Global evaluation of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in potato and carrot irrigated by wastewater: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and health risk assessment

Abstract

Background: We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis on the concentration of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in carrots and potatoes irrigated by wastewater and estimate non-carcinogenic health risks among adult and children consumers. Methods: The health risk of PHEs concentration, including Pb, Cd, total Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Fe, in the edible parts of carrot and potato irrigated by wastewater was investigated by a meta-analysis using a random-effects model (REM). Accordingly, the related articles were screened from international databases such as Scopus, Medline, and Embase. Results: The meta-analysis of 32 papers (38 studies) revealed that the rank order of the most accumulated PHEs in potato was Fe (86.54 mg/kg wet weight) > Zn (30.9 mg/kg wet weight) > Cu (13.7 mg/kg wet weight) > Ni (8.42 mg/kg wet weight) > Pb (5.56 mg/kg wet weight) > Cr (3.45 mg/kg wet weight) > Cd (0.58 mg/kg wet weight). This ranking for carrot was Fe (43.36 mg/kg wet weight) > Zn (36.29 mg/kg wet weight) > Ni (13.49 mg/kg wet weight) > Cu (9.79 mg/kg wet weight) > Pb (1.84 mg/kg wet weight) > Cr (1.05 mg/kg wet weight) > Cd (0.28 mg/kg wet weight). Total hazard quotient (THQ) of PHEs was higher than 1 for potato and carrot; its rank order for potato and carrot was Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni > Fe > Zn > Cr and Cd > Pb > Cu > Ni > Fe > Zn > Cr, respectively. The Cd, Pb, and Cu had also a considerable role for consumer health risk. Conclusion: According to the results, continuous monitor and control of wastewater treatment plants are necessary.

Influence of Industrial Wastewater Irrigation on Heavy Metal Content in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): Ecological and Health Risk Assessment

“…Long-term irrigation of soil with untreated wastewater alters its physicochemical characteristics and raises the concentration of heavy metals in the soil [36]. Heavy metals are more mobile due to the high acidity of the soil, and they are also more bioavailable due to the reduction of the redox potential in the soil, which turns insoluble heavy metal ions into soluble forms [37]. The soil surface is one of the most important variables influencing the availability of metals in the soil, according to Khan et al [12].…”