Health risk assessment of heavy metals in vegetables consumed in the central part of Mazandaran province
Journal Title: Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal - Year 2024, Vol 11, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Heavy metals (HMs) in the environment threaten food safety and human health. In this study, the health risks of HMs caused by the consumption of commonly consumed vegetables in the central part of Mazandaran province were evaluated. Methods: In this study, 42 vegetable samples were analyzed for concentration of HMs, and estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target carcinogenic risk (TCR) were calculated. Results: The mean content of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) in the studied areas were obtained 28.45, 0.26, and 79.20 mg/kg, respectively. The concentration of Pb, Cd, and Zn in the studied vegetables was found to be 1.76 ± 0.2, 0.09 ± 0.07, and 11.53 ± 1.20 mg/kg, respectively. The EDI average of Pb, Cd, and Zn in adults was 0.0064, 0.0003, and 0.0412 mg/kg day−1; and in children were 0.0099, 0.0005, and 0.0686 mg/kg day−1, respectively. The present study showed that the THQ for Pb in all vegetables consumed by children faces much higher risks than adults. The TCR for Pb in total vegetables was less than 10-4 and for Cd was identified as more than 10-4 in some vegetables in the adults and the children’s population. Conclusion: The concentration of Cd and Zn in the soil and related vegetables is less than the permissible limit, but the amount of Pb in the vegetables is higher than the permissible limit. Therefore, continuous care and monitoring of agricultural soils in these areas, such as the proper use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and treated wastewater sludge, is necessary.
Authors and Affiliations
Abdoliman Amouei, Elham Falahati Naghibi, Hourieh Fallah, Hosseinali Asgharnia, Asieh Khalilpour, Hajar Tabarinia
Potential Roles of Circular RNAs and Environmental and Clinical Factors in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common disability in the working-age population. The underlying pathogenesis of IDD needs elucidation. This study aimed to determine differentially expressed circul...
Health sector’s flood response plan: A comprehensive review
Background: Floods are the most common natural disaster which may have substantial impacts on the human health and life and the environment. In recent years, Iran have faced many floods and it seems that increasing imp...
Enhanced electro-Fenton processes by persulfate radical for atenolol oxidation from aqueous solution
Background: Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a group of emerging environmental pollutants that have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their harmful effects on aquatic environment, a...
Performance evaluation of the combined process of ozonation, biological activated carbon reinforced by bacterial consortium, and ultrafiltration in greywater treatment
Background: Background: Because of the growing population and increasing freshwater consumption, treatment and reuse of greywater have been widely considered. The application of a new and environmentally friendly treat...
Advanced oxidation of formaldehyde in the aqueous solutions using UVC/S2O8 2- process: Degradation and mineralization
Background: As a human carcinogen, formaldehyde is a toxic chemical imposing adverse effects on public health and environment. Due to its high reactivity, colorless nature, sustainability, purity in commercial forms, a...