A Survey of Heavy Metal Levels in Some Plant-Based Foods and Their Human Health Risk Assessment: Findings from Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran.

Heavy metals in Khuzestan's wastewater threaten crops and health, especially in Ahvaz, a key agricultural and industrial area. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of trace metals in various plant-based foods from Ahvaz City, Iran. A total of ۷۲ food samples were collected from various markets in Ahvaz to analyze trace metal levels, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). Samples were digested using ۱۰% nitric acid, and heavy metal analysis was performed with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were used to assess the combined risks from multiple pollutants. The safety assessment was based on the permissible limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The trace metal levels in sesame reached up to ۰.۹۹ µg g-۱ for Pb, with low levels of As and Cr. The THQ for Cr indicated potential health risks, but other metals were deemed safe. No heavy metals were found in date palms, and HQ and HI values suggested no risk. Cucumbers and rice also showed low heavy metal levels, with THQs and HIs below one, indicating safety. Wheat had Pb levels of ۰.۴۲۹ µg g-۱, raising concerns, while tomatoes had low As levels (۰.۰۲۶ µg g-۱), suggesting overall safety in consumption. Most samples exhibited low levels of heavy metals; however, the elevated concentrations of Pb and Cr in wheat highlight the need for continuous monitoring to ensure consumer safety. In conclusion, although most food items contained acceptable levels of heavy metals, the findings in wheat underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance to protect public health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Food safety ، ICP-OES ، Agricultural products ، pollution ، Health risks ، heavy metal