A probabilistic health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in edible vegetable oils consumed in Hamadan, Iran.

In this study, potential toxic element (PTEs) including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium(Cd), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in traditional and industrial edible vegetable oils (peanut, sunflower, olive and sesame) collected from Hamadan, west of Iran were determined using Inductivity Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Besides, probabilistic health risk assessment (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks) was identified via total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) and cancer risk (CR) by the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model. The ranking of concentration PTEs in traditional and industrial edible vegetable oils was Fe > Zn > As > Pb > Cd. The in all samples, content of PTEs in industrial oils were upper than traditional oils (p < 0.001). The level of PTEs in most of vegetable oils was lower than permissible concentration regulated by Codex and national standard. In term of non-carcinogenic, consumers were at acceptable range (TTHQ < 1) due to ingestion both traditional and industrial vegetable oils content of PTEs. In term of carcinogenic, CR the both adults and children was higher than acceptable range (CR < 1E-6), Hence consumer are at unacceptable risk due to ingestion industrial vegetable oils content of inorganic As. Therefore, it is recommended to implement control plans for PTEs in vegetable oils consumed in Hamadan, Iran.

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in honey: Global systematic review and meta-analysis and risk assessment.

The papers were searched in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Embase, Science Direct until 21 September 2023 and meta-analysis of concentration of PTEs in honey was performed using random effects model based on country subgroups. The non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenic risk were calculated by Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Cancer Risk (CR), respectively. The sort of PTEs in honey based on pooled concentration was Cu (1.10E + 02 µg/kg) > Ni (1.80E + 01 µg/kg) > Pb (2.60E + 00 µg/kg) > Hg (1.50E + 00 µg/kg) > Cd (5.10E-01 µg/kg) > As (4.80E-01 µg/kg). The concentration of PTEs in the countries of Ethiopia (As), Jordan (Cd and Pb), Thailand (Ni), Brazil (Cu and MeHg) was observed to be higher than other countries. The non-carcinogenic risk was less than 1, hence, the consumption of honey does not have non-carcinogenic risk. Except children in Nigeria, CR due to iAs in honey was acceptable for the both adults and children in the other countries, Therefore, the consumption of honey does not have carcinogenic risk.

Steroid hormones in surface water resources in China: systematic review and meta-analysis and probabilistic ecological risk assessment.

A Search was conducted in international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from 10 January 2005 to 15 January 2023. The risk quotient (RQ) of Estrone (E1), 17ß-E2 (E2), and Estriol (E3) on the surface water resources of China was calculated by Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) technique. The rank order of steroid hormones based on pooled (weighted average) concentration in surface water was E3 (2.15 ng/l) > E2 (2.01 ng/l) > E1 (1.385 ng/l). The concentration of E1 in Dianchi lake (236.50.00 ng/l), 17ß-E2 in Licun river (78.50 ng/l), and E3 in Dianchi lake (103.1 ng/l) were higher than in other surface water resources in China. RQ related to E1, 17ß-E2 and E3 in 68.00%, 88.89% and 3.92% of surface water resources were high ecological risk, respectively. Therefore, carrying out source control plans for steroid hormones in surface water sources should be conducted continuously.

Concentration and non-dietary human health risk assessment of pesticide residues in soil of farms in Golestan province, Iran.

Detection of pesticide residues in soil samples was conducted using UHPLC-MS/MS. Non-dietary health risk assessment was conducted using calculate chronic daily intake (CDI) from ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact pathways and following non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in the adults and adolescent. The rank order of pesticide in soil based on their concentration was malathion (0.082 mg kg-1)> cyproconazole (0.019 mg kg-1)> propargite (0.018 mg kg-1)> butachlor (0.016 mg kg-1) > chlorpyrifos (0.0067 mg kg-1)> diazinon (0.0014 mg kg-1)> imidacloprid (0.0007 mg kg-1). Hazard index (HI) values obtained of exposure to pesticides in soil in adults and adolescent were 0.0012 and 0.0035, respectively. Hence, exposed population are at the acceptable range of non-carcinogenic risk (HI < 1). Cancer risk (CR) values due to propargite in soil via ingestion pathway in adults and adolescent were 2.03E-09 and 2.08E-09, respectively; therefore, carcinogenic risk due to the exposure to pesticide contaminated soil was safe range (CR < 1E-06).

Bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements in leafy and tuberous vegetables: a comparison based on meta-analysis studies with a cumulative health risk assessment.

