Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative EDXRF Analysis for Provenance Study of Archaeological Ceramics.

The most common scientific analysis of archaeological ceramics aims to determine the raw material source and/or production technology. Scientists and archaeologists widely use XRF-based techniques as a tool in a provenance study. After conducting XRF analysis, the results are often analyzed using multivariate analysis in addition to interpretation and conclusions. Various multivariate techniques have already been applied in archaeological ceramics provenance studies to reveal different raw material sources, identify imported pieces, or determine different production recipes. This study aims to evaluate the results of multivariate analysis in the provenance study of ceramics that belong to three cultures that settled in the same area during various prehistoric periods. Portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pEDXRF) was used to determine the elemental composition of the ceramic material. The ceramic material was prepared in two different ways. The ceramic body material was ground into powder, homogenized, and then pressed into tablets. After that, the same fragments are polished in suitable places. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on the tablets and polished pieces. The results were subjected to both unsupervised and supervised multivariate analysis. Based on the results, it was concluded that qualitative analysis of the well-prepared shards' surface using EDXRF spectrometry could be utilized in provenance studies, even when the ceramic assemblages were made of similar raw materials.

Gamma-rays and X-rays spectrometries applied to evaluate soil redistribution.

This work responds to the growing global demand for food, which requires improvements in agricultural production and sustainable management of natural resources. The focus is on soil erosion as a critical element in preserving agricultural productivity. From this perspective, the levels of radionuclides and chemical elements present in the soil, quantified through Gamma-Rays Spectrometry (GRS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), were used to investigate soil redistribution over time. 27 soil samples ranging from 0 to 30 cm in depth were collected in an agricultural plot located in southern Brazil. Quantitative analysis indicated high mean concentrations of Fe (161 ± 7 gkg-1), Al (110 ± 17 gkg-1), Ca (2.6 ± 0.5 gkg-1), Mn (2.4 ± 0.3 gkg-1) and K (543 ± 165 mgkg-1) in comparison with the other detected elements. The quantification of 137Cs provided a mean inventory of 27 ± 17 Bqm-2. Using the proportional model, an estimated gross erosion rate of 28.2 tonha-1year-1 and a net soil deposition of 6.6 tonha-1year-1 were calculated. Therefore, a net soil loss of 21.6 tonha-1year-1 was experienced within the agricultural plot studied. The data set combination of both techniques with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed correlations between the variables studied and the soil erosion dynamics. The PCA showed a tendency to separate the samples according to their sampling depth. Moreover, 137Cs behavior in soil proved to be similar to the behavior of elements found in fertilizers, like K. On the other hand, the individual influence of 137Cs was not enough to cause significant changes in the samples distribution in the scores plot, highlighting EDXRF as a promising technique to complement soil erosion studies.

Evaluation of ED-XRF for the detection of inorganic adulterants in turmeric, paprika and oregano.

Herbs and spices are known to be prone to food fraud and accurate analytical tools are needed to detect adulterants. Amongst the potential adulteration, dilution with bulking agents has regularly been reported, especially with inorganic materials such as talc or brick powder. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometry is a well-established non-destructive analytical technique for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of a wide variety of samples. ED-XRF was here evaluated for the detection of inorganic adulterants in turmeric, paprika and oregano, which were selected as representative for the herbs & spices food category. Magnesium, silicon, and calcium were identified as elements to detect talc, soapstone, brick/clay powder, and chalk inorganic adulterants. ED-XRF successfully detected adulterated samples when spiked down to 5% (w/w) in the selected herbs and spices. With its ease-of-use and speed, ED-XRF is well adapted for the monitoring of inorganic adulteration of herbs and spices along the supply chain.

Quantitative analysis of iodine and bromine in soil using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer with three-dimensional polarized optics.

