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Trace Metals in Vegetables and Associated Health Risks in Industrial Areas of Savar, Bangladesh

Md. Al Amin
Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md. Estiar Rahman
Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Sahadat Hossain
Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mahmudur Rahman
Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mohammad Moshiur Rahman
Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md. Jakariya
Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md. Tajuddin Sikder
Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Background. The occurrence of high levels of trace metals in foodstuffs represents a significant threat to human health. Vegetables grown in metal-contaminated soil or irrigated with wastewater can accumulate metals and bioaccumulate in the food chain affecting animals and humans. Objectives. The present study aimed to measure the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) in common vegetables grown in the industrial areas of Savar, Bangladesh, and to determine their potential health risks. Methods. Five vegetables species: jute (Corchorus capsularis), red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), zucchini (Luffa aegyptiaca) and stem amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) were sampled randomly from agricultural fields across each study site. Vegetable samples were digested in a microwave digestion system (Berghof Microwave MWS-2, Germany). Metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-7000, Shimadzu Corporation, Japan). Results. The range of Pb, Cd, Cr and Co in analyzed vegetables was 0.643-3.362, 0.041-0.049, 1.681-2.431 and 1.612-2.492 mg/kg, respectively. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Pb in zucchini and stem amaranth and the THQs of Cr in all analyzed vegetables was greater than one. The target carcinogenic risk (TCR) of Pb and Cd for all analyzed vegetables was in the unacceptable range. In all vegetable samples, lead content was detected to be higher than the maximum permissible limits. The THQ values indicate the possibility of non-carcinogenic health risk through consumption of these vegetables. In addition, the TCR values of Pb and Cd indicate a lifetime carcinogenic health risks to consumers. Conclusions. Consumption of vegetables grown in this area may pose long-term health risks.

Keywords: Trace metals, Vegetables, Health risks, Bangladesh

Location: Savar, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Heavy metal

Objectives:

In the present study, health risks from exposure to Pb, Cd, Cr and Co through the consumption of vegetables were evaluated using different indices, including estimated daily intake of metals (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target carcinogenic risk (TCR). The THQ and HI evaluate potential noncarcinogenic risk, while TCR evaluates the carcinogenic risk that can occur due to consumption of these vegetables.

Methodology:

The samples were collected from Fulbaria, Katlapur, and the Dhaka Export Processing Zone of Savar Upazila. The area of Savar Upazila is 280.13 km² and located at 23.8583° N 90.2667° E. It is situated about 25 km to the northwest of Dhaka city (the capital city of Bangladesh). Savar is an important industrial region of Bangladesh and is highly vulnerable to environmental pollution. The area is home to a variety of industries such as garments, tanneries, pharmaceuticals, packaging, dyeing, battery manufacturing, textile, and different food processing industries which produce large volumes of effluents that may contain heavy metals. After production, these industries discharge untreated wastes randomly into nearby rivers and canals. The disposed wastes are then mixed with soils, which are continuously being polluted by toxic elements in the area.

Sample collection and preparation Five commonly consumed and seasonally available vegetables species, i.e. jute (Corchorus capsularis), red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), zucchini (Luffa aegyptiaca) and stem amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) were collected randomly from agricultural fields across each site between May and August in 2019. The samples were collected by hand using vinyl gloves, carefully packed into polyethylene bags, and then brought to the laboratory for analysis. The analysis was done at the Wazed Miah Science Research Center, Jahangirnagar University. Only the edible parts of the collected vegetable samples were used. The samples were washed with distilled water to remove foreign materials. The samples were partially dried at room temperature to remove moisture and then cut into small pieces with a knife of stainless steel. The samples were then ovendried at 80°C for 72 hours. The oven dried samples were powdered using a pestle and mortar and sieved through a mesh of 2 mm.

Metal analysis Analytical reagent grade chemicals and deionized water were used to prepare all solutions. A total of 0.5 g of each powdered sample was treated with 65% nitric acid and 30% hydrochloric acid in the volume ratio of 5:1 in a closed Teflon vessel and then digested in a microwave digestion system (Berghof Microwave MWS-2, Germany). Samples were cooled at room temperature and filtered using Whatman filter paper. The final volume was made up to 50 ml using double distilled water. Metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-7000, Shimadzu Corporation, Japan). Standard solution (1000 mg/l) of different metals viz. Pb, Cd, Cr and Co were procured from Agilent Technologies. A standard curve was prepared using various concentrations made from standard solution. Digested samples were then analyzed for the metal content. All test batches were evaluated using an internal quality approach and validated if they satisfied the defined internal quality controls. Blank samples were scrutinized after every three samples for the purpose of ensuring that obtained results were within the correct range. The levels of metals were calculated based on dry weight and all the examinations were replicated in triplicate.

Estimated daily intake of metals The EDI of metals via consumption of foods depends on the metal concentrations in foods, daily food consumption, as well as body weight. In the present study, the EDI of the metals of interest (Pb, Cd, Cr and Co) were evaluated with Equation 1.

Source of Information: Journal of Health & Pollution Vol. 10, No. 27 — September 2020

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

While further research on human health risks associated with metals in a wider context is needed, this initial study found that vegetables in the Savar industrial area of Bangladesh accumulated Pb, Cd and Cr at high concentrations compared to the maximum permissible limits. The THQ and HI values showed that consumers face non-carcinogenic health risks due to the consumption of metal contaminated vegetables. The TCR values for Cd exceeded the threshold level, indicating that consumers of these vegetables might face lifelong carcinogenic risk. In this context, based on potential risks to human health, efforts at remediation should include reducing anthropogenic activities that contribute to contamination with these metals.

Knowledge Management: Journal