Seventy seven research papers published from 1986 to 2018 were observed. These papers investigated PTEs (Pb, Cd, Cu, As, Fe, Zn, Ni, and total Cr) in leafy (mint, spinach, coriander, and lettuce) and tuberous (potato, carrot, radish, and onion) vegetables irrigated by wastewater. The studies observed in our paper were conducted in 19 countries. The PTEs concentrations were compared among studies and the human health risk was observed. According to the obtained meta-analysis results, PTEs concentrations (mg/kg) in vegetables were found in the following order Zn (34.216)> Cu (22.581)> Ni (14.056)> Pb (10.173)> Cr (8.308)> Fe(8.130)> As(1.881)> Cd (1.763). Hazard index for children was higher than that for adults and for both groups, the calculated HQ was higher than 1, which indicates that there is a health risk for the consumers. This study provides a comprehensive analysis that demonstrates the urgent necessity for treating PTE pollution in agricultural areas worldwide.

The prevalence and concentration of aflatoxins in beers: a global systematic review and meta-analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment.

Mycotoxins have been identified as considerable contaminants in beer. The current investigation's concentration and prevalence of aflatoxins (AFs) in beer were meta-analyzed. The health risk of consumers was estimated through MOEs in the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) model. The rank order of AFs in beer based on pooled prevalence was AFB1 (26.00%) > AFG1 (14.93%) > AFB2 (7.69%) > AFG2 (7.52%), In addition, the rank order of AFs in beer based on their pooled concentration was AFG1 (0.505 µg/l) > AFB1 (0.469 µg/l) > AFB2 (0.134 µg/l) > AFG2 (0.071 µg/l). The prevalence and concentration of AFs in beer in Malawi were higher than in other countries. The health risk assessment shows consumers in all countries, especially Malawi, Brazil, and Cameroon, are exposed to unacceptably health risks (MOEs <10,000). It is recommended to monitor levels of AFs in beer efficiently and implement control plans in order to decrease health risk of exposed population.

The concentration of pesticides in onion samples from Iran: a non-carcinogenic health risk assessment.

Pesticide residues were extracted using the QuEChERS method, followed by detection by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The non-carcinogenic health risk in adult and child consumers was calculated by target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) in the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. The rank order of pesticides detected by UHPLC-MS/MS based on median concentration in onion was tebuconazole (0.004551 mg/kg) > imidacloprid (0.00233 mg/kg) > boscalid (0.00211 mg/kg) > diazinon (0.00079 mg/kg) > thiabendazole (0.00075 mg/kg) > acetamiprid (0.00052 mg/kg) > thiophanate-methyl (0.00052 mg/kg) > dichlorvos (0.000349 mg/kg) > fenitrothion (0.000132 mg/kg) > penconazole (0.00005 mg/kg). The median of TTHQ in adults and children's consumers were 4.00E-3 and 2.00E-2, respectively. TTHQ in adults and children's consumers was lower than 1 value. Hence, consumers were in the acceptable range (TTHQ <1). Consequently, onion consumption cannot endanger consumers' health status due to the pesticide residues.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in coastal sediments of Bandar Abbas city, North of Persian Gulf: An ecological risk assessment.

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs; Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Cadmium (Cd) Pb, Ni, and Cd), using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was measured in fifty surface coastal sediment samples collected from 5 points coastal sediment of Bandar Abbas city, Iran besides the potential ecological risk index (RI) estimated the environmental health risk. The rank order of PTEs was Pb (52.090 ± 4.113 mg/kg dry weight) > Ni (34.940 ± 8.344 mg/kg dry weight) > Cd (2.944 ± 0.013 mg/kg dry weight). RI due to PTEs in sediments for A, B, C, D, and E points were 187.655, 190.542, 191.079, 189.496, and 192.053, respectively. RI for sampling points A to E was at moderate risk (150 ≤ RI < 300). Therefore, it is recommended to carry out control programs to reduce the amount of PTEs in the coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf.

The concentration of radioisotopes (Potassium-40, Polonium-210, Radium-226, and Thorium-230) in fillet tissue carp fishes: A systematic review and probabilistic exposure assessment.

