。     

Contribution of fish consumption to heavy metals exposure in women of childbearing age from a Mediterranean country (Spain).

The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) were determined in samples from sword-fish (Xiphias gladius, n=37) and louvar (Luvarus imperialis, n=17) taken in an official surveillance programme in Madrid (Spain). The levels of heavy metals were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (hydride generator for Hg and flame atomic absorption for Cd and Pb) after digestion of the samples (microwave digestion for Hg and drying chamber for Cd and Pb). Pb contamination was negligible in both species. Cd was detected in 89.19% of the samples from sword-fish and 52.94% from louver; 17.65% of louvar and none from sword-fish being higher than maximum residue limits (MRL). However, around 90% of louvar samples and around 35% of sword-fish portions exceeded MRL for Hg; around 30% of louvar samples having levels even higher than 1 microg/g. The consumption of one serving of 150 g either of louvar or sword-fish would not be relevant for Cd and Pb provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of these elements for women in childbearing age, but it would largely exceed the tolerable values for Hg.     

Estimation of the dietary intake of cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic by the population of Santiago (Chile) using a Total Diet Study.

Dietary intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) by the population of Santiago (Chile) was determined using a Total Diet Study in the market basket modality. After conducting a survey of the foods consumed in the last 24 h, the most consumed food products were included in the basket. Subsequently, they were cooked or prepared according to typical Chilean procedures and grouped into 17 food categories according to their chemical characteristics. The fish and shellfish group had the highest contents of As (1351 ng/g wet weight, ww), Cd (277 ng/g ww), and Hg (48 ng/g ww), while the sugar group had the highest content of Pb (251 ng/g ww). For a person with a body weight of 68 kg, the dietary intakes of As (77 microg/day), Cd (20 microg/day), Hg (5 microg/day), and Pb (206 microg/day) are lower than the provisional tolerable weekly intake values established by the FAO/WHO. Consequently, the total intakes of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in Santiago (Chile) are within the limits estimated as safe.     

Occurrence of toxic metals (Hg,Cd and Pb) in fresh and canned tuna: Public health implications

Hg, Pb and Cd levels in fresh and canned tuna were determined and assessed by comparing element levels in these samples with maximum permissible limits set by European legislation. The estimated weekly intakes by human consuming both fresh and canned tuna were also evaluated for possible consumer health risks. Among tested metals, Hg had the highest concentrations, followed by Pb and Cd either in fresh tuna or canned tuna. None of the tested samples surpassed the European regulatory limits fixed for Cd and Pb, whereas 8.9% of the tuna cans and 20% of fresh tuna samples exceeded standard for Hg. The size of tuna was a determining factor of Hg burden. A high intake of Hg surpassing the toxicological reference value established by WHO, was associated with consumption of larger size tuna specimens. Also canned tuna consumption with Hg concentrations higher than 1 μg kg⁻¹, strongly increased the consumer exposure. In contrast, Cd and Pb weekly intakes through consumption either of fresh tuna or canned tuna did not exceed the toxicological reference values established by WHO, and consequently there was no human health risk. A continuous surveillance system of Hg content in these fishery products is crucial for consumer protection.     

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in different fish species in the coast of the Persian Gulf,Iran

This study project aimed to determine the concentrations of five heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Hg and Pb) in different fish species in the coast of the Persian Gulf in Iran. Ninety samples divided to three types’ fish including Rastrelliger kanagurta, Tenualosa ilisha and Scomberomorus commerson. The investigation performed by ICP-OES technique. The estimated daily intake of heavy metals compared with allowable daily intake of these. Also, the means compared with the allowable limit regulated by national Iranian standards. Results showed that the heavy metal contamination of these was in the standard limit, except Pb in R. kanagurta (43.33%), T. ilisha (23.33%) and S. commerson (13.3%) had greater than European Union limit (300?μg L^?1). Therefore, monitoring of the heavy metals contents, specially Pb is very important yet because of the presence of these in soils due to increase of industrial activity and use pesticides and fertilizers.     

Content and daily intake of copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and mercury from dietary supplements in Mexico.

This study investigates the presence of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Hg in 24 dietary supplements purchased in different health stores across the city of Hermosillo, located in the northwest of Mexico. Analysis of metals was done by microwave digestion and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The most abundant elements in dietary supplements were Cu (<0.19-137.85 microg/g) and Zn (<2.83-4785.71 microg/g), followed by Pb (<0.003-66.32 microg/g), Cd (<0.001-2.90 microg/g), and Hg (<0.24-0.85 microg/g). The estimated daily intakes of metals were below those recommended by WHO and the Institute of Medicine, showing that little risk from heavy metals is associated with the consumption of the dietary supplements analyzed. However, some products presented more than 10% of the tolerable daily intake of Pb, indicating that production processes should be improved.     

Assessment of human health risk from heavy metals levels in water and tissues of two trout species (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo coruhensis) from the Fırtına and Güneysu Rivers in Turkey

Human health risks were evaluated from consumption of heavy metal contaminated fish from the F?rt?na and Güneysu Rivers in Rize. The study was aimed to assess heavy metal load in water and two fish species. The potential human health risk due to consumption of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo coruhensis was assessed by estimating average daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of metals. Our results showed that the levels of heavy metals in both water and two fish species are lower than the acceptable limit recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO).     

Potential health risks due to heavy metal uptake via consumption of Thunnus thynnus from the northern Levantine Sea

The potential human health risks of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in Thunnus thynnus from the northern Levantine Sea were assessed. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of metals were found as 0.819 for Cu, 8.344 for Zn, 2.102 for As, 0.002 for Cd, 0.001 for Hg and 0.115 for Pb. Even though these values were below the permitted levels, 11% of the samples contained Pb above the limits. Estimated weekly intakes were conspicuously lower than the PTWI values. The target hazard quotients (THQs) of each metal and total THQ of combined metals remained well below 1, showing no public health risk for an average consumer.     

