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Exposure and Risk of Toxic Elements through Medicinal Hydrophytes.

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Contaminated aquatic medicinal plants in Ghana pose health risks due to high levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Consumption, especially of leaves and roots, may exceed safe limits, particularly for children.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Aquatic medicinal plants are vital in Ghana but face contamination risks from polluted rivers.
  • Heavy metal contamination threatens the safety and efficacy of these traditional remedies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc in Ghanaian aquatic plants.
  • To assess the associated health risks from consuming contaminated hydrophytes.

Main Methods:

  • Twelve hydrophyte species were collected from Mampong Municipality rivers.
  • Samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after nitric acid digestion.
  • Method validation ensured high accuracy and precision (90-110% recovery, 0.001-0.01 mg/kg detection limits).

Main Results:

  • Arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations frequently exceeded WHO limits, particularly in roots and leaves.
  • Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) for As, Cd, and Pb surpassed recommended thresholds for several species.
  • Hazard quotients (HQ) and indices (HI) often exceeded 1.0, indicating non-carcinogenic risks, with children being more vulnerable.
  • Carcinogenic risk (CR) from arsenic was above acceptable levels, identifying it as a major long-term health concern.

Conclusions:

  • Consumption of contaminated aquatic medicinal plants in Ghana presents significant health risks.
  • Leaves and roots are of greatest concern due to high accumulation and medicinal use.
  • Enhanced monitoring, regulation, and public awareness are crucial to mitigate these risks.