scholarly journals Heavy Metal Contamination in a Protected Natural Area from Southeastern Mexico: Analysis of Risks to Human Health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Alejandra Aguilar ◽  
Yunuen Canedo ◽  
Carlos Montalvo ◽  
Alejandro Ruiz ◽  
Rocio Barreto

In this chapter, a little of the history of Carmen City, Mexico is addressed; this island is immersed in a Protected Natural Area and in the “Campeche Sound” an oil extraction site. Fishing natural resources were for many years the pillar of the development of the area; the most commercially important species are still shrimp, oysters and scales. Nowadays, although the volumes of capture have decreased considerably, different species of high commercial value are still extracted. The considerable development of the oil industry has brought with its economic development and a better quality of life for its inhabitants; however, the ravages of pollution, rapid population growth, and deforestation have been the unwanted factor. This chapter addresses the effects of heavy metals on human health through a risk analysis, based on the criteria of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that was carried out for different commercial species based on carcinogenic factors and not carcinogenic; the results show that the risk from consumption of these species is “potentially dangerous” for human health, especially in those species that, due to their eating habits (mollusks, bivalves, clams) tend to bio-accumulate heavy metals, such as cadmium, which it has been considered by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a risk factor; for this reason, the importance of periodically evaluating and monitoring oyster extraction banks, clams and, in general, all fishery products. Mexican legislation and various international legislations dictate the maximum permissible and tolerable levels of heavy metals in fishery products; the organisms considered in this study exceeded the permissible limits in copper and nickel, which represents a risk for human consumption.

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 684
Author(s):  
Hee Won Son ◽  
Sun Hee Shim ◽  
Haeseong Oh ◽  
Jung Hyun Choi

In this study, the concentrations and characteristics of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) contamination in sediment samples were investigated using aqua regia extraction and Tessier’s five-step sequential extraction. Based on the concentration of metals, the influence of the Hapcheon-Changnyeong weir on sediments in the Nakdong River was assessed. The origins of the contaminants, their bioavailability, and their mobility were determined using sequential extraction. Greater concentrations of heavy metals were found in samples collected closer to the weir. The largest proportion of Cu was identified in the residual fraction based on sequential extraction, whereas Zn was predominantly found in the reducible fraction. Iron-manganese in the reducible fraction of Zn has the potential to leach back to the water body. In addition, the combined concentration of fractions 1 and 2 of Cu comprised more than 20% of total amount that still has potential to affect the water quality. The results of this study were compared with existing sediment standards set out by the NIER (National Institute of Environmental Research), Canada, and US EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines, as well as the risk assessment code (RAC). The concentrations of heavy metals exceeded the standards set by the Canadian guideline by up to four times in particular samples, highlighting the need for continual monitoring.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi ◽  
Donatus Chuka Belonwu ◽  
Mattew Owhonda Wegwu

Abstract In view of ensuring healthy agricultural foods for human consumption, this study assessed the human health risk implicated in selected heavy metals in some commonly consumed vegetables, tubers, nuts and fruits grown around the quarry sites at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Samples from agriculture area of Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, constituted the control. The concentration of Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb, were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers which included Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Cu while carcinogenic health risk using Cancer Slope Factors (CSF) was established for Cd and Pb. Relative abundance of heavy metals across the locations and all samples was in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. There was statistical significant effect of quarrying activities on the concentration of the heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) at p < 0.05 level. Based on the observed bioconcentration factors, cassava showed more hyperaccumulation potential compared to other samples. Pumpkin and bitter leaf also could be used in remediation owing to their high bioaccumulation index for Pb and Zn. THQ obtained for Mn and Pb were >1 indicating that the residents at the quarry site may be exposed to potential non-carcinogenic health risk due to Mn and Pb intoxication. With respect to US EPA prescriptions, average carcinogenic risk values obtained for Pb and Cd in this study indicated a lifetime (70 years) probability of contracting cancer suggesting that they be placed for further consideration as chemicals of concern with respect to the assessed locals.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1575
Author(s):  
María Antonieta Escobedo-Monge ◽  
Santiago Aparicio ◽  
Marlene Fabiola Escobedo-Monge ◽  
José Manuel Marugán-Miguelsanz

