Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the health risks of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), inorganic arsenic (As), and nitrate exposure through the consumption of bivalves and vegetables collected from local markets in Ho Chi Minh City. The present study analyzed four favorite bivalve species (Meretrix lyrate; Perna viridis; Anadara subcrenata; Anadara granosa) for concentrations of Cd, Pb, and inorganic As and 9 vegetable species (Brassica juncea; Brassica integrifolia; Brassica rapa chinensis; Nasturtium officinale; Lactuca sativa; Ipomoea aquatica; Amaranthus gangeticus; Ipomoea batatas; Spinacia oleracea) for concentrations of Pb and nitrate. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and target cancer risk (TR) were calculated to estimate non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, respectively. For bivalves, Cd and inorganic As were present at relatively lower concentrations, whereas a relatively higher accumulation of Pb was recorded. The THQ for Cd, Pb, or inorganic As was below the threshold of 1, suggesting no potential health risks. In the case of vegetables, Pb was present at relatively low concentrations, while nitrate accumulation was at relatively high concentrations. The THQ for nitrate was higher than the threshold of 1, suggesting a potential health risk. The combined effects are estimated according to the hazard index (HI), which shows the health risks associated with the consumption of these bivalves and vegetable species. Therefore, continuous and excess consumption for a lifetime of more than 70 years has a probability of target cancer risk.
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All authors contributed to portions of the study conception and design. Sampling and sample preparation was performed by Dang Nguyen Nha Khanh, Ngo Thi Tuong Vy, Tran Ha Phuong, and Le Thi Tham. Chemical analysis was performed by Nguyen Quoc Thang, Bui The Huy, Do Trung Sy, and Nguyen Thi Kim Phuong. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Nguyen Thi Kim Phuong, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Thang, N.Q., Huy, B.T., Khanh, D.N.N. et al. Potential health risks of toxic heavy metals and nitrate via commonly consumed bivalve and vegetable species in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 54960–54971 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14808-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14808-3