A nondestructive and simple method for the determination of bromine and iodine in soil was investigated using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer equipped with three-dimensional polarized optics. Using a gadolinium X-ray tube and Mo and Al2O3 as optimal secondary target materials, K-lines were detected for bromine and iodine. The minimum detection limits for bromine and iodine were calculated using JSAC0411, a certified reference material of soil for metal composition analysis, and were 0.77 mg/kg for bromine and 2.3 mg/kg for iodine at a measurement time of 600 s. The results of the determination of bromine and iodine in soil samples by the standard addition method were 256 ± 8 mg/kg for iodine and 67.9 ± 1.3 mg/kg for bromine with JSAC0411, which were in close agreement with the results measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after alkaline extraction with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution. The method developed in this study is an excellent technique for direct analysis of soil by X-ray fluorescence analysis without any pretreatment such as alkaline extraction. It is expected to be a practical analytical method for elucidating the dynamics of bromine and iodine in agricultural land and soil.

A novel functionalized graphdiyne oxide membrane for efficient removal and rapid detection of mercury in water.

In practice, efficient, rapid and simple removal of Hg(II) from water using nano adsorbents remains an extreme challenge at present. In this work, a novel Hg(II) adsorbent based on functionalized graphdiyne oxide (GDYO-3M) membrane was designed for the purpose of effective and prompt removal of Hg(II) from environmental water for the first time. Through filtration, the proposed GDYO-3M membrane (4 cm diameter size) fulfilled an exceeding 97% removal efficiency in > 10 L water containing 0.1 mg/L Hg(II) within 1 h. Due to the presence of -SH groups, the GDYO-3M membrane demonstrates an excellent selectivity for Hg(II) vs. 14 co-existing metal ions. In the meantime, the GDYO-3M membrane represents a favorable reproducibility (above 95% Hg(II) removal) after 9 successive adsorption-desorption cycles. For the mechanism, it is believed that the active sites in the adsorption process mainly include -SH groups, oxygen-containing functional groups, and alkyne bonds. Further, the GDYO-3M membrane can be utilized as an enrichment approach for sensitive analysis of Hg(II) in water based on energy dispersion X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF), whose detection limit (LOD) reaches 0.2 µg/L within 15 min. This work not only provides a green and efficient method for removing Hg(II), but also renders an approach for rapid, sensitive and portable Hg(II) detection in water.

The medieval bronze doors of San Zeno, Verona: combining material analyses and art history.

The bronze doors of the Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, Italy, are a special case in art history research. They were made by several workshops during the twelfth century: stylistically, two to three workshops were assumed to produce the metal parts of the door. However, it is still unclear when exactly and if this interpretation can be supported by the chemical composition of the metal. In this research we aimed to verify the art history interpretation by identifying the alloy composition of each individual metal plate. The composition of the supporting wooden structures are discussed. A portable ED-XRF instrument and optical microscopes were used to analyse and document the doors non-invasively. The doors were also photographed to produce high resolution orthophotos and 3D models. We can confirm that the metal parts of the doors were made of leaded tin-bronze as well as leaded brass and mounted on a wooden structure mainly made of spruce and oak wood. Chemically, two/three different groups of alloys have been identified, which can be associated with two or three different workshops, and which largely correspond to the stylistic interpretation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40494-024-01143-2.

Skin surface debris as an archive of environmental traces: an investigation through the naked eye, episcopic microscope, ED-XRF, and SEM-EDX.

Traces from bodies can be of various nature, for example of biological or inorganic origin. Some of these historically have received more consideration than others in forensic practice. Samplings of gunshot residues or biological fluid traces are commonly standardized, whereas macroscopically invisible environmental traces are usually ignored. This paper simulated the interaction between a cadaver and a crime scene by placing skin samples on the ground of five different workplaces and inside the trunk of a car. Traces on samples were then investigated through different approaches: the naked eye, episcopic microscope, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF). The purpose is to provide the forensic scientist with the awareness of the value of debris on skin and then to highlight implications for forensic investigations. Results demonstrated that even naked eye observation can reveal useful trace materials, for defining the possible surrounding environment. As a next step, the episcopic microscope can increase the number of visible particulates and their analysis. In parallel, the ED-XRF spectroscopy can be useful to add a first chemical composition to the morphological data. Finally, the SEM-EDX analysis on small samples can provide the greatest morphological detail and the most complete chemical analysis, although limited, like the previous technique, to inorganic matrices. The analysis of debris on the skin, even with the difficulties due to the presence of contaminants, can provide information on the environments involved in criminal events that can add to the investigation framework.

