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

Dietary Intake of Minerals and Potential Human Exposure to Toxic Elements via Coffee Consumption

In this study, we investigated the levels of macro, minor, and trace elements in roasted ground and instant coffees (n = 56). We assessed dietary mineral intake and health risks associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) using deterministic and probabilistic approaches. The limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.13 µg/kg for Be to 3.7 mg/kg for K, with corresponding limits of quantification (LOQ) at 0.43 µg/kg and 12.2 mg/kg. The recovery values (R%) ranged from 89 to 107%. The most abundant element was K, followed by Mg, Ca, and Na. Other elements followed this order: Fe > Mn > B > Cu > Sr > Zn > Al > Ba > Ni > Cr > Co > Se > Sn > Pb > Li > Ag > V > As > Cd > Hg > Be. Instant coffees generally exhibited higher K, Mg, and Na levels than ground-roasted coffees. Notably, Hg, Li, and Se were not detected in 34, 2, and 1 samples, respectively. Coffee samples were generally a good source of dietary elements such as Cu, Mn, Cr, and Se. The PTEs found in coffee products posed negligible risks to human health. The total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) remained below 1, and the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) did not exceed the threshold of 1 × 10-6. Nevertheless, coffee consumption contributed to Pb and As levels below 15% of the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) values, and Sn, Hg, and Cd levels below 0.90% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI).

Assessment of human health risk concerning edible plants contamination with toxic elements around functional and derelict mines

Edible plants samples were analysed for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risks. The elements nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The recovery, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 75 to 89 %, 0.001-0.003 and 0.003-0.01, respectively. The mean value of Hg (0.34 mg/kg) exceeded the limit of 0.05 mg/kg recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Cd in adults ranged from 7.93 × 10-7 to 1.43 × 10-4 and that of Hg from 0.07 to 1.27 and Cd (0.08 × 10-4) in children. These are below the oral reference doses (RfD). Hazard Quotient (HQ) of Hg in children was 1.92. The elements Hg and As obtained the highest total hazard (THI) index of 2.02 in mango1 and oil palm. Arsenic possessed the highest cancer risk of 4.5 × 10-4 in children and 1.9 × 10-4 in adults. Cancer risk (CR) ranged from low to moderate (10-6-10-4), which is below the limit of 10-3. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) of the edible plants were above the limit of 10-6. The study identified minimal As and Hg pollution and carcinogenic risks in edible plants.

A comparative study of the risk assessment and heavy metal contamination of coastal sediments in the Red sea, Egypt, between the cities of El-Quseir and Safaga

This study aimed to assess the influence of pollution on the quality of sediments and the risks associated with El-Qusier and Safaga Cities, Red Sea, Egypt, during 2021, divided into four sectors, using multiple pollution indices. To achieve that, we evaluated the metal pollution index (MPI), contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI), contamination security index (CSI), and anthropogenicity (Anp%). Moreover, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are used for human health hazards. Results indicated that Mn and Fe recorded the highest concentrations, whereas Cd had the lowest. El-Quseir City sediments were found the following metal ions: Fe > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cu > Co > Pb > Cd, where the order in the Safaga City was: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd. MPI > 1, this is alarming in the study area due to heavy metal pollution. In addition, Cf < 1 in all metals except Cd with contamination degree CD ranged from low to considerable contamination in El-Qusier city. In contrast, contamination ranged from significant to very high in Safaga city. PLI < 1 is lower than the reference at all monitored stations. CSI values ranged from relatively low to moderate. Besides Cd, data reflect each element's low environmental danger (EriMe40). This study's risk index (RI) is low to moderate in Sector 1 and high to extremely high in Sector 2. HQ and HI index < 1 means it is safe for human health in order: HI ingestion > HI dermal. CSR for different pathways was recorded as dermal > ingestion, in which total CSR for all paths is considered harmful, and the cancer risk is troublesome and higher than the reference ranges of 1 × 10-6-1 × 10-4. In conclusion, the examined heavy metals provide environmental hazards across the assessed locations.

