Presence of toxic metals in rice with human health hazards in Tangail district of Bangladesh

Exploration of Toxic and Essential Metals in Popular Rice Grains of Bangladesh and Associated Human Health Risk Implications

In order to evaluate the benefits as well as the impacts of essential and toxic metals regarding human health, the six common rice grains (katarivhog, bashful, banglamoti, najirshail, branded miniket and loose miniket) were collected from four wholesale markets in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and were analyzed with different atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The mean concentrations of the toxic metals Pb, Cd, Cr, and As had 0.299 ± 0.017, 0.157 ± 0.012, 1.33 ± 0.084, and 0.120 ± 0.006 mg/kg, respectively, while those of the essential metals Fe, Cu, Zn, Na, Ca, and Mg had 7.90 ± 0.447, 3.11 ± 0.097, 10.6 ± 0.340, 37.4 ± 0.622, 90.1 ± 7.70, and 115.8 ± 1.61 mg/kg, respectively. Among them, the mean concentrations of toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, and As) exceeded the maximum allowable concentration in rice set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). Risk assessment of the heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Fe, Cu, and Zn showed that their estimated daily intakes were below the daily reference doses for adults. However, Cd and Cr individually were found to have the target hazard quotient value close to 1 (threshold limit), indicating that they alone are capable of potential health hazards from continuous rice consumption, while the hazard index has surpassed three units signifying greater danger associated with the current trend of consumption. A very high chance of developing cancer in the near future is predicted by incremental lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) analysis for continued intake of Cr (ILCR > 1E-03), and a moderate to high risk is predicted for other carcinogenic substances (Pb, Cd, and As) (ILCR in between 1E-03 and 1E-05) with present rice consumption. The contribution of the essential metals to the RNI revealed that Cu from rice contributes more than 100% in most samples, and the overall contribution is in the following order: Cu > Zn > Fe > Mg > Ca > Na. To ensure the safety of staple foods for human health, it ought to be necessary to design a plan to measure the budget of hazardous metals from all sources with proper surveillance by relevant authorities.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health hazards of potentially toxic elements in commonly consumed rice cultivars in Dhaka city, Bangladesh

The study aimed to assess the level of potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, and Ni) and associated health implications through commonly consumed rice cultivars of Bangladesh available in Capital city, Dhaka. The range of As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, and Ni in rice grains were 0.04-0.35, 0.01-0.15, 0.01-1.18, 10.74-34.35, 1.98-13.42, 0.18-1.43, 2.51-22.08, and 0.21-5.96 mg/kg fresh weight (FW), respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) identified substantial anthropogenic activities to be responsible for these elements in rice grains. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of the elements was below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) level. The hazard index (HI) was above the threshold level, stating non-carcinogenic health hazards from consuming these rice cultivars. The mean target cancer risk (TCR) of As and Pb exceeded the USEPA acceptable level (10-6), revealing carcinogenic health risks from the rice grains.

Elemental composition and potential health risk of vegetable cultivated in residential area situated close to abandoned gold mine dump: Characteristics of soil quality on the vegetables

The presence of toxic metals in residential areas near abandoned gold mine tailings is a major environmental issue. This study mainly aimed to investigate the elemental distribution of both toxic and essential elements in soils and leafy vegetables (Brassica oleracea) collected from eight different sites around the Davidsonville residential area, located closer to the abandoned Princess gold mine dump, Johannesburg, South Africa. The nutritional value of vegetables in the human diet was determined to assess their value to their health. The vegetables contained metals in the following descending order: Ca > Mg > Ca > Sb > Pb > Fe > Mo > Cr > Se > As > V > Ni > Co > Cd. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) revealed that vegetables tend to accumulate most metals even (toxic) during the transfer and translocation process. Based on the recommended daily allowance (%RDA) the vegetables showed to contribute 152%, 84% and 75% toward RDA for Se, V and Ca, respectively for most adults and these play a role in human metabolic activities. The vegetables were found to be a good source of essential elements (Ca, Mg, Ni, Na, Fe) but with some traces of toxic metals such as Pb, As and Sb. Based on the health risk assessment, the vegetable posed an adverse health hazard for human consumption due to metals with high HRI >1.