Market basket survey for some heavy metals in Egyptian fruits and vegetables.

A market basket survey was carried out with the aim to assess the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in various fruits and vegetables sold in Egyptian markets. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to estimate and evaluate the levels of these metals. The results of this survey showed that the average concentrations detected were ranged from 0.01 to 0.87, 0.01 to 0.15, 0.83 to 18.3 and 1.36 to 20.9 mg/kg for Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn, respectively. The highest mean levels of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn were detected in strawberries, cucumber, date and spinach, respectively. The levels of the metals compare with those reported for similar fruits and vegetables from some other parts of the world. The daily intakes of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn through fruits and vegetables have also been estimated. They are found to be below the recommended tolerable levels proposed by [Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 1999. Summary and conclusions. In: 53rd Meeting, Rome, June 1-10, 1999] and may not constitute a health hazards for consumers.     

Heavy Metal Concentration in Water,Sediment and Fish Species in the Bontanga Reservoir,Ghana

Objective

This study assessed heavy metals levels in four selected fish species, water and sediment from the Bontanga Reservoir.

Methods

Samples were collected on weekly basis and analysed using standards methods.

Results

Physico-chemical properties of the water were all within World Health Organization (WHO) limits except for turbidity. The study recorded cadmium concentration in the water sample the ranged from 0 to 0.01 mg L^-1 that shows some were above WHO stipulated limits for potability. Heavy metal concentration in water was in the order Fe>Cr>Mn>Cu>Cd>Zn>Pb and in sediments Fe>Mn>Cr>Cu>Zn>Cd>Pb which showed that iron was more abundant.

Conclusion

Cd and Cr were above WHO limits for potability which make the water unsafe for drinking without treatment. Heavy metals in the sediment were within Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)/WHO limit. Concentrations of heavy metals in the various species were within the recommended limit for fish and fish products. Hence, these metals have no immediate health threat on the consumers of fish and fish products from Bontanga Reservoir but will likely have adverse effects in the prolong consumption of the fish species since heavy metals accumulate. Periodic monitoring of heavy metals in Bontanga reservoir is recommended since the reservoir serves as a source of fish and water for all-year-round irrigational farming.

     

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.     

Assessment of PCBs,heavy metals (Cd,Co, Ni,Pb), mercury and methyl mercury content in four fish commonly consumed in Iran

Coastal waters act as nurseries for various fish species and have been recognized as essential fish habitat. In this study, concentrations of PCB 16, PCB 44, heavy metals Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, mercury (Hg) and methyl Mercury (MMHg) were determined in commercially valuable fish from Khuzestan Shore, northwest of the Persian Gulf. It was also our intention to evaluate potential risks to human health associated with seafood consumption. The results indicated that the concentration of heavy metals in the fish were different among the tissue and species. Generally, liver and skin showed higher metal concentrations than muscle. The results confirmed that the concentration of heavy metal in fish strongly affected by habitat and feeding habitats. The results of this study showed heavy metals concentrations in different food habitats increase in the following order benthic omnivorous fish<zooplanktivores fish<phytoplanktivores fish<piscivores fish. Also, the comparison indicated that benthic species (E. orientalis, O. ruber) were more contaminated than pelagic species (L. abu and P. erumei). The fish species studied had mean concentration lower than all standards, expect Ni and Cd in E. orientalis and Pb in O. ruber. Therefore, the concentration of pollutants in edible part of fish species did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by FAO (1983), WHO (1996), FAD (2001) and are suitable human health.     

Determination of the heavy metal content of Entoban herbal medicinal product

The levels of As, Cd, Pb and Hg were investigated in the medicinal herbal syrup Entoban, which is widely used in the management of non-specific diarrhea and acute intestinal infections of various etiologies. The ingredients in Entoban syrup include 6 potent herbal drugs: Aegle marmelose, Berberis aristata, Butea frondosa, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Myrtus communis, and Quercus infectoria. Entoban medicinal plant syrup was analyzed for As, Cd, Pb and Hg by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Contents of heavy metals in the examined samples were in the range: As (0.074–10.0 ppm); Cd (0.020–0.3 ppm); Pb (0.00–10.0 ppm) and Hg (0.00–1.0 ppm). Results were compared with permissible limit acceptability intake (AHPA). According to determined amounts of heavy metals, the investigated Entoban syrup samples were validated and considered safe for human consumption.     

Study of heavy metal levels in indoor dust and their health risk assessment in children of Ahvaz city,Iran

The concentration of heavy metals in household dust and their health risks on children living in different areas of Ahvaz city was investigated during November 2013 to October 2014 in Iran. Totally, 108 dust samples were taken from their houses in three different areas including S₁ (industrial), S₂ (heavy traffic) and S₃ (residential zone far away from industrial and traffic emission sources). The samples were analyzed for eight selected heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Co and Cd) using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES, Spectro Arcos Model, Germany). Exposure and risk assessment of these metals were estimated using USEPA’s exposure parameters. Results showed that the mean values of all heavy metals in tempered months were significantly higher than the other months (p?<?0.05). Cancer risk and non-carcinogenic risk (hazard index) of Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb from indoor dust exposure were estimated for children via three exposure pathways (ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact). The non-cancer risks to children in all samples were lower than acceptable level of 1, while the potential cancer risks from Ni intake in S₁ and S₂ were 1.57E???06 and 1.19E???06, respectively, and for Cr in S₁ and S₂, it was 1.43E???06 and 1.15E???06, respectively, which these values were slightly higher than the acceptable level (1?×?10^?6). In conclusion, household dust of Ahvaz city would probably have a significant potential to cause cancer in most exposed children.