Distribution of nitrate/nitrite and toxic metals in the soil-potato system and its health risk assessment in Iran

Potato is one of the essential food products whose health quality is greatly influenced by soil contamination and properties. In the current study, we have investigated the physicochemical characteristics of agricultural areas and the accumulation of nitrite/nitrate and metals in potato products in Hamedan, Iran. After determining the physicochemical characteristics of soil samples from four agricultural regions of Hamedan, 48 potato samples were collected from these regions. The heavy metals and nitrate/nitrite content were determined by ICP-OES and calorimetric methods, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between soil pH changes with nitrite/nitrate content and the accumulation of some heavy elements in potatoes. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between soil phosphorus content and lead accumulation in potato. In present study, the amounts of lead, nitrate, and nitrite in 83.3%, 56%, and 12% of the collected samples were higher than the permissible limit reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), respectively. The EDI range for nitrate and nitrite was determined to be 130-260 and 1.4-2.7 µg/kg/day, respectively, which is much lower than the RfD set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for nitrite and nitrate. Among metal pollutants, the toxic risk caused by lead in potato consumers was higher than the threshold limit. In conclusion, our findings showed that the physicochemical characteristics of the soil could effectively increase the availability of metal pollutants and nitrite/nitrate to the potato product and significantly reduce its health quality. Therefore, monitoring these pollutants in the soil-potato system, preventing the entry of industrial wastewater, and managing the use of agricultural fertilizers can effectively improve the health of this product for 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.

Potential contamination and health risk assessment of heavy metals in Hurghada coastal sediments, Northwestern Red Sea

Throughout the year, people flock to the Red Sea's shoreline for tourism and fishing. The current study aims to document heavy metal contamination and human health assessment in 30 surface sediment samples collected along the Hurghada shoreline in Egypt. To estimate sediment contamination, the pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), degree of contamination (Cdeg), and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) were calculated, while the chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard index (HI), cancer risk (CR), and total lifetime cancer risk (LCR) were determined on both adults and children via ingestion, dermal, and inhalation pathways. The HM averages (μg/g dry weight) were in the following order: Fe (345.70) > Mn (49.36) > Pb (41.98) > Zn (7.47) > Ni (1.73) > Cu (1.23) > Co (1.09) > Cd (0.14). Pollution indices found that Hurghada coastal sediments were moderately polluted with Pb but not with the other HMs. The average CDI values were in the descending order of ingestion > dermal > inhalation pathways, and the average CDI values on children were higher than those on adults. The hazard index (HI) for adults and children was Pb > Ni > Cd > Fe > Mn > Co > Cu > Zn, and all values were <1.0, showing that these HMs had no substantial non-carcinogenic impacts on the human body. LCR results show that children have greater values than adults. LCR values in adults were lower than 1 × 10-6, indicating no substantial health concerns, while in children they ranged from 1 × 10-6 to 1 × 10-4, indicating no significant risk to human health.

Measurement of polychlorinated biphenyls in different high consumption canned foods, using the QuEChERS/GC-MS method

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic pollutants containing chlorine, which can be carcinogenic to humans. The current research focused on the heart risk and determination of PCBs levels in canned foods using the modified QuEChERS (fast, easy, cheap, effective, resistant and safe) method and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC-MS) technique. In this study, LOD (limit of detection), LOQ (limit of quantification), and recovery ranged from 0.06 to 0.32, 0.18 to 1.07 ng/g, and 97.05 to 102.5 %, respectively. In canned foods, the highest median of PCBs was PCB 52 (0.27 ± 0.20 ng/g fat) and the lowest median were PCB 28 and 138 (not detected in samples). Also, the maximum median of PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180 were detected in eggplant samples (0.06 ng/g), haricot samples (0.49 ng/g), eggplant samples (0.36 ng/g), eggplant samples (0.19 ng/g), eggplant samples (0.11 ng/g) and lentiform samples (0.66 ng/g), respectively. The median PCBs levels of oral exposure were estimated to be in the range of 9.80E-07to 4.30E-05 ng/g.d for all population groups, which were meaningfully lesser than the Tolerable daily intake value. The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) outcomes indicated that the rank order of PCBs in adults based on incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was Lentiform (7.05E-8) > canned fish (5.73E-8) > Eggplant (5.38E-8) > Haricot (4.33E-8) > pasta source (2.06E-8); and in children was Lentiform (3.40E-7) > canned fish (2.72E-7) > Eggplant (2.44E-7) > Haricot (2.06E-7) > pasta source (9.83E-8). The median values of the ILCR induced oral exposure for all groups were within safe limits (lower than 10-6). The heat map and multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) showed significantly different contributions of PCBs profile in samples as the PCA axis scores were correlated with the type of cans. Based on the obtained outcomes, it can be concluded that the PCBs of canned food do not potential health risks to Iranian consumers.

