Green leafy vegetables are becoming increasingly popular in the developing countries due to their high nutritious value, common availability, and low cost. However, no studies have assessed the health risks associated with consumption of fresh green leafy vegetables. The present study assessed Cd, Cr, and Pb associated health risks in a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable in developing countries, Alternanthera sessilis. The Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations in roots, leaves, and root zone soil of Alternanthera sessilis harvested from organic and non-organic cultivations were measured. The results indicated that Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations in roots and leaves of Alternanthera sessilis exceeded the WHO/FAO safe limits for human consumption. Further, bioconcentration factor, soil to root, and root to leaf translocation factors indicated a potential of hyperaccumulating Cd in roots and leaves of Alternanthera sessilis. However, the target hazard quotients for Cd, Cr, and Pb were less than 1 indicating negligible health hazard associated with long time consumption of Alternanthera sessilis.
Centella asiatica is a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable in many developing countries due its high nutritious value and availability at low cost. The present study was conducted to assess the Cd, Cr and Pb uptake associated health risks of Centella asiatica harvested from organic and non-organic cultivations in a chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDue) prevalent area in Sri Lanka. The health risk assessment was conducted in terms of the bioconcentration factor (BCF), soil-to-root and root-to-leaf translocation factors ($${\text{TF}}\,({\text{soil-root}})$$ TF ( soil-root ) and $${\text{TF}}\,({\text{root-leaf}})$$ TF ( root-leaf ) ), Target hazard quotient for each heavy metal (THQ) and hazard index (HI). In addition, the spatial variation of physical and chemical parameters of the root zone soil were assessed using MINITAB 17 statistical software. Results indicated significant spatial variations in conductivity, organic matter content and Cr concentrations among organic and non-organic study sites. The Cr, Cd and Pb concentrations recorded from roots and leaves of Centella asiatica were higher than the safe limits for consumption established by the European Union. The health risk analysis indicated that there is a potential of hyper-accumulating Cd in the roots of Centella asiatica. Further, the THQ and HI of the heavy metals indicated possible adverse non-cancer health risks associated with long-term consumption of leaves of Centella asiatica. Therefore, necessary precautionary actions to prevent the excessive buildup of Cr, Cd and Pb in the edible portions of Centella asiatica are essential in order to ensure consumer safety.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.