Assessing Heavy Metals using ICP-MS in Fruits from the Developing World and their Associated Health Risks

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Toxicology
• Food Safety and Public Health

Background:

• Heavy metal contamination in agricultural produce is a growing global concern.
• Understanding the health risks associated with consuming contaminated fruits is crucial for public health.
• Rampal region's fruit cultivation requires assessment for heavy metal accumulation and associated risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate heavy metal contamination (Fe, Cu, Cd, Zn, Cr, Mn, Pb, As) in ten fruit varieties from Rampal.
• To assess the potential health risks, including non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects, from consuming these fruits.
• To analyze elemental associations and their implications for contamination sources.

Main Methods:

• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for quantifying eight heavy metals.
• Calculation of health risk indicators: Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Cumulative Carcinogenic Risk (CR).
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify elemental associations and patterns.

Main Results:

• All Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values were below the Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (MTDI).
• Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for most metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, Zn, Cr, Mn, Pb) were below 1, indicating low individual risk.
• Arsenic (As) exceeded the THQ threshold in ripe mango, green banana, and ripe jackfruit.
• Total THQ (TTHQ) and Hazard Index (HI) surpassed thresholds, indicating cumulative non-carcinogenic risks.
• Cumulative Carcinogenic Risk (CR) for Arsenic (As) exceeded acceptable limits, while Lead (Pb) posed a moderate risk.
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified distinct elemental groupings, suggesting shared sources or behaviors.

Conclusions:

• While individual metal risks are generally low, cumulative exposure to heavy metals in Rampal fruits poses significant health concerns.
• Arsenic contamination in specific fruits (mango, banana, jackfruit) requires immediate attention due to carcinogenic potential.
• Consistent environmental monitoring and public health interventions are essential to mitigate risks associated with heavy metal-contaminated fruits.