The Concentration and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Farmed and Wild Carps (Cyprinus carpio) in Hamadan Province of Iran

This study focuses on measuring potentially toxic elements (PTEs) including mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) in farmed and wild carp by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and their intake amount and risk assessment. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the total THQ (TTHQ) were calculated for each element. In the present research, the concentration of As in farmed and wild carp samples was below the detection limit of ICP-OES (< 0.005 mg/kg). The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Fe, and Cu in farmed carp samples were significantly higher than that in wild carp samples, while Zn level was higher in the wild carp samples (P < 0.05). There is no significant difference between Hg and Mn in both fish (P > 0.05). The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results showed that the ranking order of PTEs based on their THQ was Hg > Pb > Zn > Cu > Fe > Cd > Mn. In the worst-case scenario (in the top 95 percentile) for both wild and farmed carp, the THQ of measured metals was less than one except Hg in children. Overall, this study demonstrated that the levels of PTEs in farmed and wild common carp had a potential non-carcinogenic risk for children (TTHQ > 1).

Investigating the effect of type of fish and different cooking methods on the residual amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in some Iranian fish: A health risk assessment

The aim of this study was to assess the level of PAHs and associated health risks in different types of fish cooked with different methods, using the MSPE-GC/MS technique (magnetic solid phase extraction with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry). The limits of detection (LODs), limits of quantification (LOQs) and recovery percentages ranged from 0.1 to 0.63 μg/kg, 0.3-1.89 μg/kg, and 93.7 to 102.6%, respectively. The results showed that the mean of ƩPAHs in all samples was 20.31 ± 6.60 µg/kg. Additionally, PAH4 and BaP levels in all samples were 4.58 ± 1.40 and 1.08 ± 0.36 µg/kg, respectively, which were below the European Union (EU) standard level (12 and 2 µg/kg, respectively). The results showed that among 5 types of fish, starry sturgeon had highest average total PAHs (13.24 ± 1.84 µg/kg), while Caspian Sea sprat had the lowest average total PAHs (1.24 ± 0.8 µg/kg). In terms of cooking methods (charcoal-grilled fish, fried fish and oven-grilled fish), charcoal-grilled fish had the highest average total PAH level at 25.41 ± 7.31 µg/kg, while the lowest average total PAH was found in the raw fish sample at 16.44 ± 4.63 µg/kg. The Monte Carlo Simulation was used to determine the 95% ILCRs (Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk) due to ingestion of fish. The results showed that the ILCR for adults was 2.85E-9, while for children it was 1.32E-8. Therefore, based on these findings, it can be concluded that the consumption of fish cooked with different methods does not pose a risk to human health in terms of the amount of PAHs (ILCR < 1 × 10-4).

Toxic Elements in Beans from Zhejiang, Southeast China: Distribution and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment

This study described the distribution of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb in 692 bean samples from Zhejiang province, southeast China, and estimated the health risk using Monte Carlo simulation. The average levels of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb were 0.0349, 0.0379, 0.246, 0.0019, and 0.0246 mg kg-1. Correlation analyses showed very strong positive correlations for Cd-Pb in kidney beans and mung beans, Cd-As in black beans, and Pb-As in red beans. The target hazard quotients (THQs) were adopted for non-carcinogenic risk assessment, and THQs at the 50th percentile were all less than 1, indicating that there are no deleterious effects from rice exposure to these elements. When evaluating THQ for multiple elements, the certainty with a hazard index (HI) greater than 1 for children was 12.64%, for teens 11.54%, and for adults 1.01%. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the concentration of Cd in beans and ED (exposure duration) are the main principal factors that contributed to the total risk. The mean carcinogenic risks for children, teens, and adults were all less than 1 × 10-4, indicating no potential carcinogenic risk. Despite that, the routine monitoring of these elements, especially for Cd should be continued.

