Assessment of Rice Marketed in Iran with Emphasis on Toxic and Essential Elements; Effect of Different Cooking Methods

Determination of Selected Metals and Metalloids in Different Types of Rice by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)

Pantanal is a unique biome located in Brazil, with diverse fauna and flora, being home to native species such as the rice types Oryza latifolia and Oryza rufipogon. Rice is a staple food for two-thirds of the population, with increasing consumption, especially in Asia, regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, countries in the Caribbean, and Latin America. The per capita rice consumption had an average consumption of 160 g/day. However, rice consumption may lead to the intake of other harmful substances to health, such as toxic metals/metalloids. The determination of potential hazards in native species is crucial in maintaining the local population in good health. In this study, we determined the concentration of essential elements and potentially toxic elements in seven different types of Brazilian rice grains, including the two Pantanal native species O. latifolia and O. rufipogon, using ICP-OES to identify their nutritional richness or potential toxicity. The contaminant with the highest HQ levels was chromium, with an HQ above one only in the native species. All species (commercial and native) showed carcinogenic risk considering inorganic arsenic. Rice exhibits duality in its classification, providing nutritional content and leading people to potential risks of overexposure to toxic elements. While rice can be part of a healthy and nutritious diet, more studies should be conducted on avoiding or remedying contamination with toxic elements.

Elemental composition of toxic and essential elements in rice-based baby foods from the United States and other countries: A probabilistic risk analysis

Consumption of rice-based foods provides essential nutrients required for infants and toddlers' growth. However, they could contain toxic and excess essential elements that may affect human health. The study aims to determine the composition of rice-based baby foods in the USA and outside and conduct a multiple-life stages probabilistic exposure and risk assessment of toxic and essential elements in children. Elemental concentrations were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in thirty-three rice-based baby foods. This includes 2 infant formulas, 11 rice baby cereals, and 20 rice snacks produced primarily in the United States, China, and other countries. A probabilistic risk assessment was conducted to assess risks of adverse health effects. Results showed that infant formula had higher median concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) compared to rice baby cereal and rice snacks. On the contrary, rice snacks had the highest median concentration of Arsenic (As) (127 μg/kg) while rice baby cereals showed the highest median concentration of Cd (7 μg/kg). A higher lifetime estimated daily intake was observed for samples manufactured in the USA compared to those from China and other countries. Hazard quotient (HQ < 1) values were suggestive of minimal adverse health effects. However, lifetime carcinogenic risk analysis based on total As indicated an unacceptable cancer risk (>1E-04). These findings show a need for ongoing monitoring of rice-based foods consumed by infants and toddlers as supplementary and substitutes for breast milk or weaning food options. This can be useful in risk reduction and mitigation of early life exposure to improve health outcomes.

Analyzing heavy metal contamination for one of the high-rate consumption fruits in Iran: A probabilistic health risk assessment

Good health and well-being is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that can be achieved through fruit consumption. This study measured cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) heavy metal concentrations. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to analyze the samples for heavy metal content. The uncertainty and sensitivity analyses of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic heavy metal intake via cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) consumption were assessed by Monte Carlo simulation. The mean ± SD levels of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and As were determined to be 157.87 ± 128.54, 33.81 ± 6.27, 288.46 ± 114.59, 35.22 ± 18.67, and 33.6 ± 18.1 μg/kg, respectively. The 95th percentile of HI related to heavy metal intake via cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) among children and adults were 2.64 and 1.75, respectively. Also, the 95th percentile of ELCR related to heavy metal were 8.26E-4 and 4.14E-3 among children and adults, respectively. The 95th percentile of LTCR of As among adults and As, Cd, and Pb among children were in the WHO target range (1E-04 to 1E-06) so reducing the concentration of them can help to reduce overall LTCR. When HQ and LTCR are below the cut limits, reducing heavy metals in high-consumption meals is a good way to lower them. In general, due to the wide consumption of various fruits, such as cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), the concentration of environmental pollutants in their edible tissues should be monitored regularly, and the concentration of pollutants in these tissues should be minimized by proper planning.