EDXRF and the relative presence of K, Ca, Fe and as in amyloidogenic tissues.

Trace and minor elements play crucial roles in a variety of biological processes, including amyloid fibrils formation. Mechanisms include activation or inhibition of enzymatic reactions, competition between elements and metal proteins for binding positions, also changes to the permeability of cellular membranes. These may influence carcinogenic processes, with trace and minor element concentrations in normal and amyloid tissues potentially aiding in cancer diagnosis and etiology. With the analytical capability of the spectroscopic technique X-ray fluorescence (XRF), this can be used to detect and quantify the presence of elements in amyloid characterization, two of the trace elements known to be associated with amyloid fibrils. In present work, involving samples from a total of 22 subjects, samples of normal and amyloid-containing tissues of heart, kidney, thyroid, and other tissue organs were obtained, analyzed via energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The elemental distribution of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), arsenic (As), and iron (Fe) was examined in both normal and amyloidogenic tissues using perpetual thin slices. In amyloidogenic tissues the levels of K, Ca, and Fe were found to be less than in corresponding normal tissues. Moreover, the presence of As was only observed in amyloidogenic samples; in a few cases in which there was an absence of As, amyloid samples were found to contain Fe. Analysis of arsenic in amyloid plaques has previously been difficult, often producing contradictory results. Using the present EDXRF facility we could distinguish between amyloidogenic and normal samples, with potential correlations in respect of the presence or concentration of specific elements.

Characterization of an Ancient Bimetallic Alloy from Moche Civilization (Peru).

The Moche civilization in Peru developed marvelous metallurgy, primarily using alloys of gold, copper and silver, with the most famous of them called Tumbaga, which resembles pure gold after a depletion process on its surface. However, they also created objects with more standard single-layer alloys or gilding. To distinguish between these techniques in a non-destructive manner is essential. Here, we analyzed a thigh protector, composed of two parts, one seemingly in silver and the other seemingly in gold. The sample was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence measurements integrated with Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the silver part is formed of a silver-based alloy covered in a corrosion layer, while the gold part is made of Tumbaga. Moreover, for the first time, the gold profiles of different Tumbaga gold objects, from the same burial, were compared, allowing us to obtain information about the standardization of their manufacture.

Assessment of heavy metals' pollutions and potential risks associated to the rocks of Pouma subdivision-Cameroon.

The present study aimed to assess the ecological and health risks of the Pouma rock samples. Twenty-three (23) trace element concentrations were evaluated. The concentrations of these trace elements were compared with those of quartzite from other countries and with global reported values. When compared with the world values, the concentrations of trace metals were below the world average values except that of Barium. The ecological risk assessment was carried out using the geo-accumulation index, contamination factors and the potential ecological risk index. The geo-accumulation index and contamination factors showed that the quartzite of Pouma subdivision are not polluted and not contaminated by the investigated metal except for Barium and Mercury. The health risk assessment using the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) method showed that there is a possible non-carcinogenic risk from Al2O3 (for children and adults) and from Cr for Children. However, there is a tolerable and high carcinogenic risk due to Cr for adults and children, respectively. It was found independently for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk that the exposure via the ingestion route is the most dangerous for adults and children.

Use of elemental profiles determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and multivariate analyses to detect adulteration in Ceylon cinnamon.