Assessment of lead, cadmium, and mercury levels in the breast milk in Pakistani women

The concentrations of potentially toxic metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in healthy lactating mothers of Lahore city were estimated during 2020-2021 with the help of a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Seventy samples of breast milk were collected from two different age groups, namely, G-1 (25-30 years) and G-2 (31-40 years). The results showed that Cd contents were below the detection limit of the measuring instrument; however, the Pb and Hg contents were detected with great ease. The mean concentrations of Pb and Hg in the G-1 corresponding to the age between 25 and 30 years were observed to be 1.914 ± 0.493 μg/L and 10.432 ± 3.249 μg/L, respectively. For the G-2 with an age limit between 31 and 40 years, the concentrations of Pb and Hg were estimated to be 2.045 ± 0.502 μg/L and 11.527 ± 3.231 μg/L, respectively. The T-test analysis of concentrations of these toxic metals indicated a significant correlation between the content levels of Pb and Hg (p < 0.05). The observed values of toxic metals were significantly more frequent than those suggested by WHO (World Health Organization). An increase in the concentrations of Pb and Hg is directly associated with the location of the target population. As a result, it is turned out that the majority of the lactating woman with significantly high levels of Pb and Hg belongs to industrial areas of Lahore. To avoid such conditions, residential areas must be at larger distances, in addition, to strictly abiding by the environmental policies of the government.

Investigation of cocoa and cinnamon effect on acrylamide formation in cakes production using GC/MS method: A risk assessment study

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of cinnamon and cocoa on the formation of acrylamide in cake samples and their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. The cake samples were prepared using alkaline extraction, xanthidrol derivative and micro-extraction, then injected into a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify acrylamide. The maximum and minimum mean concentration of acrylamide among samples was related to the cinnamon cakes (212.28 ng/g) and the cocoa cake samples (10.14 ng/g), respectively. Acrylamide concentration for unflavored samples, cinnamon cake samples and cocoa cake samples were 61.86 ng/g, 169.38-212.28 ng/g and 10.14-44.64 ng/g, respectively. Human health risk assessment based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) indicated that the target hazard quotient and incremental lifetime cancer due to ingestion of acrylamide formation in cake samples for adults and children were in the acceptable limits (THQ > 1 and CR > 1E-4). In conclusion, cocoa flavor was able to decrease the concentration of acrylamide in cakes. According to the results, it is necessary to measure the amount of acrylamide in consumer cakes by regulatory organizations.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in meat, poultry, fish and related product samples of Iran: a risk assessment study

Meat, poultry, and seafood such as fish are a valuable source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Considering their high consumption in the human diet, it is necessary to study pollutants (such as PAHs) in them. This present study has focused on the PAHs level and probabilistic risk of health in meat, poultry, fish and related product samples by MSPE-GC/MS technique (magnetic solid-phase extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The maximum mean of 16 PAH was detected in smoked fish samples (222.7 ± 13.2 μg/kg) and the minimum mean of 16 PAH was detected in chicken (juje) kebab (112.9 ± 7.2 µg/kg μg/kg). The maximum mean of 4PAHs was detected in tuna fish (23.7 ± 2.4 µg/kg) and the minimum mean of 4PAHs was seen in grilled chicken and sausage samples (non-detected). Our results showed the 4PAHs and B[a]P were lower than the EU (European Union) standard levels (these standard levels were 30 and 5 μg/kg, respectively). Furthermore, the correlation among the type and concentrations of PAHs congeners was investigated through cluster analysis by heat map and principal component analysis. The 90th percentile ILCR (incremental lifetime cancer risk) of PAH compounds in fish, poultry, meat and related products samples was 3.39E-06, which was lower than the maximum acceptable level of risk (10-4). Finally, the highest ILCR was related to hamburger (4.45E-06). Therefore, there is no risk in consuming these foods in Iran, but it is necessary to monitor PAHs concentration in different types of foods.