Evaluation of Trace Elements in Coffee and Mixed Coffee Samples Using ICP-OES Method

This research examines the concentration of 10 trace elements including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al) from among 36 different samples of coffee (3 brands and 2 types of simple and instant) and mixed coffee (3 brands and 4 types of simple, creamy, chocolate and sugar free) collected from market of Iran's and analyzed by using ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry). The recovery, limit of quantification (LOQ), and limit of detection (LOD) ranged from 93.4 to 103.1%, 0.06 to 7.22, and 0.018 to 2.166 µg/kg, respectively. The findings showed that the highest and lowest average concentrations were 498.72 ± 23.07 μg/kg (Fe) and 3.01 ± 1.30 μg/kg (As) in coffee and mixed coffee samples. Also, in all samples, the maximum concentration of trace elements was related to Fe (1353.61 µg/kg) and the minimum concentration was related to Al, As, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn that were not detected (ND). The samples of mixed coffee had highest levels of trace elements compared to coffee samples. In coffee samples, type of instant coffee had highest levels of trace elements compared to simple coffee and mixed coffee samples. The type of creamy mixed coffee had highest levels of trace elements (except Ni and Cr) compared to other type of mixed coffee samples. Finally, trace elements were less than the standard levels of Iran and other countries (in all samples); therefore, it does not threaten Iranian consumers.

Analysis of Elements and Effects of Common Disinfectants in Common Salad Vegetables

In this research, firstly, the effect of some cleaners or disinfectants (including washing with water, ozone (O3, 0.5ppm), benzalkonium chloride (BAC, 120ppm), the combination of two treatments (O3 + BAC)) on the population of two pathogens plant was evaluated, secondly 14 elements (Ca (calcium), magnesium (magnesium), As (arsenic), Al (aluminum), mercury (mercury), Se (selenium), cadmium (cadmium), K (potassium), Iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb)) were evaluated in romaine lettuce and Brassica oleracea, thirdly, the sensory evaluation of the mentioned vegetables with different treatments was investigated during seven days. The results showed the maximum and minimum mean of essential elements were Ca (5334 ± 178 mg/kg in Brassica oleracea) and Se (0.0021 ± 0.0001 mg/kg in Romaine lettuce), respectively. The maximum and minimum mean of toxic elements were Pb (6.26 ± 0.12 µg/kg in Brassica oleracea) and Hg (lower than LOD in Brassica oleracea), respectively. Also, the combined treatment (O3 + BAC) showed the best result, so that the lowest aerobic bacteria population (3.15-3.86 in Brassica oleracea and 3.25-4.17 log CFU/g in Romaine lettuce), yeast and mold (1.58-2.06 in Brassica oleracea and 1.65-2.29 log CFU/g in Romaine lettuce), E. coli (ND-1.23 in Brassica oleracea and ND-1.76 log CFU/g in Romaine lettuce) and S. Typhimurium (ND-1.35 in Brassica oleracea and 1.06-1.73 log CFU/g in Romaine lettuce) on all days was related to this treatment. Also, the sensory evaluation results showed that the combined treatment (O3 + BAC) obtained the best scores compared to other treatments and control. The results showed that water and combined treatment of aqueous O3 and BAC can have a good health effect on Brassica oleracea and Romaine lettuce.

The detoxification of cadmium in Japanese quail by pomegranate peel powder

Environmental pollution and exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd) can cause severe and chronic diseases and have significant side effects on vital organs. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel on biochemical factors and lipid peroxidation in intoxication by Cd in Japanese quail. Two hundred seventy quails in different groups were fed diets containing Cd and pomegranate peel from 6 to 35 days old. Then, serum biochemical parameters were assessed, including liver enzymes, urea, and thiobarbituric acid. In the quails, Cd significantly increased MDA, urea, and AST (P < 0.05). Adding pomegranate peel at 1.5 and 2% levels decreased these parameters significantly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary enrichment using pomegranate peel reduced the adverse effects of Cd by improving lipid peroxidation, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and urea in Japanese quail.