The price of Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is around twice as high as that of the other cinnamon varieties commonly grouped under the name cassia cinnamon, making the former spice an attractive target for fraudsters. This work demonstrates that elemental profiles obtained by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence in combination with multivariate analyses can be used as a screening method to detect Ceylon cinnamon adulteration. Thirty-six elements were analysed in 52 commercially available cinnamon samples, 29 Ceylon, 8 cassia, and 15 for which no indication about variety was provided. Fifty-eight percent of the samples were either adulterated or did not meet international quality criteria. Four of the ground cinnamon samples labelled as Ceylon cinnamon were found to be pure cassia or a mixture with a high cassia content, and 26 samples were suspected of other types of adulteration including replacement of bark with other parts of the cinnamon tree. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ash determination by thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the conclusions reached by elemental analysis. Only one sample labelled as Ceylon cinnamon and that according to its volatile composition was cassia cinnamon was not flagged as suspicious by elemental analysis.

Determination of Total Sulfur Content in Fuels: A Comprehensive and Metrological Review Focusing on Compliance Assessment.

Sulfur-containing compounds are naturally found in crude oil, and they can be partially removed during the refining process. The wide use of fossil fuels has a significant contribution to sulfur emissions into the atmosphere, and Governments are striving to reduce the amount of the fuels by environmental regulations. The reduction of sulfur levels in diesel and other transportation fuels is beneficial from economic and environmental points, but meeting this standard represents a major operational and economic challenge for the oil and gas industry. Quantitative measurement of the sulfur amount must be taken along the oil refining chains guided by standards of measurement and recommended analytical methods such as various American Society for Testing and Materials methods (ASTM D2622, ASTM D5453, ASTM D7039, and ASTM D7220). Advancement in the refining processes and environmental regulations also require reliable measurements and well-defined criteria for compliance assessment. This work presented a brief review of the ASTM Standards used in the laboratories of the Brazilian oil and gas industry to determine the total sulfur content in fuels. We also presented an approach based on the reproducibility of the measurement methods and the guard band concept to evaluate the conformity statement.

Study of Micro-Samples from the Open-Air Rock Art Site of Cueva de la Vieja (Alpera, Albacete, Spain) for Assessing the Performance of a Desalination Treatment.

In this work, some micro-samples belonging to the open-air rock art site of Cueva de la Vieja (Alpera, Albacete, Spain) were analysed. These samples were collected after and before a desalination treatment was carried out, with the aim of removing a whitish layer of concretion that affected the painted panel. The diagnostic study was performed to study the conservation state of the panel, and to then confirm the effectiveness of the treatment. Micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were employed for the characterization of the degradation product as well as that of the mineral substrate and pigments. The micro-samples analysis demonstrated that the painted layer was settled on a dolomitic limestone with silicon aggregates and aluminosilicates as well as iron oxides. The whitish crust was composed by sulfate compounds such as gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) with a minor amount of epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O). An extensive phenomenon of biological activity has been demonstrated since then in almost all of the samples that have been analysed, and the presence of calcium oxalates monohydrate (CaC2O4·H2O) and dehydrate (CaC2O4·2H2O) were found. The presence of both calcium oxalates probably favoured the conservation of the pictographs. In addition, some carotenoids pigments, scytonemin (C36H20N2O4), and astaxanthin (C40H52O4) were characterized both by Raman spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction. Hematite was found as a pigment voluntarily used for the painting of the panels used in a mixture with hydroxyapatite and amorphous carbon. The results of the analyses of the samples taken after the cleaning treatment confirmed a substantial decrease in sulphate formation on the panel surface.

Fabrication of thin Molybdenum backed target using rolling method.

A successful attempt was made to fabricate a thin foil of natural Mo target on a thick Au backing with Indium in between to improve adhesion between the foils. Rolling at elevated temperature was considered to fabricate Mo foil while gold foil was fabricated employing conventional rolling technique. The heating of Mo foil under natural environment lead to the oxidation or carbonization on foil surface which was confirmed through Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements. Indium of thickness ∼86µg/cm2 was evaporated on Mo foil to improve adhesion between Mo and Au foils. The characterization of fabricated thin Mo foil was done using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and the Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Thickness measurement of the target (Mo-Au) was done using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique, in the measurements the thickness of the Mo foil and of gold backing are found out to be 1.3 mg/cm2 and 9 mg/cm2 respectively.