Health risk assessment of some selected heavy metals in infant food sold in Wa, Ghana

Infants remain a high-risk group as far as exposure to toxic metals is concerned. The levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in twenty-two (22) samples of baby foods and formulas were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations in (mg/kg) of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sb were in the ranges 0.006-0.057, 0.043-0.064, 0.113-0.33, 0.000-0.002, 1.720-3.568, 0.065-0.183, 0.061-0.368 and 0.017-0.1 respectively. Health risk assessment indices like the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Cancer Risk (CR) and Hazard Index (HI) were calculated. EDI values of Hg, Cr, and As were below their recommended tolerable daily intake, that of Ni and Mn were lower in 95% of samples, and Cd was also lower in 50% of the samples. THQ values for As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb were 0.32-3.21, 0.75-1.10, 0.65-1.94, 0.00-0.37, 0.21-0.44, 0.08-0.12 and 0.26-1.13 respectively. The CR values were greater than 10^-6, making them unacceptable for human consumption. HI values were between 2.68 and 6.83 (greater than 1), which implied that these metals are likely to pose non-carcinogenic health risks to infants.

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and plasticizers residues: role of bees and honey as bioindicators of environmental contamination

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and plasticizer residues are continuously released into the environment. The use of living organisms, such as Apis mellifera L. and honey, is advantageous as bioindicator of the environmental health status, instead of traditional monitoring methods, showing the ability to record spatial and temporal pollutant variations. The PAHs and heavy metal presence were determined in two sampling years (2017 and 2018) in five different locations in the Molise region (Italy), characterized by different pollution levels. During 2017, most PAHs in all samples were lower than limit of detection (LOD), while in 2018, their mean concentration in bee and honey samples was of 3 μg kg^-1 and 35 μg kg^-1, respectively. For heavy metals, lower values were detected in 2017 (Be, Cd, and V below LOD), while in 2018, the mean concentrations were higher, 138 μg kg^-1 and 69 μg kg^-1, in bees and honey, respectively. Honey has been used as indicator of the presence of phthalate esters and bisphenol A in the environment. The satisfactory results confirmed that both bees and honey are an important tool for environmental monitoring. The chemometric analysis highlighted the differences in terms of pollutant concentration and variability in the different areas, validating the suitability of these matrices as bioindicators.

Cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic in fresh vegetables and vegetable products intended for human consumption in the Republic of Serbia, 2015-2017

The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) were determined in 455 samples of 27 species of vegetables and 28 different processed vegetables collected during the period from January 2015 to December 2017. Vegetables (n = 387) and vegetable products (n = 68) originated from 31 countries, including Serbia. The samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Hg and As in the vegetables and vegetable products were compared to the maximum levels set by the European Union and the Serbian legislation. The concentration of mercury was less than the limit of detection in each analysed sample. One or multiple measurable toxic metals (Cd, Pb and/or As) were found in 250 samples (54.9%; n = 455). According to the Regulations which were valid until the end of August 2021, the maximum levels of Cd, Pb and As were exceeded in 19 samples (4.2% of the samples of vegetable and vegetable products; n = 455), i.e. in 13 samples of vegetables: Cd in three, Pb in nine and As in one sample and in 6 samples of vegetables products: Cd in three, Pb in one and As in two samples. Regarding the new EU and Serbian legislation which is valid since September 2021 the maximum levels of Cd and Pb for vegetables and vegetable products were exceeded in 118 samples (25.9% of the samples of vegetable and vegetable products; n = 455), i.e. in 95 samples of vegetables: Cd in 67 and Pb in 28 samples and in 23 samples of vegetable products: Cd in 20 and Pb in 3 samples.

Health risk assessment of PAHs in fruit juice samples marketed in city of Tehran, Iran

The objective of the present study was to investigate the level of 16 PAHs in fruit juice samples (orange, apple, peach, pineapple, and mango) with three different packages (PET bottle, Tetra Pak, and canned packaging) by using MSPE/GC-MS (magnetic solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) method. In this method limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ), and recovery were 0.030-0.280 μg/L, 0.090-0.840 μg/L, and 94.8-102%, respectively. Our results showed the median of total PAHs and PAH4 (in all samples) were 7.67 ± 3.19 and 0.370 ± 0.160 μg/L, respectively. The median of BaP in samples was )0.060 ± 0.030 μg/L( lower than the standard level (0.200 μg/L in drinking water) of US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Also, our results showed that pineapple juice had a maximum median of total PAHs of 12.4 ± 4.84 μg/L and mango juice had a minimum median of total PAHs of 5.17 ± 1.24 μg/L. Additionally, canned packaging had a maximum average total PAHs of 10.6 ± 5.22 μg/L and PET bottles had a minimum average total PAH of 5.25 ± 2.03 μg/L. A heat map approach was also used to cluster samples. The Monte Carlo results indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) rank order was Na > B(g)P > Ch > I(cd)P > B(b)F > Ph > B(k)F > F > Ace > Fl > B(a)P > B(a)A > P >A. The Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results showed the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) at the 95th percentiles for adults and children was 4.91 × 10^-7 and 9.12 × 10^-7, respectively. It is concluded that the concentration of PAHs compounds in Iranian fruit juices is lower than the existing standards, and in terms of the risk of carcinogenesis, it does not threaten the human health (< 10^-6).