Metal(loid) Analysis of Commercial Rice from Malaysia using ICP-MS: Potential Health Risk Evaluation

Rice is a predominant staple food in many countries. It is a great source of energy but can also accumulate toxic and trace metal(loid)s from the environment and pose serious health hazards to consumers if overdosed. This study aims to determine the concentration of toxic metal(loid)s [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni)] and essential metal(loid)s [iron (Fe), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co)] in various types of commercially available rice (basmati, glutinous, brown, local whites, and fragrant rice) in Malaysia, and to assess the potential human health risk. Rice samples were digested following the USEPA 3050B acid digestion method and the concentrations of metal(loid)s were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mean concentrations (mg/kg as dry weight) of metal(loid)s (n=45) across all rice types were found in the order of Fe (41.37)>Cu (6.51)>Cr (1.91)>Ni (0.38)>As (0.35)>Se (0.07)>Cd (0.03)>Co (0.02). Thirty-three percent and none of the rice samples surpassed, respectively, the FAO/WHO recommended limits of As and Cd. This study revealed that rice could be a primary exposure pathway to toxic metal(loid)s, leading to either noncarcinogenic or carcinogenic health problems. The non-carcinogenic health risk was mainly associated with As which contributed 63% to the hazard index followed by Cr (34%), Cd (2%), and Ni (1%). The carcinogenic risk to adults was high (>10-4) for As, Cr, Cd, and Ni. The cancer risk (CR) for each element was 5 to 8 times higher than the upper limit of cancer risk for an environmental carcinogen (<10-4). The findings from this study could provide the metal(loid)s pollution status of various types of rice which are beneficial to relevant authorities in addressing food safety and security-related issues.

Risk Characterization of the Armenian Population to Nickel: Application of Deterministic and Probabilistic Approaches to a Total Diet Study in Yerevan City

Nickel (Ni) is a widespread metal that occurs in food and drinking water from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Oral exposure to Ni can induce a variety of adverse effects; the European Food Safety Authority established a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 13 μg/kg bw and a lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of 4.3 μg/kg bw to assess the risk of allergic reactions upon acute exposure. This study, the first conducted in Armenia, aimed to assess the dietary exposure of the adult Yerevan population (1272 subjects of both sexes) to Ni in a total diet study (TDS). Detection of Ni was carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry. To determine food consumption values, a 24-h recall survey was used. Following the K-means clustering test, two clusters were determined for food product intake. For the risk characterization of acute oral exposure, the margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated using both deterministic and probabilistic (Monte Carlo method) approaches. The average total exposure was 4.396 μg/kg bw, with limited influence by age and gender. The main contributors were "fruits and vegetables" followed by "bread and flour-based products": the total intake would be 5.11 μg/kg bw for a woman with high consumption of fruits and vegetables. Hence, the estimated chronic dietary exposure was below the TDI, irrespective of age and gender groups, and including high consumers. However, acute oral exposure estimates led to MOE values of less than 30 for most food products, indicating potential health concerns for Ni-sensitized individuals. The Monte Carlo approach indicated that the probability of occurrence of MOE lower than 30 was very high in the case of beef/veal, pork and chicken meat, eggs, and fish, alongside vegetable sources such as buckwheat, tomato, watermelon/melon, and potatoes. The findings prompt an investigation of Ni sources in the target foods in the Caucasus area.