Assessment of potentially toxic and mineral elements in paddy soils and their uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.) with associated health hazards in district Malakand, Pakistan

Rice, a primary food source in many countries of the world accumulate potentially harmful elements which pose a significant health hazard to consumers. The current study aimed to evaluate potentially toxic and mineral elements in both paddy soils and rice grains associated with allied health risks in Malakand, Pakistan. Rice plants with intact root soil were randomly collected from paddy fields and analyzed for mineral and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‒OES). Through deterministic and probabilistic risk assessment models, the daily intake of PTEs with allied health risks from consumption of rice were estimated for children and adults. The results of soil pH (< 8.5) and electrical conductivity (EC > 400 μs/cm), indicated slightly saline nature. The mean phosphorus concentration of 291.50 (mg/kg) in soil samples exceeded FAO/WHO permissible limits. The normalized variation matrix of soil pH with respect to Ni (0.05), Ca (0.05), EC (0.08), and Mg (0.09), indicated significant influence of pH on PTEs mobility. In rice grains, the mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Mg (463.81), Al (70.40), As (1.23), Cr (12.53), Cu (36.07), Fe (144.32), Mn (13.89), and Ni (1.60) exceeded FAO/WHO safety limits. The transfer factor >1 for K, Cu, P and Zn indicated bioavailability and transfer of these elements from soil to rice grains. Monte Carlo simulations of hazard index >1 for Cr, Zn, As, and Cu with certainties of 89.93% and 90.17%, indicated significant noncarcinogenic risks for children and adults from rice consumption. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for adults and children exceeded the USEPA acceptable limits of 1×10-6 to 1×10-4, respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that the ingestion rate was a key risk factor. Arsenic (As) primarily influenced total cancer risk (TCR) in children, while chromium (Cr) significantly impacted adults. Deterministic cancer risk values slightly exceeded probabilistic values due to inherent uncertainties in deterministic analysis. Rice consumption poses health risks, mainly from exposure to Cr, Ni and As in the investigated area.

Elevated Uptake and Translocation Patterns of Heavy Metals in Different Food Plants Parts and Their Impacts on Human Health

Irrigation with contaminated wastewater is a common practice in cultivation of crops and vegetables in many developing countries due to the scarcity of available fresh water. The present study has investigated the transfer and mobilization trends of heavy metals in different crops and vegetables plants grown in contaminated soil and waterbody. The translocation patterns of metals from polluted sources into different organs of plants bodies such as roots and edible parts and associated health risks have been evaluated simultaneously. Total of 180 different environmental samples including food plants, agricultural soil, and irrigation water were collected and analyzed. Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cd, As) in water, soil, and different parts of crops and vegetable plants were compared with the permissible levels reported by FAO/WHO, EU, and USEPA. Different metals contents within the food plants were found to be in the order of Fe > Mn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cd > As. Pollution load index (PLI) data indicate that soil is highly polluted with Cd as well as moderately contaminated by As and Cu. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) analysis showed excessive accumulation of some heavy metals in crops and vegetables. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and target carcinogenic risk (TCR) analysis data showed higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for both adult and children from the consumption of metal-contaminated food items. The results of metal pollution index (MPI), estimated daily intake (EDI), and hazard index (HI) analyses demonstrated the patterns of metals pollution in different food plants.

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.

Assessing pollution and health risks from chromite mine tailings contaminated soils in India by employing synergistic statistical approaches