Background: In a Mediterranean agrosystem of low productivity, a study was carried out on the effects of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) compared to other organic and inorganic amendments on the production, quality and yield of three potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) and an advanced clone. Method: Simultaneously, the agronomic and nutritional parameters of the potato crop, the degree of bioavailability and the possible risks of heavy metal contamination were studied. Results: Two stages are observed in the yield and content of macro, micronutrients and heavy metals. The addition of all amendments and especially that of urban waste compost increased potato production and the content of macronutrients, micronutrients and heavy metals in the soils of all varieties, showing a progressive accumulation in tubers. Nevertheless, the performance is not maintained over time with a notable decrease during the second stage of its application. Conclusion: Highlighting the potato clone A7677 not only in its performance but also in the concentration of iron, zinc, copper, essential micronutrients for human consumption and especially for populations deficient in these trace elements.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibironke Titilayo Enitan ◽  
Abimbola Motunrayo Enitan ◽  
John Ogony Odiyo ◽  
Muhammad Mamman Alhassan

AbstractThe study assessed the level of heavy metals in surface water across Ndawuse River near the dumpsite at Phase 1 District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The results indicated that oxygen demand, turbidity and heavy metals were above the standard limits set for drinking water. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed natural and anthropogenic activities as sources of heavy metal contamination. The estimated non-carcinogenic effects using hazard quotient toxicity potential, cumulative hazard index and daily human exposure dose of surface water through ingestion pathway were less than a unity. The estimated carcinogenic risks (CRing) exceeded the suggested potential risk limits, with lead (Pb) having the highest CRing value for all age groups. However, children were found to be more susceptible to heavy metals over a period of time according to the estimated values. The concentration of heavy metals in the investigated river could pose an adverse health risk to several communities that rely on this receiving water bodies for domestic purposes. Therefore, there is need for strict enforcement of environmental laws to protect aquatic ecosystem and to avoid long term cumulative exposure risk that heavy metals may pose on human health.


2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-171
Author(s):  
Rashida Qari ◽  
Olufemi Ajiboye ◽  
Saima Imran ◽  
Abdul Rahim Afridi

The edible bivalves Perna viridis (green mussel), (n = 100) were analysed for their total Hg,Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Fe, Cr, Cd, and Mn concentrations to indicate heavy metal contamination in ParadisePoint of Karachi coast using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. There are large seasonal variations inthe metal concentrations of Mn (0.025-0.67 µg/g), Fe (0.055-7.740 µg/g), Ni (0.004-0.52 µg/g), Hg (0.0001-0.004 µg/g), Zn (0.04-3.32 µg/g), Cu (0.008-1.66 µg/g), Pb (0.022-2.43 µg/g), Co (0.01-0.044 µg/g), Cd(0.04-0.88 µg/g) and Cr (0.13-1.20 µg/g) recorded in bodies/soft tissues of P. viridis obtained in the samplesof the year 1993 and 2012 at the Paradise Point of Karachi coast. The results of heavy metals are in thefollowing descending order of concentration in the samples collected in the year 1993: Fe>Cr>Zn>Mn>Pb>Cd>Cu>Ni>Co>Hg, while Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd>Mn>Ni>Co>Hg order was recorded in samplescollected in the year 2012. The high accumulation of metals was found mostly in the samples collectedin the year 2012 when compared with the samples of the year 1993. This is an indication that the areaunder study showed signs of being exposed to significant levels of heavy metal pollution due to directdischarge of industrial and domestic wastes along the coast. The concentrations of these heavy metals werelower than the permissible limits for human consumption. However, if this pollution persists, it can proveto be very detrimental in future.


2021 ◽  
pp. 77-83
Author(s):  
Chee Kong YAP ◽  
Wan Hee Cheng ◽  
Aziran Yaacob ◽  
Zulhilmi Hassan ◽  
Rosimah Nulit ◽  
...  

Biomonitoring of heavy metals is an important part of the ecotoxicological study. However, without the application of the metal data to reflect human wellbeing, it is considered the low impact on the society. In this study, the heavy metals in green mustard Brassica rapa var. parachinensis were collected from Sikamat (Negeri Sembilan in 2013), Kg. Sitiawan (Perak in 2016), and Ara Kuda (Penang in 2016) of Peninsular Malaysia, were determined. The samples are analyzed for the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn by using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. For the leafy edible part, the metal concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) ranged from 16.1-18.5 for Cu, 145-207 for Fe, 1.02-1.64 for Ni, 0.90-2.73 for Pb, and 74.0-203 for Zn. These metal data were assessed for human health risks. It was found that all the values of target hazard quotients for Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in both adults and children were less than 1.00. This exhibited there were no non-carcinogenic risks of the five metals through the intake of the Brassica from the present study. This could indicate that the accumulation of metals and pollution threshold is below the limit of causing hazardous effects to consumers. Nonetheless, regular assessment of health risks of heavy metals in this vegetable needs to be conducted from time to time these vegetables are prone to continuous heavy metal contamination.