The Toxicological Risk Assessment (TRA) of Total Chromium Impurities in Menthae piperitae tinctura (Mentha x piperita L., folium) Available in Polish Pharmacies Including Regulatory Approaches with Special Emphasis of Cr Speciation and Genotoxicity

Chromium is pharmacologically active and is not an essential element but is still very intriguing and demanding from the point of view of toxicological risk assessment. Especially as an elemental impurity in final pharmaceuticals. The aim of this article is toxicological risk assessment (TRA) of total Cr impurities in Menthae piperitae tinctura (Mentha x piperita L., folium) available in Polish pharmacies including triple approach. Obtained raw/basal results shows that impurities of total Cr impurities were present in all investigated pharmaceutical with Mentha x piperita L., folium. but at a relatively low level (in the range: 0.39-2.14 µg/L). The regulatory strategy based on the ICH Q3D (R1) elemental impurities guidelines confirms that all the requirements of the analyzed products meet the European Medicine Agency (EMA) requirements. Obtained results obtained show that the estimated maximum daily exposure to Cr (ng/day) are variable between the samples (0.521-3.792 ng/day), but at a relatively low level (< 4.0 ng/day).The final step confirms the safety of analyzed pharmaceuticals, because the comparison of the estimated results with the oral PDE value for Cr in final drugs suggested by the ICH Q3D guideline (10,700 µg/day) show that all the products are below this value. The approach based on the margin of exposure (MoE) for children and adults also confirms the safety of all the products with Mentha x piperita L., (in all cases MoE >  > 10 000). It can be concluded that all the samples analyzed should not represent any health hazard to patients due to Cr impurities. To our knowledge, this is the first study about application of comprehensive TRA of total Cr impurities in phytopharmaceuticals with Mentha x piperita L., folium available in European pharmacies. Additionally, we confirm the safety of Cr impurities by applying triple regulatory strategy without the application of an expansive and demanding HPLC-ICP-MS technique for Cr speciation.

A nationwide investigation of trace elements in rice and wheat flour in China: Levels, spatial distributions and implications for human exposure

Rises in trace element contents in rice and wheat flour, which are staple foods for almost all the Chinese population, associated with rapid economic development have raised major concerns. This study aimed to assess trace element concentrations in these foods nationwide in China and associated human exposure risks. For these purposes, nine trace elements were measured in 260 rice samples and 181 wheat flour samples with 17 and 12 widely scattered geographical origins in China, respectively. Mean concentrations (mg kg^-1) of the trace elements declined in the following orders: Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > As > Cr > Cd > Se > Co in rice, and Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Pb > Cr > Cd > As > Co in wheat flour. Significant regional differences in levels of trace elements in both rice and wheat flour were detected (p < 0.05), which may be related to local economic indicators. The hazard index (HI) of trace elements in rice samples from all origins exceeded 1, mainly due to the contribution of As, suggesting a potential non-carcinogenic risk. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for rice and wheat flour of all origins exceeded the safe level.

Insights into the health status of the general population living near an electroplating industry zone: metal elevations and renal impairment

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Zhejiang Province, China, to evaluate the body burdens of metals and metalloids associated with renal dysfunction in populations living near electroplating industries. We recruited 236 subjects and performed physical examinations, determined the blood and urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and selenium (Se) by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and measured three renal impairment biomarkers, namely nacetyl-β-_D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and β₂-microglobulin (BMG). The proportion of abnormal nasal symptoms in the exposure group (10.1%) was much higher than in the control group (0; p < 0.05). The blood and urinary levels of As, Cd, and Se in the exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood levels of Mn and Pb, as well as the urinary levels of Cr and Ni, were significantly higher in the exposure group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The exposure group demonstrated higher levels of NAG, RBP, and BMG than the control group (0.51 vs. 0.14 mg/g creatinine, 12.79 vs. 9.26 IU/g creatinine, and 1.39 vs. 0.78 mg/g creatinine, respectively; p < 0.05). Urinary BMG was positively correlated with urinary Cd levels (r = 0.223, p < 0.05), while urinary RBP was correlated with blood Cd levels (r = 0.151, p < 0.05) and urinary Cd, Cr, Ni, and Se levels (r = 0.220, 0.303, 0.162, and 0.306, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicated that a population living in the vicinity of electroplating industries had high body burdens of certain metals and metalloids associated with non-negligible renal dysfunction.

