Exposure to arsenic (As) is considered one of the primary health risks humans face worldwide. This study was conducted to determine As absorption by broad beans and lettuce crops grown in soil with As contents and irrigated with water contaminated with this toxic element, in Pastos Chicos, Jujuy (Argentina). Total dry biomass (TDB) and total As were determined in soils, roots, leaves, pods and seeds. These data were used to determine several parameters, such as translocation (TF) and bioconcentration (BCF) factors, target hazard quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). Broad bean plants had the lowest biomass production when exposed to As in irrigation water and soil. Lettuce plants presented TDB reductions of 33.3 and 42.8% when grown in soil polluted with As, and in control soil under irrigation with contaminated water, respectively. The presence of this toxicant in broad bean seeds and lettuce leaves (edible parts) exceeded the limits established by Código Alimentario Argentino, i.e. 0.10 and 0.30 mg/kg, respectively. THQ values for lettuce leaves were higher than 1, the same as those for broad bean seeds when grown in soil with As contents and irrigated with arsenic-contaminated water, thus suggesting that consumers would run significant risks when consuming these vegetables. Furthermore, this type of exposure to As implied a CR that exceeded the acceptable 1 × 10−4 risk level. Hence, we may conclude that consuming lettuce and broad beans grown at the evaluated site brings about considerable health risks for local residents.

The town of Pastos Chicos (Jujuy-Argentina), presents arsenic (As) concentrations in soil (49 mgAs kg−1) and water (1.44 mgAs L−1) significantly above the maximum allowable limits set by National Laws No 24,585 and N° 24,051. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of llama manure (Lama glama) and Trichoderma strain T1R3 on As uptake and toxicity in Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) crops, while assessing potential human health risks. Results indicated that Trichoderma strain T1R3 inoculation stimulated broad bean plant growth by reducing As stress. Swiss chard crops treated with 5% manure and a manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination reduced As absorption from 32.46 to 64.02% in roots, and from 35.2 to 44.5% in leaves. Broad bean crops inoculated with Trichoderma T1R3 showed a significant mitigation of toxicant accumulation in the leaves (67.42%). Also, the manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination reduced As accumulation (57.46%) in broad bean roots. The efficacy of llama manure and of the llama manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination in reducing health hazards that derive from As intake by consuming chard leaves was also reflected in Hazard Quotient < 1 values. Although Cancer Risk values decreased considerably, these showed there was a considerable carcinogenic risk for humans consuming chard leaves. These observations reveal that adding llama manure and Trichoderma T1R3 might mitigate As uptake by crops, thus reducing human health risks. This study advanced our understanding the complex llama manure/Trichoderma strain interactions in As-contaminated soils, which are imperative for developing the effective mitigations strategies.

The town of Pastos Chicos (Jujuy-Argentina), presents arsenic (As) concentrations in soil (49 mgAs kg− 1) and water (1.44 mgAs L− 1) significantly above the maximum allowable limits set by National Laws No 24,585 and N° 24,051. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of llama manure (Lama glama) and Trichoderma strain T1R3 on As uptake and toxicity in Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) crops while assessing potential human health risks. Results indicated that Trichoderma strain T1R3 inoculation stimulated broad bean plant growth by reducing As stress. Swiss chard crops treated with 5% manure and a manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination reduced As absorption from 32.46 to 64.02% in roots, and from 35.2 to 44.5% in leaves. Broad bean crops inoculated with Trichoderma T1R3 showed significant mitigation of toxicant accumulation in the leaves (67.42%). Also, the manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination reduced As accumulation (57.46%) in broad bean roots. The efficacy of llama manure and of the llama manure/Trichoderma T1R3 combination in reducing health hazards that derive from As intake by consuming chard leaves was also reflected in Hazard Quotient < 1 values. Although Cancer Risk values decreased considerably, these showed there was a considerable carcinogenic risk for humans consuming chard leaves. These observations reveal that adding llama manure and Trichoderma T1R3 might mitigate As uptake by crops, thus reducing human health risks. This study advanced our understanding of the complex llama manure/Trichoderma strain interactions in As-contaminated soils, which are imperative for developing effective mitigations strategies.