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in the agricultural soil can generate a detrimental effect on the ecosystem and poses a threat to human health. The present work evaluates the PTEs concentration, source identification, probabilistic assessment of health hazards, and dietary risk analysis due to PTEs pollution in the region of the chromite-asbestos mine, India. To evaluate the health risks associated with PTEs in soil, soil tailings and rice grains were collected and studied. The results revealed that the PTEs concentration (mainly Cr and Ni) of total, DTPA-bioavailable, and rice grain was significantly above the permissible limit in site 1 (tailings) and site 2 (contaminated) as compared with site 3 (uncontaminated). The Free ion activity model (FIAM) was applied to detect the solubility of PTEs in polluted soil and their probable transfer from soil to rice grain. The hazard quotient values were significantly higher than the safe (FIAM-HQ < 0.5) for Cr (1.50E+00), Ni (1.32E+00), and, Pb (5.55E+00) except for Cd (1.43E-03), Cu (5.82E-02). Severity adjustment margin of exposure (SAMOE) results denote that the PTEs contaminated raw rice grain has high health risk [Cr_SAMOE: 0.001; Ni_SAMOE: 0.002; Cd_SAMOE: 0.007; Pb_SAMOE: 0.008] for humans except for Cu. The Positive matrix factorization (PMF) along with correlation used to apportion the source. Self-organizing map (SOM) and PMF analysis identified the source of pollution mainly from mines in this region. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) revealed that TCR (total carcinogenic risk) cannot be insignificant and children were the maximum sufferers relative to adults via ingestion-pathway. In the spatial distribution map, the region nearer to mine is highly prone to ecological risk with respect to PTEs pollution. Based on appropriate and reasonable evaluation methods, this work will help environmental scientists and policymakers' control PTEs pollution in agricultural soils near the vicinity of mines.

Contamination of Selected Toxic Elements in Integrated Chicken-Fish Farm Settings of Bangladesh and Associated Human Health Risk Assessments

The presence of trace elements in the environment can contaminate a food chain of an agro farm in various ways. Integrated chicken-fish farms (i.e., where poultry chicken and fish are cultivated in same places) are getting popular nowadays to meet the demands of a balanced diet. The present study conducted a health risk assessment on the basis of selected heavy metal (i.e., Cr and Pb) and metalloid (i.e., As) contamination in this type of farm in Bangladesh. Samples of various types were collected from different farms between September 2019 and March 2020. The concentrations of the elements were checked by Flame-AAS and HG-AAS. Our findings demonstrated that the elements' concentrations in fishes were simultaneously induced by the habitation and bioaccumulation through the food chain of the farm. The concentrations of As and Pb in the chicken parts and Cr and As in some fishes were greater than the highest limits set by different permissible standards. Overall, the metal concentration obtained in different samples was in descending order: sediment > droppings > different fish parts > various species of chicken > pond water. Among the pollutants, As gave target hazard quotient (THQ) values higher than 1 for all the species, suggesting health risks from the intake of fishes and chicken. However, there was non-target cancer risk present while considering all the elements together. Notably, the study found carcinogenic risks of As, Pb, and Cr for humans due to poultry and/or fish consumption; the identified health risks associated with the integrated farming setting will be crucial in further tackling strategies. Investigation of the possible sources of heavy metals in commercial chicken feeds and regular monitoring of groundwater used for agro-farming are highly recommended to reduce the burden.

Simultaneous Analysis of Mycotoxins, Potentially Toxic Elements, and Pesticides in Rice: A Health Risk Assessment Study

Rice is a widely consumed food worldwide; however, it can be a source of pollutants, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs), mycotoxins, and pesticides. Sixty rice samples imported from Pakistan (PAK), India (IND), and Thailand (THAI), as well as domestic Iranian (IRN) rice, were collected from Bushehr, Iran, and investigated for the contamination of PTEs, including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni); pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, trichlorfon, diazinon, fenitrothion, and chlorothalonil; mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA), and deoxynivalenol (DON); and molds. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) of pollutants and hazard index (HI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of rice types for the Iranian adult population were calculated. The content of PTEs in Iranian rice was not higher than Iran's national standard limits. In contrast, other types of rice (imported) had at least one PTE above the permissible level. OTA content was below the detection limit, and all other mycotoxins were within the allowable range in all rice types. Thai rice was the only group without pesticides. The HI order of rice types was as follows: HI_PAK = 2.1 > HI_IND = 1.86 > HI_IRN = 1.01 > HI_THAI = 0.98. As was the biggest contributor to the HI of Iranian and Thai rice, and diazinon in the HI of Pakistani and Indian rice. The calculation of ILCR confirmed that the concentrations of Ni and Pb in Pakistani and Ni and As in Indian, Thai, and Iranian rice were not acceptable in terms of lifetime carcinogenic health risks.