Human-induced pollution and toxicity of river sediment by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and accumulation in a paddy soil-rice system: A comprehensive watershed-scale assessment

This study aimed to assess pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Zarjoub and Goharroud river basins in northern Iran. Due to exposure to various types of pollution sources, these rivers are two of the most polluted rivers in Iran. They also play an important role in irrigation of paddy fields in the study area, increasing concerns about the contamination of rice grains by PTEs. Hence, we analyzed the concentrations of eight PTEs (i.e., As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) at ten channel bed sediment sampling sites in each river, fifteen samples of paddy soils and fifteen co-located rice samples in the relevant watersheds. Results of the index-based assessment indicate moderate to heavy pollution and moderate toxicity for sediments in the Goharroud River, while both pollution and toxicity of the Zarjoub River sediment were characterized as moderate. Paddy soils in the watersheds were found to be moderate to heavily polluted by PTEs, but the values of the rice bioconcentration factor (RBCF) indicated intermediate absorption for Cu, Zn, and Mn, and weak and very weak absorption for Pb/Ni and As/Co/Cr, respectively. The concentration of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cr was negatively correlated to the corresponding values of RBCF, highlighting the ability of rice grains to control bioaccumulation and regulate concentrations. Industrial/agricultural effluents, municipal wastewater, leachate of solid waste, traffic-related pollution, and weathering of parent materials were found to be responsible for pollution of the Zarjoub and Goharroud watersheds by PTEs. Mn, Cu, and Pb in rice grains might be responsible for non-carcinogenic diseases. Although weak absorption was observed for As and Cr in rice grains, the concentrations of these elements in rice grains indicate a high level of cancer risk if ingested. This study provides insights to control the pollution of sediment, paddy soils, and rice.

Risk assessment of heavy metals concentration in cereals and legumes sold in the Tamale Aboabo market, Ghana

The greatest risks posed by heavy metals to human health are linked to exposure to hazardous metals, which may be present in staple foods such as cereals and legumes. In this study, the levels of harmful metals and vital minerals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and copper (As) in certain cereals and legumes sold in Tamale Aboabo Market in the Northern Region of Ghana were evaluated. A total of twenty-one (21) samples were randomly selected, digested, and analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The samples included three each of cowpea, groundnuts, and soybean (AAS). As concentrations varied from 0.017 mg/kg, Cd concentration was undetectable, Cu concentrations ranged from 0.019 to 0.042 mg/kg, and Zn concentrations were low. The levels of As in the legumes and grains were higher than the 0015 mg/kg FAO/WHO guideline limit. According to the study, there is a risk associated with consuming any of the cereal and legume crops offered in the Tamale Aboabo market that contain any amount of As. The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and runoff from other agricultural fields may have contributed to the higher levels in the cereals. The hazard index via ingestion values for both adults and children were found to be less than 1, indicating no need for potential non-carcinogenic concern. Generally, there is no cancer risk with consumption of the cereals and legumes in terms of all the metals investigated.

Potential Health Risks Associated with the Heavy Metal Content in Commonly Consumed Food from Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India

The present study investigated the heavy metal (HM) accumulation in some food items and associated potential human health risk in the Prakasam district. Food samples were collected from 9 villages of different mandals mainly comprising of rice, wheat, green gram, red gram, black gram, potato, and amaranthus. The HMs chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICPMS). The results showed that the HM concentrations in vegetables were higher than the cereals and pulses. The decreasing order of HM concentrations were observed as Cr > As > Pb > Cd > Hg, Cr > Pb > As = Cd > Hg and Cr > Pb > Cd > As > Hg in cereals, pulses, and vegetables, respectively. The dietary intake of cereals and vegetables contributed more exposure to HMs. The hazard index (HI) in case of cereals (3.648) and vegetables (1.003) exceeded 1 indicating the non-carcinogenic risk when these food items are consumed by adults. The HI in case of cereals (7.106) and vegetables (1.747) exceeded 1 indicating the health risks when these food items were consumed by children. The HI for cereals and vegetables in case of children is almost double to the HI of adults. The lifetime cancer risk was observed for Cr via consumption of rice and amaranthus, both in adults and children. In conclusion, health risk due to consumption of cereals and vegetables revealed both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for adults and children. The findings of the present study can be used for the development of potential strategies for risk control and management.