Determination of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) along with probabilistic health risk assessment in fruit juice samples in Tehran, Iran

In the present study, magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique were used to measure 6 PAE in fruit juice samples. The mean of total phthalic acid esters (ƩPAEs) in all samples was 3.55 ± 0.66 µg/L. The mean concentration of DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) in samples was 0.82 ± 0.31 µg/L, which was lower than the mentioned United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level in drinking water (6 μg/L for DEHP). The pineapple juice samples (4.44 ± 0.57 µg/L) and mango juice samples (2.77 ± 0. 1 µg/L) had maximum and minimum mean levels of ƩPAEs, respectively. Also, results showed that brand B (3.76 ± 0.87 µg/L) and samples in the time of expiration date (3.64 ± 0.72 µg/L) had the highest PAE levels. The rank order Chronic Daily Intake (95%) values for adults were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > butylbenzyl phthalates (BBP) ([Formula: see text]) > diethyl phthalate (DEP) ([Formula: see text]) and for children were DEHP ([Formula: see text]) > BBP (9.07E-04) > DEP ([Formula: see text]), which were below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. The noncancer risk of PAEs based on the target hazard quotient (THQ) was acceptable (< 1). The results exhibited that the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) was below the permissible limit (< [Formula: see text]). Therefore, the risk of carcinogenicity and noncarcinogenicity of PAEs in juices does not have adverse effects on human health.

Trace metal contents in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from Atlantic coastal areas in northwestern Morocco: Levels of contamination and assessment of potential risks to human health

The bioaccumulation of trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in soft tissues of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was studied seasonally along the Atlantic coast of northwestern Morocco. Average concentrations (μg g^-1 dry weight) decreased in the following order: Zn (141.61 ± 78.06) > Cr (22.57 ± 15.47) > Cu (18.95 ± 20.01) > Cd (16.33 ± 19.01), with higher amounts during wet seasons. The "Metal Pollution Index" and "Individual Multimetal Bioaccumulation Index" suggested a higher mussel contamination in industrialized areas. Moreover, Cd and Cr concentrations were above the permissible guidelines' limits. The related risks to human health associated with mussel consumption were also assessed. The "Target Hazard Quotient" for Cd and Cr revealed a threat to children when mussels originated from polluted stations, while the "Hazard Index" indicated a hazard to them in all stations. Regarding the "Maximum Safe Consumption", children should not consume mussels, even in low quantities. This study represents the first datum in Morocco to assess such a risk to human health.

Measurement of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Baby Food Samples in Tehran, Iran With Magnetic-Solid-Phase-Extraction and Gas-Chromatography/Mass-Spectrometry Method: A Health Risk Assessment

Baby food is one of the most sensitive foods available, which is closely monitored for carcinogens. In this study, 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds were evaluated by using the method of magnetic-solid-phase-extraction and gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (MSPE/GC-MS). The recovery, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) of PAH compounds were 93.4–101.6%, 0.06–1.12, and 0.18–3.38 μg/kg, respectively. The results indicated the mean of total PAHs in all samples was 3.73 ± 0.8 μg/kg, and the mean of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was 0.29 ± 0.14 μg/kg that were lower than the USA-Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard level (1 μg/kg, BaP in baby foods). In addition, our results showed that mixed five cereal-based baby food had a maximum mean of ΣPAHs (5.06 ± 0.68 μg/kg) and mixed wheat and date-based baby food had a minimum mean of ΣPAHs (3.03 ± 0.41 μg/kg). The carcinogenic risk due to PAH in the tested baby foods sold in Iran was adequately low, and all examined products were safe for consumers. Therefore, it can be said that the consumption of baby foods does not pose a threat to consumers.