Chemical contamination of seafood has become a global health concern. Carp fish is one of the most widely consumed globally, and several studies have been conducted on the contamination of carp fish with radioisotopes. In the current study, a meta-analysis and probabilistic exposure assessment regarding the Potassium-40 (40K), Polonium-210 (210Po), Radium-226 (226Ra), and Thorium-230 (230Th) in the fillet tissue of carp fish were performed. In this regard, Scopus and PubMed were screened to retrieve the associated citations with on the concentration of radioisotopes in the fillet tissue of carp fish until October 2021. The rank order of radioisotopes in fillet tissue carp fish was 40K (103.49 Bq kg-1) > 210Po (9.39 Bq kg-1) > 226Ra (0.62 Bq kg-1) > 230Th (0.39 Bq kg-1). The highest effective dose due to 210Po ingestion was observed in Spain (male; 4.44E-05 Sv y-1, female; 2.67E-06 Sv y-1); 40K (female, 5.07E-07 Sv y-1); 226Ra (male, 9.93E-09 Sv y-1). The mean of effective dose (ED) in the male and females in India due to ingestion of 230Th as result of carp fish consumption was (1.70E-06 Sv y-1) and (7.01E-08 Sv y-1), respectively. The probabilistic exposure assessment by the Monte Carlo simulation method revealed that consumers of fillet tissue carp fish content of radioisotopes are at a safe range (0.001 Sv y-1).

The concentration of Potentially Toxic elements (PTEs) in the muscle of crabs: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and health risk assessment.

The concentration of PTEs in the muscle of crabs, was meta-analyzed using a random-effects model based on countries' subgroups. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks related to the ingestion of PTEs via the consumption of crab fish were estimated. The meta-analysis included one hundred and eight papers with 109 data reports. The rank order of PTEs based on pooled (mean) concentration in the muscle of crabs was Ni (4.490 mg/kg-ww) > Pb (1.891 mg/kg-ww) >As (1.601 mg/kg-ww) > Cd (1.101 mg/kg-ww). The results showed that adults and children consumers in many countries are at risk of non-carcinogenicity due to ingestion of Ni, Pb, As, and Cd and carcinogenicity risk due to As. Therefore, the bioaccumulation of PTEs in the muscle of crabs can be considered a global health risk. Hence, to decrease the health risk of PTEs in the muscle of crabs, continuous monitoring and reducing the emission of PTEs in aquatic environments are recommended.

Concentration of steroid hormones in sediment of surface water resources in China: systematic review and meta-analysis with ecological risk assessment.

The risk quotient (RQ) related to Estrone (E1), 17ß-E2 (E2), Estriol (E3) and 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) in sediment of water resources in China was calculated using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. Fifty-four papers with 64 data-reports included in our study. The rank order of steroid hormones in sediment based on log-normal distribution in MCS was E1 (3.75 ng/g dw) > E3 (1.53 ng/g dw) > EE2 (1.38 ng/g dw) > E2 (1.17 ng/g dw). According to results, concentration of steroid hormones including E1, E2 and E3 in sediment of Erhai lake, northern Taihu lake and Dianchi river was higher than other locations. The rank order of steroid hormones based on percentage high risk (RQ > 1) was EE2 (87.00%) > E1 (70.00%) > E2 (62.99%) > E3 (11.11%). Hence, contamination control plans for steroid hormones in sediment of water resources in China should be conducted continuously.

Concentration of potential toxic elements in canned tuna fish: systematic review and health risk assessment.

The health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk) were calculated in both adults and children, using target hazard quotient (THQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR). The concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Ni were higher than the standard limits but they did not pose any non-carcinogenic health risks in adult and children's consumers (THQ <1). Meanwhile, the risk assessment of iAs indicates THQ > 1 for children in Egypt. Moreover, the THQ value due to Me Hg for adult in Tunisia and for children in Tunisia, Malta, Portugal, Latvia, Cambogia, Peru, South Korea, Romania, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Egypt was higher than 1 value. In addition, the calculated CR values of iAs for the adults and children were within the threshold risk of developing cancer (Between 1.00E-4 to 1.00E-6). Therefore, it is recommended to continuously monitor the concentration of PTEs in canned tuna.

The exposure to formaldehyde in industries and health care centers: A systematic review and probabilistic health risk assessment.

Formaldehyde is classified as a definitive human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The workers in several industries such as foundry, melamine, resin, and health care centers (pathology and anatomy laboratories and operating rooms) are exposed to airborne formaldehyde. In this systematic review, studies conducted from 2000 to 2020 on occupational exposure to airborne formaldehyde in Iran were collected and analyzed. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments of exposure to airborne formaldehyde were estimated using the recommended United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method by Monte-Carlo simulation. Results demonstrated that in both health care centers and industrial settings, mean concentrations of airborne formaldehyde were higher than that 8- hour time-weighted average threshold limit value (TWA-TLV) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Also, results showed that cancer and non-cancer risks due to exposure to airborne formaldehyde (Neurological, dermal, respiratory effects and so on) were considerable in both industrial settings and health care settings. The results of this study could be used by health policy makers to eliminate or reduce exposure to airborne formaldehyde in workplaces.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment induced by pesticide residues in commercially available ready-to-eat raisins of Iran based on Monte Carlo Simulation.