Risk assessment of uptake of trace elements through consumption of cereals: a pilot study in Yerevan, Armenia

The study aimed to assess the dietary exposure and related human health risks associated with trace elements through the intake of staple cereals, including buckwheat, rice, and emmer. The contents of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Molybdenum (Mo), Iron (Fe), and Copper (Cu) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Cereal consumption data were obtained through a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire amongst the Yerevan adult population. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni, Mo, Fe and Cu were 0.75-5.56 µg/kg, 1.21-6 µg/kg, 6.7-6.99 µg/kg, 50.6-111 µg/kg, 20-429 µg/kg, 2770-30500 µg/kg and 601-1720 µg/kg respectively. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of all studied trace elements did not exceed the health-based guidance values. The margin of exposure (MOE) values of Pb, Cd, Hg, and Mo for all clusters were above the threshold (>10 for Pb, Cd, and >100 for Hg, Mo) and therefore did not indicate a health concern. Meanwhile, in the case of Ni exposure, the MOE values for the second and third clusters of buckwheat consumption and for the third cluster of emmer consumption were below the threshold (<10) indicating that a human health risk cannot be excluded. Future work is proposed.

Evaluation of micronutrients among pediatric liver cirrhosis in Shiraz, Iran

Background

Cirrhosis is the final result of most types of liver disease. Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D have a significantly vital role in the immunologic and physiologic mechanisms in the body. The current study aimed to measure magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D level among children with liver cirrhosis.

Results

One hundred cases were included in the current study. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 53% of the cases. Zinc deficiency was present in 23% of the cases. The magnesium level was more than the normal level among 99% of the cases. There is a significant inverse correlation between zinc level and PELD score (Pearson correlation = − 0.314, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Zinc deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were seen in children with liver cirrhosis. Serum magnesium level in children with liver cirrhosis was higher than standard. A significant correlation was seen between zinc level and PELD score.

Removal of Toxic and Essential Nutrient Elements from Commercial Rice Brands Using Different Washing and Cooking Practices: Human Health Risk Assessment

This study determined the influence of different cooking procedures on the removal of toxic elements (TEs) including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) along with other nutrient elements from different commercially available rice brands sold in Bangladeshi markets. We observed 33%, 35%, and 27% average removal of As, Cd, and Pb accordingly from rice when cooked with a rice to water ratio of 1:6 after washing 5 times. We also found a significant reduction in essential elements: Zn (17%), Cu (10%), Mn (22%), Se (49%), and Mo (22%), when rice cooking was performed as in traditional practice. Daily dietary intakes were found to be between 0.36 and 1.67 µg/kgbw for As, 0.06 and 1.15 µg/kgbw for Cd, and 0.04 and 0.17 µg/kgbw for Pb when rice was cooked by the rice cooker method (rice:water 1:2), while in the traditional method (rice:water 1:6) daily intake rates ranged from 0.23 to 1.3 µg/kgbw for As, 0.04 to 0.88 µg/kgbw for Cd, and 0.03 to 0.15 µg/kgbw for Pb for adults. The HQ and ILCR for As, Cd, and Pb revealed that there is a possibility of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for As but no appreciable risk for Cd and Pb from consumption of rice.