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.

Micronutrients and heavy metals in rice farms: the case of Ahvaz and Bawie Counties, Khuzestan Province, Iran

This study addressed micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co) and heavy metals (As, Pb) in the soil and rice crop in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Twenty-eight composite soil and grain samples from the intended rice farms were garnered during harvest time. Concentrations of the elements in the samples and in the grains were, respectively, determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry device. The average concentration of As, Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in soil of crop were 2.71, 20,065.8, 10.43, 22.28, 422.28, 5.85, and 47.07 mg/kg, respectively. The physicochemical properties of soil, bioconcentration factor, daily intakes, and health risk assessment of the elements were calculated. The results revealed that the area covered by alkaline saline soils is poor in micronutrients. Bioconcentration factor values of all elements were less than 1. Low levels of bioconcentration factor may be for low levels of nutrients in the soil and physicochemical conditions of the soil. Furthermore, the daily intake of Co (adults' group) and Fe and Zn (children group) was very low. Health risk assessment showed only adults are threatened by non-cancerous diseases due to excessive value of all the elements (HI = 2.53) and cancerous diseases caused by excessive As and Pb (2.86E-04 and 2.01E-05, respectively). Considering that Khuzestan Province is the fourth largest producer of rice in Iran, the lack of micronutrients and the presence of heavy metals in rice produced in the study area can adversely affect consumers. Further investigation is therefore a must in the region.

Assessing Pb-Cr Pollution Thresholds for Ecological Risk and Potential Health Risk in Selected Several Kinds of Rice

The expected typical gley moist paddy soil was collected in Zhejiang Province, China, and conventional (XS 134 and JH 218) and varieties of hybrid (YY 538 and CY 84) rices were used for a pot experiment. The effects of exogenous heavy metals lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) on rice growth and the accumulation of heavy metals in the grains were studied. The results show that heavy metal concentrations in soil and rice grains have significant correlations, and Pb and Cr significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the rice growth (plant height and panicle weight). The potential ecological hazard index (RI) of heavy metals in the soil was 4.88−6.76, which belongs to the grade of “slight ecological hazard”, and Pb provides a larger potential ecological hazard than Cr in the studied region. The thresholds for potential health risks and ecological risks for Pb and Cr were lower than the “Control Standards for Soil Pollution Risk of Agricultural Land (Trial)” (GB15618-2018, China). This work provides the basis for soil pollution control for Pb and Cr and the selection of rice cultivars from Pb and Cr accumulated soils.

Detection of Bacillus Species with Arsenic Resistance and Plant Growth Promoting Efficacy from Agricultural Soils of Nepal

Arsenic contamination in soil and water is one of the major environmental problems in multiple countries including Nepal imposing a serious threat to the ecosystem and public health. Many soil bacteria can detoxify arsenic, including genus Bacillus. With an objective to gauge the plant growth-promoting activities of arsenic-resistant Bacillus species, 36 samples (soil, rice, cauliflower, and beans) were collected from the Terai region of Nepal. For selective isolation of Bacillus species, each sample was heated at 80°C for 15 min before the inoculation into nutrient agar (NA). Following the standard protocol, arsenic-resistant Bacillus species were screened using NA supplemented with 100 ppm sodium arsenate and sodium arsenite. Among 158 randomly selected isolates, only five isolates were able to tolerate sodium arsenite concentration up to 600 ppm. Notably, all five isolates were able to produce indole acetic acid (IAA), a plant hormone, and solubilize phosphate. Based on biochemical analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, isolates N4-1, RW, KR7-12, Bhw1-4, and BW2-2 were identified as B. subtilis subsp. stercosis, B. flexus, B. licheniformis, B. cereus, and B. flexus, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the presence of arsenic-resistant B. flexus in Nepalese soil with plant growth-promoting traits. Possible utilization of these Bacillus strains could facilitate the novel bioremediation pathway to reduce the toxic effect of arsenic from the soil and water in the Terai region of Nepal.