A non-destructive X-ray fluorescence method of analysis of formalin fixed-paraffin embedded biopsied samples for biomarkers for breast and colon cancer.

In this work we present a methodology for the non-destructive elemental determination of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissue samples based on the Fundamental Parameters method for the quantification of micro Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence (micro-EDXRF) area scans. This methodology intended to overcome two major constraints in the analysis of paraffin embedded tissue samples - retrieval of optimal region of analysis of the tissue within the paraffin block and the determination of the dark matrix composition of the biopsied sample. This way, an image treatment algorithm, based on R® tool to select the regions of the micro-EDXRF area scans was developed. Also, different dark matrix compositions were evaluated using varying combinations of H, C, N and O until the most accurate matrix was found: 8% H, 15% C, 1% N and 60% O for breast FFPE samples and 8% H, 23% C, 2% N and 55% O for colon. The developed methodology was applied to paired normal-tumour samples of breast and colon biopsied tissues in order to gauge potential elemental biomarkers for carcinogenesis in these tissues. The obtained results showed distinctive biomarkers for breast and for colon: there was a significant increase of P, S, K and Fe in both tissues, while a significant increase of Ca an Zn concentrations was also determined for breast tumour samples.

From Collection or Archaeological Finds? A Non-Destructive Analytical Approach to Distinguish between Two Sets of Bronze Coins of the Roman Empire.

This study stems from the need for numismatics to establish whether there may be relationships between a group of 103 bronze coins from the Roman era found in archaeological excavations on the Cesén Mountain (Treviso, Italy) and a group of 117 coins kept at the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology in Montebelluna (Treviso, Italy). The chemists were delivered six coins with neither pre-agreements nor further information on the origin of the coins. Therefore, the request was to hypothetically assign the coins to the two groups on the basis of similarities and differences in their surface composition. Only non-destructive analytical techniques were allowed to be used to characterize the surface of the six coins taken blindly from the two sets. The elemental analysis of each coins' surface was carried out by µ-XRF. To better observe the morphology of the coins' surfaces, SEM-EDS was used. Compounds covering the coins coming from both corrosion processes (patinas) and the deposition of soil encrustations were also analyzed by means of the FTIR-ATR technique. The molecular analysis confirmed the presence of silico-aluminate minerals on some coins, unequivocally indicating a provenance from clayey soil. Some soil samples, collected from the archaeological site of interest, were analyzed to verify whether the encrusted layer on coins could contain chemical components compatible with them. This result, together with the chemical and morphological investigations, led us to subdivide the six target coins into two groups. The first group is made up of two coins coming from the set of coins from excavation (found in the subsoil) and from the set from open air finds (coins found in the top layer of the soil). The second group is made up of four coins that are devoid of characteristics corresponding to exposure to soil contact for long periods of time and, moreover, their surface compounds could suggest a different provenance. The analytical results of this study made it possible to correctly assign all six coins to the two groups of finds and support numismatics, which was unconvinced in considering all coins to come from the same finding site only on the basis of archaeological documentations.

Effect of Soil Composition on Secondary Metabolites of Moroccan Saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

Climate and soil are important factors that affect the quality of saffron. Saffron quality is determined by the marked content of secondary metabolites. The objective of this work was to study the effect of soil physicochemical properties on the secondary metabolites of saffron. Our study concerned the analysis of saffron samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-detection by diode array (HPLC-DAD). Soil samples were analyzed by physicochemical methods, ED-XRF fluorescence and X-ray diffraction to determine the different types of clays. Saffron samples grown in loam-clay-sand soils contained high values of crocins and kaempferol 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside but low values of safranal. In addition, saffron samples grown in soils rich in organic matter, phosphorus and potassium contained high values of crocins and kaempferol 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside but low values of safranal. This original approach was carried out for the first time in our study, both by ED-XRF fluorescence and by X-ray diffraction, to determine what elements affect the quality of saffron. Thus, we concluded that clays containing low amounts of iron could have a positive effect on the coloring strength of saffron.