Influence of cooking process on the content of water-soluble B vitamins in rice marketed in Iran

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of cooking method on thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), and pyridoxine (B6) vitamin content of rice samples consumed in Iran by using high-performance liquid chromatography technique. The amount of B1, B2, and B6 obtained ranged from 2.98 to 15.89, 1.15 to 22.19, and 0.96 to 4.44 μg/g, respectively, for the boiling method. In the traditional method, these vitamins had a concentration between 4.09 and 29.55, 4.87 and 16.19, and 1.52 and 12.18 μg/g, respectively. However, limit of detection (LOD) values for B1, B2, and B6 vitamins were 0.159, 0.090, and 0.041 μg/ml, respectively. Multivariate methods and heatmap visualization were applied to estimate the correlation among the type and amount of vitamins and cooking methods. According to heatmap findings, B1 and B6 vitamins and the cooking method had the closest accessions, representing that this variable had similar trends. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that the traditional cooking method can maintain more vitamins in rice samples.

Analysis and health risk assessment of nitrosamines in meat products collected from markets, Iran: with the approach of chemometric

The aim of study was evaluate of the concentration and health risk of nitrosamines in 150 meat products samples by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with the chemometric approach. Among the identified nitrosamines, the levels of N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), and total nitrosamines in meat sausages samples were significantly higher than chicken sausages (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis and heat map visualization confirmed meat percentage and sausages type (meat or chicken) which had significant effects on nitrosamines content. The NPIP and NPYR intake was 1.17E-07 and 2.12E-07 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. The Monte Carlo simulation results indicated that the 95th percentile from NPIP and NPYR based on ILCR index were 9.07E-07 and 4.72E-07, respectively. In conclusion, the carcinogenic risk of nitrosamines was considerably lower than the safe risk limit (CR > 1E-4) recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency for Iranian population.

Plastics contamination of store-bought rice

This study investigated mass concentrations of selected plastics in store-bought rice, the staple of more than half the world's population. Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, poly-(methyl methacrylate), polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride were quantified using pressurized liquid extraction coupled to double-shot pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate were quantifiable in the rice samples with polyethylene the most frequently detected (95%). There was no statistical difference between total plastic concentration in paper and plastic packaged rice. Shaking the rice in its packaging had no significant difference on the concentration of plastics. Washing the rice with water significantly reduced plastic contamination. Instant (pre-cooked) rice contained fourfold higher levels of plastics, suggesting that industrial processing potentially increases contamination. A preliminary estimate of the intake of plastic through rice consumption for Australians established 3.7 mg per serve (100 g) if not washed and 2.8 mg if washed. Annual consumption was estimated around 1 g/person.

Quantitative measurement of toxic metals and assessment of health risk in agricultural products food from Markazi Province of Iran

The current study aims to investigate the levels of the toxic metal in agricultural products (legumes, wheat, and potato) collected in Markazi province, Iran, and human health risk by using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The levels of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in all samples were lower than the limit of detection (LOD), while the level of Cd in potato samples was lower than the maximum permisible level (MPL) of the European commission (EC). The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment by direct ingestion of agricultural products was calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method. The highest mean of toxic metals was observed for lead (Pb) in legume samples (562.17 μg kg− 1). Mercury (Hg) and Pb levels in all samples were higher than LOD, while Pb level in wheat samples were lower than of EC. The rank order of Hg and Pb levels in all samples based on target hazard quotient (THQ) value was wheat> potato>legume. The THQ index of Hg and Pb by the deterministic method in wheat was 1.37 and 0.454; in potato 0.139 and 0.104; in legume 0.092 and 0.41, respectively. The carcinogenic risk index was at an acceptable range. The high hazard index values were estimated and the THQ index for Hg in wheat suggests a non-negligible health risk.

The analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment of acrylamide level in commercial nuggets samples marketed in Iran: effect of two different cooking methods

The aim of current study was to evaluate the acrylamide level in chicken, meat and shrimp nugget samples cooked in both traditional and industrial methods using "Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe" QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography-flame-ionization detection (GC-FID). Results revealed the traditional frying method has significant effect on the increase of acrylamide compared to industrial frying method and it was also found that the different cooking temperatures and time have significant effect on increase of acrylamide formation (p < 0.05), but type of edible oils had no significant effect. The highest acrylamide level found in shrimp nuggets (27 ± 1.5 ng/g) which fried by colza oil and traditional cooking method (6 min at 220 °C), while the lowest content of acrylamide found in chicken nuggets (7.3 ± 0.1 ng/g) which fried by corn oil and industrial method (3 min at 180 °C). Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results indicated that the trend of potential non-carcinogenic risks on THQ for children was chicken nugget (3.51E-3) > meat nugget (1.36E-3) > shrimp nugget (1.43E-4) and for adults was chicken nugget (3.49E-4) > meat nugget (1.35E-4) > shrimp nugget (1.38E-5). The health risk of acrylamide for adults and children, was considerably lower than the safe risk limits (HQ >1 and CR > 1E-4) for Iranian population.

A Comparative Assessment of Trace Element Accumulation in Native and Improved Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties Grown Under Different Conditions of Fertilizer Application

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the main food crop cultivated in Sri Lanka, and different varieties of rice are grown under different conditions of fertilizer application throughout the country. Since the consumption of rice is extremely high, it is considered as the major dietary source for macro- and micro-nutrients and also for toxic trace elements. The main objective of this study was to investigate and compare trace element levels in native and improved rice varieties that were grown under both organic and inorganic chemical fertilizers and also under unfertilized conditions. Rice grains were collected from a plot experiment with seven native and seven improved rice varieties that were treated with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Contents of macro-nutrients (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Ba) in rice grains were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results indicated that rice cultivated using inorganic fertilizers showed the highest mean trace element contents while organic fertilizer-treated improved rice varieties showed the lowest Cd (0.10 mg/kg) which is lower than the maximum permissible level (0.2 μg g^-1). The highest mean value of Cd (0.32 mg/kg) was recorded in native rice varieties grown in plots with chemical fertilizer applications. However, the As content in rice samples collected from all treatment conditions indicated contents lower than the maximum permissible level. Rice cultivated in plots that were treated with chemical fertilizer showed the highest mean macro-nutrient contents.

Content of Toxic Elements in 12 Groups of Rice Products Available on Polish Market: Human Health Risk Assessment

Background: Rice is one of the most commonly consumed grains. It could be a good source of nutrients in a diet, but its consumption could also contribute to exposure to toxic elements. All rice products available on the Polish market are imported, which may pose a particular concern as to the safety of their consumption. The aim of our study was to estimate the content of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg in rice products and to assess the health risk indicators related to exposure to toxic elements consumed with rice products among the adult population in Poland. Methods: A total of 99 samples from 12 groups of rice products (basmati, black, brown, parboiled, red, wild, white rice and expanded rice, rice flakes, flour, pasta, and waffles) available in the Polish market were obtained. The content of Hg was determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method (AAS). To measure As, Cd, and Pb, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used. The health risk was assessed by calculating several indicators. Results: The average As, Cd, Pb, and Hg contents in all studied products were 123.5 ± 77.1 μg/kg, 25.7 ± 26.5 μg/kg, 37.5 ± 29.3 μg/kg, and 2.8 ± 2.6 μg/kg, respectively. Exceedance of the limit established by the Polish National Food Safety Standard was observed in one sample as regards the As content and exceedance of the European Commission standard in two samples for Hg. The samples of foods imported from European markets (n = 27) had statistically higher As content (p < 0.05) than those imported from Asian countries (n = 53). The values of health risk indicators did not show an increased risk for the Polish adult population. However, the daily intake of 55 g of rice corresponds to the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) for Pb. Conclusion: The studied rice products could be regarded as safe for consumption by the Polish population as far as the content of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg is concerned.