Variations in cadmium accumulation among amon rice cultivars in Bangladesh and associated human health risks

Rice consumption is one of the major cadmium (Cd) exposure routes for human. Bangladeshi people have historically subsisted on a rice-based diet; however, only a few reports have investigated Cd accumulation by different rice cultivars in Bangladesh. This study was designed to investigate the uptake and accumulation of Cd in different rice cultivars and associated health risks to humans eating rice. A pot experiment was conducted to grow eight amon rice varieties under control, 5 and 10 mg Cd/kg soil under open air conditions. After harvesting the Cd fractionation, bioavailable Cd and rice grain Cd content were determined. Cd spiked as Cd²⁺ enriched the Cd bioavailability to plant by 35% (in 5 mg/kg stress) and 85% (in 10 mg/kg stress). There were variations among the rice varieties in their ability to accumulate Cd in grain and this was found to be 15-fold higher under control conditions. Grain Cd content significantly differed among the rice varieties at each level of soil Cd. In this study, BR-52 emerged as the most Cd-safe cultivar followed by BR-75, Rani salut, BR-71, BR-49, BR-76, BR-87 and lastly, BINA-7. Most of the agronomic parameters of rice concerning yield were affected by both rice varieties and soil Cd level. In different rice varieties, rhizosphere pH increased through root exudation which ultimately produced equilibria among the five major soil Cd fractions so that Cd became bioavailable to plants. All rice varieties showed high hazard quotient (HQ) values under Cd stress conditions and posed a risk to human health. For noncarcinogenic health risk assessment through HQ, we recommend 0.1 mg Cd/kg rice grain be used as the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) in calculating health risk for Bangladeshi people.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Rice (Oryza sativa. L) Grains Cultivated in Three Major Industrial Areas of Bangladesh

Human exposure to nonessential trace elements occurs from food crops that are contaminated by the soil. The present study aimed to determine the level of heavy metals in soil and rice samples using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer from three major industrial areas in Bangladesh: Savar, Gazipur, and Ashulia. Heavy metals were detected in the order Fe > Zn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Co > Cu > Cd > As and Zn > Cu > Cr > Co > Fe > Cd > Pb > Ni > As in the soil and rice samples, respectively. From this analysis, it was observed that the detected concentrations of Zn, Cd, Cr, and Co were higher than the WHO/FAO recommended maximum tolerance values. The transfer factor of the detected heavy metals from soil to rice was detected in the following order: Zn > Cu > Cr > Co > Cd > Pb > Fe > As > Ni. The accumulation of heavy metals in rice is a major public health concern. Therefore, we recommend strict regulations for the safety of food crops grown in the study areas.

Evaluation of Trace Element Contamination and Health Risks of Medicinal Herbs Collected from Unpolluted and Polluted Areas in Sichuan Province, China

Trace element contamination in Chinese herbal medicines has been recognized as a potential health concern for consumers. To assess the health risk to the herb-consuming population, nine trace elements (Cu, Cd, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn, and As) were investigated based on their concentrations in three common medicinal plants (Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis tangshen, and Paris polyphylla var. chinensis) and soils from unpolluted and polluted areas in the Sichuan Province, China. The results showed that the metal content differed significantly in medicinal plants and soils from unpolluted versus polluted areas. No significant differences in metal accumulation were observed for these CHMs grown in either unpolluted or polluted areas. Evaluation of the health risk index suggested that soil ingestion and medicated diet represented the dominant exposure routes, indicating that trace metal(loids) in local soil might pose potential risks through soil-food chain transfer. Hazard quotient values for AM (1.473) and CT (1.357) were higher than the standard value (HQ > 1), whereas the hazard indices for PC, AM, and CT were 13.18, 14.33, and 14.01 times higher than the safe limit (HI > 1) in the polluted area, indicating non-cancer-related health hazards. Ingestion of soil was responsible for 36.39 to 91.06% of the total cancer risk and medicated diet accounted for 6.35 to 62.71%, compared with inhalation and dermal contact, suggesting carcinogenic health risks in herbs from polluted soils. In this study, Pb showed relatively higher non-carcinogenic risks, while Cr and Ni posed the highest cancer risks. Therefore, we propose more effective measures, which should be considered for Cr, Ni, and Pb remediation in soil to reduce their pollution in the studied areas.

