Heavy metals concentration and health risk assessment in peanut and date palm from Jigjiga City Markets, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Heavy metals in food can pose significant health risks, necessitating regular monitoring and assessment of their concentrations in commonly consumed foods. This study aims to assess the levels of essential and heavy metals and conduct health risk assessments in peanuts and date palms. Using wet acid digestion, the concentrations of heavy metals: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) were measured in six each sample of peanuts and date palms, via Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). To assess the health risks for adult males and females, the study calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) based on Maximum Recommended Daily Intake (MRDI) of each metal. The average concentrations of heavy metals in peanuts were: Fe 12.6 ± 0.54, Zn 5.3 ± 0.1, Cu 3.53 ± 0.33, As 0.001 ± 0.0, Pb 0.01 ± 0.0, and Cr 0.02 ± 0.0 in mg/kg. For date palms, the average concentrations were: Fe 40.23 ± 2.5, Zn 48.31 ± 0.8, Cu 10.65 ± 0.05, As 0.05 ± 0.002, Pb 0.2 ± 0.01, and Cr 0.5 ± 0.03 in mg/kg. All measured concentrations were below WHO standards. The estimated daily intake of metals from both food was found to be below the Maximum Recommended Daily Intake (MRDI). The hazard index for peanuts was within safe limits, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risks. In contrast, the hazard index for date palms exceeded 1, suggesting potential non-carcinogenic health risks. Incremental lifetime cancer risks were within allowable limits. In conclusion, the concentrations of heavy metals in peanuts and date palms from the Jigjiga market are within safe limits set by the WHO.

Keywords

• Toxic metals
• Health risk evaluation
• Non-carcinogenic
• Carcinogenic
• Jigjiga markets
• FAAS