Evaluation of the ratio of different major and trace elements in the lens of dogs with cataract.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the elements that support cataract development and searching for available therapeutic methods is essential for scientific and social interest. For that purpose, the role of trace elements has been investigated in this study to better understand the development of cataracts in dogs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ratio of the major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in dog cataract lenses to contribute to diagnostic, non-surgical, and ophthalmological preventive data. METHODS: A single lens with a cataract from each of a total of 88 dogs (cataract group) and a healthy lens from each of 6 dogs (control group) were evaluated. The elements calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and potassium (K) were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-ray microfluorescence. RESULTS: The results indicated an increase of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn, in association with the reabsorption mechanism of hypermature cataracts. CONCLUSIONS: The ratio of elements Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn was different in cataract lenses than in healthy lenses, and our results may support the development of therapeutic strategies for cataracts in dogs. The Ca concentrations were distinct in the cataract development stages, and the Fe concentration was relatively higher in males when compared to females. Finally, this research stands out with a particular contribution to the understanding of both cataract formation and prevention.

Prediction of Hazardous Effect of Heavy Metals of Point-Source Wastewater on Fish (Anabas cobojius) and Human Health.

Aquatic ecosystems are exceedingly contrived due to industrial dispenses, as a huge amount of toxicants especially heavy metals are released, causing drastic effects on aquatic lives and the human body. This study was performed to assess the quality of point-source industrial wastewater at varying percentage levels and their subsequent hazardous effect on fish (Anabas cobojius) and human health. The perceived value revealed that water quality parameters declined with the increase of wastewater concentration and trace metal evaluation index (TEI) ascertained a high level of water pollution due to Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and As content for all percentages of wastewater. Concentration of wastewater and culture treatment duration largely impacted on fish mortality rate, body dis-pigmentation, mucus secretion rate, coagulation of mucus all over the body, and accumulation of heavy metals by fish samples. Metal pollution index (MPI) indicated low contamination of fish by the measured elements. Zn and Hg exceeded the threshold limit of target hazard quotient (THQ > 1) and contributed significantly to non-carcinogenic health implications for both the population group. Maximum hazard index in adults and children was observed to be 10.638 and 16.548 for 100% effluent at 96-h exposure period and the overall HI value manifested a very high to medium significant health effects regardless of age. Carcinogen Pb showed insignificant risk but Cr and Ni showed extremely high to medium-high risk for both the population group, and children were found more vulnerable receptors than adults. However, source of heavy metals in wastewater and fish samples stipulated anthropogenic sources.

A Probabilistic-Deterministic Approach Towards Human Health Risk Assessment and Source Apportionment of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Some Contaminated Fish Species.

Contamination of fish species with potential toxic elements (PTEs) has caught the prime attention globally including Bangladesh. The present study enlightened on the accumulation, origin, and associated health implications of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Hg, Pb, and Cr in ten varieties of fish species collected from the heavily polluted river Buriganga. Levels of PTEs in the studied fish species were found within the legislative value suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) except for Fe, Cu, Zn, and Hg and can be assembled as Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Cr > Hg > As > Pb. The origin of PTEs in fish species apportioned mostly anthropogenic coupled with natural sources. Among the anthropogenic sources, industrial wastewater, recycling of leaded and lithium-ion batteries, metallurgical industries, shipyards, tannery, cosmetics, and chemical industries are the major contributors. This study identified children are exposed to As and Zn as their estimated targeted hazard quotient (THQ) value exceeded the threshold limit of safety, whereas adults are exposed to As only. The estimated, hazard index (HI) for children was found more than four times of adults; however, both the population groups are in vulnerable situation considering HI value (HI > 1), indicating possible non-carcinogenic health risk. Moreover, cumulative cancer risk TCR appraised that all the fish species exceeded the threshold limit of > 1E-03 for children and > 1E-04 for adults, which are level VII and level V contamination state for child and adult, respectively, and manifested consumption of the studied fishes arises a high probability for lifetime cancer risk.