Nutritional Quality of the Most Consumed Varieties of Raw and Cooked Rice in Spain Submitted to an In Vitro Digestion Model

Rice is one of the most consumed staple foods around the world and its trade is highly globalized. Increased environmental pollution generates a large amount of waste that, in many cases, is discarded close to culture fields. Some species are able to bioaccumulate toxic substances, such as metals, that could be transferred to the food chain. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the content of metallic (Al, Cd, Pb, and Cr) and metalloid elements (As) in 14 of the most consumed varieties of rice in Spain and their effects on human health. The samples were cooked, and human digestion was simulated by using a standard in vitro digestion method. Metallic and metalloid element levels were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), previous called microwave digestion. Both the human health risk index, Hazard Quotient, and Lifetime Cancer Risk did not show toxic values in any case. Rice with a higher non-digestible fraction showed a higher liberation of proteins and a lower glycemic index. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of metallic and metalloid elements in cooked rice or in the digestible fraction in all varieties analysed. However, Al concentrations were higher than other metals in all varieties studied due to its global distribution. No relationship has been observed between the digestibility of rice and the bioaccessibility of each metallic and metalloid element. All of the studied rice varieties are healthy food products and its daily consumption is safe. The regular monitoring of metals and As in rice consumed in Spain may contribute to improvements in the human health risk evaluation.

Cadmium contamination in agricultural soils of Bangladesh and management by application of organic amendments: evaluation of field assessment and pot experiments

In recent years, cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils and its subsequent transfer to crops is one of the high-priority environmental and public health issues of global concern, especially in densely populated developing countries like Bangladesh. However, no effective strategy has been introduced or implemented yet to manage Cd-contaminated soils in order to sustain agricultural production with no human health risks. In this study, agricultural soil samples were collected from 60 locations of 10 upazilas from Tangail district to assess the extent of soil Cd contamination. The Cd concentration ranged from 0.83 to 4.08 mg kg^-1 with a mean of 2.17 mg kg^-1 in topsoil (0-15 cm), and from 0.67 to 3.74 mg kg^-1 with a mean of 2.10 mg kg^-1 in subsoil (16-30 cm). The values of contamination factor (CF) indicated that all the sampling locations were found to be highly contaminated with Cd. Pot trials with the application of different doses of biochar and vermicompost in Cd-contaminated soil (0.8 mg kg^-1 Cd) revealed that integrated application of biochar (5 t ha^-1) and vermicompost (5 t ha^-1) was the best treatment that significantly (p < 0.05) reduced plant Cd concentration (72%) and increased the biomass of experimental crop, Red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus). This combined treatment also significantly reduced the uptake of Cr (37%) when co-contamination was present. The study suggests the application of biochar (5 t ha^-1) in combination with vermicompost (5 t ha^-1) to reduce human health risk and increase crop production when the soil is loamy sand in texture.

Potential ecological and health risks of toxic metals associated with artisanal mining contamination in Ijero, southwest Nigeria

This investigation was done to decide the concentrations, sources and potential risks of metals in media around Ijero area. A total of 80 samples including topsoils, sediments, tailings and whole plants were gathered from this territory while control samples were taken from zone with less human exercises. Samples were pounded, sieved and chemically analyzed utilizing Agilent High Plasma Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer. Results demonstrated that the mean concentrations of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in soils are 30.61 and 123.71 µg/g individually. In tailings the mean distribution of Pb and Zn are 33.16 and 22.44 µg/g each. Toxic units in all media were less than 4, indicating low effect on the ecosystem. Bivariate correlation, hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses revealed that metals in media from this area originated from mining and mineral processing activities, mixed and geogenic sources. Study revealed that metals in the media pose high degree of contamination and moderate to high ecological hazard. Also, there is high cancer-causing hazard index (HI) (10^-6-10^-4) and non-cancer-causing (HI > 1) dangers which is more articulated in kids than the grown-ups. It is important to introduce measures that will decrease the negative impacts associated with mining in the area.