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Unrevealing arsenic and lead toxicity and antioxidant response in spinach: a human health perspective

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Abstract

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are highly toxic and carcinogenic metal(loid)s. The present study evaluated the human exposure risk via estimating As and Pb uptake and physiological/biochemical modifications inside spinach plant grown under metal(loid)-contaminated growth medium. Plants were treated with three levels of each metal(loid) (0, 25 and 125 µM) for four weeks. The spinach plants accumulated high concentration of metal(loid)s in roots (0–18.9 ug g−1 Pb and 0.2–22.7 ug g−1 As) and less were translocated towards shoot (0–0.3 ug g−1 Pb and 0.2–8.8 ug g−1 As). Metal(loid) accumulation in plants decreased plant biomass and pigment contents and provoked oxidative stress by increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in roots up to 65% and 22%, respectively, for As and Pb. The production of H2O2 in leaves was decreased up to 59% and 45%, respectively, for As and Pb than control. Moreover, the antioxidant system (superoxide, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) gets activated under metal(loid) stress. The exposure assessment indices revealed high carcinogenic (CR > 10–4) and non-carcinogenic (HQ > 1) risks owing to the consumption of As- and Pb-contaminated spinach leaves. Results revealed As is being more toxic to plants and humans than Pb. These findings suggest possible alarming consequences of As and Pb to spinach and their assimilation within the edible tissues.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, 61100, Pakistan

    Natasha, Muhammad Shahid, Sana Khalid & Mazhar Saleem

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  1. Natasha
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  2. Muhammad Shahid
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  3. Sana Khalid
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  4. Mazhar Saleem
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Contributions

Natasha Natasha conducted the practical research work. Muhammad Shahid supervised the research work. Sana Khalid supervised the research work and helped in research work. Mazhar Saleem helped in research work and manuscript review.

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Correspondence to Muhammad Shahid.

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Natasha, Shahid, M., Khalid, S. et al. Unrevealing arsenic and lead toxicity and antioxidant response in spinach: a human health perspective. Environ Geochem Health 44, 487–496 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-00818-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-00818-0

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