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Evaluation of heavy metals contamination in cereals, vegetables and fruits with probabilistic health hazard in a highly polluted megacity

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Abstract

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination in foodstuffs could pose serious health issues for public health and humans are continually exposed to HMs through the consumption of cereals, fruits, and vegetables. The present study was conducted to assess 11 HMs in foodstuffs to investigate pollution levels and health risks to children and adults. The mean contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Pb, Co, As, Mn and Ba in foodstuffs were 0.69, 2.73, 10.56, 6.60, 14.50, 9.63, 2.75, 0.50, 0.94, 15.39 and 0.43 mg/kg, respectively and the concentration of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb were higher than maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) showing that these foods may be contaminated with metals and constitute a danger to consumers. Vegetables had relatively higher metal contents followed by cereals and fruits. The average value of the Nemerrow composite pollution index (NCPI) for cereals, fruits, and vegetables were 3.99, 6.53, and 11.34, respectively indicating cereal and fruits were moderately contaminated whereas vegetables were heavily contaminated by the studied metals. The total estimated daily and weekly intakes for all studied metals were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) and provisional tolerance weekly intake (PTWI) recommended by FAO/WHO. The target hazard quotients and hazard index of all studied metals exceeded the standard limit for adults and children suggesting significant non-carcinogenic health hazards. The total cancer risk value of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and As from food intake exceeded the threshold range (1.0E-04), suggesting potential carcinogenic risks. Based on practical and sensible evaluation techniques, the current work will assist policymakers in controlling metal contamination in foodstuffs.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all of the reviewers for their valuable suggestions and help to improve the manuscript quality.

Funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through large group Research Project under grant number RGP2/103/44.

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Author notes

  1. Ram Proshad and Abubakr M. Idris are equally contributed to the study.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Mountain Surface Processes and Ecological Regulation, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China

    Ram Proshad

  2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Ram Proshad

  3. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia

    Abubakr M. Idris

  4. Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia

    Abubakr M. Idris

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  1. Ram Proshad
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Contributions

Ram Proshad: Sample collection and processing, Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Data curation, Writing- Original draft. Abubakr M. Idris: Writing- Reviewing and Editing. All authors reviewed and approved this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ram Proshad.

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Proshad, R., Idris, A.M. Evaluation of heavy metals contamination in cereals, vegetables and fruits with probabilistic health hazard in a highly polluted megacity. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 79525–79550 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-27977-0

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