Pesticide residues in fruits lead to serious public health and environmental problems. This study was undertaken to analyze 57 pesticides residues in 60 commercially available ready-to-eat packed raisins samples from Iran's markets using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) approach along with acetonitrile for the extraction, surface adsorbents for clean-up procedure, following with an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Moreover, the probabilistic health risk assessment includes non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk were estimated by hazard quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI) and cancer risk (CR) using the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. The respective numbers attributed to LOD and LOQ were 0.001-0.03 mg kg-1 and 0.005-0.05 mg kg-1. Results showed that 23% of samples were contaminated by at least one pesticide according to national MRLs. The rank order of pesticides based on HQ was carbendazim > acetamiprid > thiodicarb > iprodione for raisins with percentile 95% benchmark. The HI amount in the adult's age group was 0.001, and in the children's age group was obtained to be 0.006. According to the risk assessment results (HQ and HI < 1 in both age groups), it can be acknowledged that consumption of raisins may not pose remarkable health hazards in short term exposures. The rank order of pesticides based on CR was thiodicarb > iprodion. But total CR (TCR) was lower than 1E-6 value (7.6E-8), so consumers were not at considerable carcinogenic risk in this commodity. Acetamiprid and carbendazim does not pose a cancer risk to humans. Therefore, a dietary exposure assessment for the purpose of assessing cancer risk is unnecessary.

Evaluation of pesticide residues and risk assessment in apple and grape from western Azerbaijan Province of Iran.

West Azerbaijan, especially the city of Urmia, is the center of Iranian apple and grape production hence the importance of this, residues of 85 pesticides in these products were investigated using modified QuEChERS extraction followed by UHPLC-MS/MS technique. Residues of 17 different pesticides detected in some apple samples. In grape sample only 7 pesticides detected. The levels of the residues found in all apple and grape samples were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) of Iran, except for iprodione. Health risk assessment associated with pesticide residues in apples and grapes were estimated by hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), which indicated that the HI value was lower than 1 in adults and children due to apple and consumption. HI in adults and children were 0.012 and 0.054 in apple; 0.001 and 0.003 in grape samples, respectively. Although the health risk assessment showed that the consumers are not at considerable risk but due to pesticide residue, implement control plans to manage the proper application of this pesticide, or replace it with safer alternatives in apple and grape is required.

Concentration and probabilistic health risk assessment of benzo(a)pyrene in extra virgin olive oils supplied in Tehran, Iran.

One hundred and sixteen samples of extra virgin olive oils (VOOs) from markets of Tehran were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect the amount of benzo (a)pyrene. The values of LOD and LOQ were calculated as 0.03 and 0.05 µg/kg, respectively. The concentration of benzo (a) pyrene was from 0.03 to 0.95 µg/kg. The results indicate that the levels of benzo (a) pyrene are lower than the limits approved. Target Hazard quotient (THQ) and Margin of Exposure (MOE) were estimated. The mean of THQ for adults and children was 0.0006 and 0.0028 and also mean of MOE for adults and children was 43,503 and 9438, respectively. The probabilistic health risk shows that THQ is less than 1 value; hence consumers are not at non-cancer risk. The mean of MOE value for adults was more than 10,000 but for children was less than 10,000. Hence, children are at health risk borderline.

Probabilistic health risk assessment of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and As) in Cocoa powder (Theobroma cacao) in Tehran, Iran market.

The concentrations of toxic elements were analyzed by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). Moreover, the human health risk was estimated by Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) and Cancer Risk (CR) in Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) technique. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cd (0.08 ± 0.08), Pb (0.23 ± 0.46), and As (0.06 ± 0.04), were in a good compliance with ISO (Iranian standard organization). TTHQ for adults and children was equal to 0.009 and 0.042, respectively and also mean CR in adults and children consumers was equal to 9.73E-7 and 9.08E-7, respectively. Consequently, the concentration of toxic elements (Cd, Pb, and As) in cocoa powder did not pose any safety concerns. Moreover, probabilistic health risk assessment revealed that both adults and children were not at considerable non-carcinogenic (THQ and/or TTHQ ≤ 1) and carcinogenic risk (CR ≤ 1E-6). Even though, seeking for mitigating solutions and applying them to suppress the dangers of food containing toxic elements is a critical subject.

Concentration of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in eggplant vegetable (Solanum melongena) irrigated with wastewater: a systematic review and meta-analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment.