Author(s):  
B. Jargalsaihan ◽  

The content of heavy metals in soils of the Nalaikh region, in which coal was mined for a long period, was investigated. The purpose of the work was to assess the possibility of ecological safe renovation of this territory. According to the results obtained, the level of contamination of most areas of the Nalaikh region with heavy metals is insignificant and cannot pose a threat to human health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. 16-36
Author(s):  
Dana-Mihaela Asiminicesei ◽  
Ionela Catalina Vasilachi ◽  
Maria Gavrilescu

This survey focuses on the problem of medicinal plants contamination due to environmental pollution produced by many different industrial activities and atmospheric deposition of some toxic compounds. This analysis is important since plants can easily absorb organic and inorganic compounds from all environmental compartments (water, soil, air), which can enter and be transferred in the trophic chain, up to humans. Medicinal plants are relevant for study in relation with their interactions with different contaminants, in particular those inorganic persistent as heavy metals, because they are used in entire world for their beneficial properties, and represent a significant part of traditional medicine. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 65-80% of world`s population depends on herbal products as the primary form of health care. Frequent use of medicinal plants to improve health, in the context of current pollution, requires special attention, since they can contain heavy metals in their structures, which can generate hazards and risks on human health throughout the subsequent consumption of contaminated medicinal plants as teas, other drinks, cosmetics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 2027-2034
Author(s):  
R.M. Tomno ◽  
L. Kitulu ◽  
J.K. Nzeve ◽  
F. Waswa ◽  
S.N. Mailu ◽  
...  

Heavy metal contamination of vegetables is a key aspect of food quality assurance since vegetables form a substantial proportion of the daily human diet. Health risks in urban populations due to exposure to heavy metals are on the increase because of the consumption of vegetables irrigated with wastewater. This study analyzed the concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr in spinach and kales grown using contaminated water of the Mitheu urban stream and those sold within Machakos municipality. Vegetable samples were collected once per month for a period of four months starting from June to September 2019. The mean heavy metal concentrations obtained were0.013 – 3.19 mg/kg, 0.468 – 1.706 mg/kg, 0.02 – 0.368 mg/kg, 5.78 – 26.7 mg/kg, and 0.104 – 14.0 mg/kg for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr respectively in kale samples from the different sampling sites. The heavy metal mean concentrations in spinach were 0.055 – 0.575 mg/kg, 3.79 – 5.55 mg/kg, 0.098 – 1.49 mg/kg, 8.32 – 20.7 mg/kg and 0.368 – 4.43 mg/kg for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr respectively. The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cr in both spinach and kales in some of the sampling sites were above WHO permissible levels for heavy metals in vegetables for human consumption. However, the mean concentration of Cu was below WHO recommended levels. Consumption of these vegetables therefore poses a health risk to the consumers. There is need to create public awareness on the dangers of consuming contaminated vegetables. Additionally, measures to curb heavy metal pollution in Mitheu stream should be taken by the County Government of Machakos.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 1921
Author(s):  
Laércio Santos Silva ◽  
Izabel Cristina de Luna Galindo ◽  
Vinícius Augusto Filla ◽  
Romário Pimenta Gomes ◽  
Milton César Costa Campos ◽  
...  

Sequential extraction or chemical fractionation of heavy metals allows inferences to be made about their origin, occurrence, bioavailability, toxic potential and environmental contamination. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the distribution of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn among the different soil fractions and landscape compartments of a yellow latosol cultivated with vegetables. Soil samples were collected from five areas cultivated with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and chard (Beta vulgaris L.) in different slope positions (upper, middle, lower), and four reference areas (native forest), at a depth of 0.00 - 0.20 m. Heavy metal levels were also assessed in water used to irrigate the crops and for human consumption by collecting 200 ml of water samples from reservoirs. The soil samples were sequentially fractionated to quantify the concentrations of adsorbed Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the exchangeable (EF), organic matter (OF), amorphous and crystalline iron oxide fractions (AFeOx and CFeOx). Landscape position only interfered significantly in heavy metal adsorption in the soil for Cu and Ni associated with CFeOx and Zn bound to the EF in the farming areas. The highest Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn levels were found in the fractions with less stable chemical bonds (bound to organic matter), in addition to a strong affinity between Cu, Zn and Mn and the oxide fractions (AFeOx + CFeOx). The low affinity of Pb and Ni for the AFeOx and CFeOx fractions indicates greater contamination potential for the water reservoirs. In the short term, organic matter is the main source of remediation for heavy metal contamination in soil, making it important to adopt conservation practices aimed at reducing OM losses.


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