The main objectives of this study were PHEs concentration meta-analysis (Fe, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in eggplant irrigated by wastewater and the following estimation of non-carcinogenic (n-CR) risk for the consumers based on countries. According to the results, the rank order of PHEs concentration in eggplant was Fe (88.3 mg/kg -dry weight) > Zn (10.1 mg/kg -dry weight) > Pb (3.0 mg/kg -dry weight) > Ni (2.7 mg/kg -dry weight) > Cu (1.1 mg/kg -dry weight) > Cd (0.9 mg/kg -dry weight) > Cr (0.05 mg/kg -dry weight). Moreover, n-CR risk showed that all investigated countries (China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Jordan) except for United Arab Emirates (UAE) had a considerable n-CR in both age groups (adults and children).

Brucellosis in Iranian livestock: A meta-epidemiological study.

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease affecting human and livestock health. This meta-epidemiological study is aiming to draw a comprehensive picture of the Brucella prevalence in Iranian livestock, trying to estimate most affected subgroups as well as the most appropriate methods and sampling conditions for brucellosis screening programs. A literature search was performed among data published between 1 January 1970 and July 2020. Different subgroups were compared according to animal species, gender, age, sampling season, sampling locations as well as the diagnostic method used for brucellosis screening. To determine heterogeneity of studies, Chi-squared test was used and a random effect model (REM) estimated the pooled prevalence among subgroups. A total of 45 publications, comprising 240 studies/data-reports, were evaluated. A significant increase in the number of studies was found over time (Coefficient = 0.151, p value < 0.001). The most studied species in Iran was cow (n = 75), followed by sheep (n = 63), goat (n = 45), camel (n = 40) and Buffalo (n = 16). The most identified Brucella species in livestock were Brucella melitensis (n = 50), Brucella abortus (n = 39), mix infection of B. melitensis and B. abortus (n = 11) and vaccine strain of B. melitensis Rev1 (n = 4). PCR-based tests were the most common applied diagnostic method (n = 140), while the highest prevalence rate of positive samples was obtained by indirect ELISA (69%). The prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher in females (10.91%) compared to males (8.23%). The meta-epidemiological study of brucellosis in Iranian livestock would help to strengthen surveillance, control and prevention approaches to counter the spread of this zoonotic disease.

The concentration of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) in drinking water and non-carcinogenic risk assessment: A case study in Bandar Abbas, Iran.

In this study, concentration of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) including slice (Si), strontium (Sr), aluminum (Al), Fluoride (F), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Barium (Ba), Lead (Pb), Lithium (Li), Vanadium (V), selenium (Se), Chrome (Cr), Arsenic (As) and Uranium (U) in tap drinking water (n = 40) and filtration plant (n = 22) in Bandar Abbas city between March to July 2020 were analyzed. Analysis of PHEs ions was conducted by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Also, concentration of F was measured by SPADNS Method. The non-carcinogenic risk in the exposed population (adult and children) were estimated. Concentration of PHEs between tap drinking water and filtration plant was compared using T statistical test. In addition, association among PHEs in tap drinking water and water filtration plant using Pearson correlation coefficient. The rank order of PHEs in tap drinking water was Si (6356.25 µg/l) > Sr (3980 µg/l) > Al (115.42 µg/l) > Fe (30.00 µg/l) > Zn (14.59 µg/l) > Ba (13.91 µg/l) > Pb (13.01 µg/l) > Li (11.60 µg/l) > V (4.43 µg/l) > Se (4.17 µg/l) > Cr (2.51 µg/l) > As (2.00 µg/l) > U (0.65 µg/l) > F (0.31 µg/l) and also in filtration plant was Si (1825.00 µg/l) > Sr (539.00 µg/l) > Fe (45.00 µg/l) > Al (26.00 µg/l) > Zn (8.08 µg/l) > Ba (2.24 µg/l) > Se (1.36 µg/l)> Pb(1.28 µg/l) > Li (1.26 µg/l) > Cr (1.17 µg/l) > F (0.66 µg/l) > V (0.61 µg/l) > As (LOD < ) ~ U (LOD <). The most of PHEs in tap drinking water was considerable different with filtration plant (p value < 0.05) therefore the chemical quality of tap drinking water should be more attention. The results of non-carcinogenic risk assessment revealed that TTHQ in the adults and children due to drinking tap water content of PHEs was 2.59E-3 and 6.05E-3 and filtration plant was 8.88E-04 and 2.07E-03, respectively. Therefore, TTHQ in adults and children was lower than 1; therefore, consumers are in the safe range due to drinking tap water and water filtration plant content of PHEs.