Health Risks Assessment in Three Urban Farms of Paris Region for Different Scenarios of Urban Agricultural Users: A Case of Soil Trace Metals Contamination

Abstract

Within the context of a worldwide emergence of various forms of urban agriculture, there is a growing awareness concerning the health risks associated to the presence of different pollutants influencing the urban products safety. Among the most common pollutants found in soils and vegetables grown in the city, Trace Metals (TM's) are of major concern. This paper deals with risks assessment associated with the presence of TM's in soil, via two main exposure path ways: soil and vegetables ingestions. Risks assessments were conducted for various types of real scenarios encountered in three forms of urban farms near Paris (Ile-de-France Region). The farms have soil TM's levels in abnormally high concentrations (Pb (Lead), Cd (Cadmium), Hg (Mercury), Cu (Copper) and Zn (Zinc) contents higher than geochemical backgrounds and threshold values for sludge spreading, often used as reference values in France). The results of the Hazard Quotient (HQ)-based risk assessment approach (HQ defined as the ratio of estimated daily intake/tolerable daily intake) show that the most risky scenarios concern urban farmers (HQ tot = 1.02, because of the on-site working on a daily basis all year round), children gardeners (HQ tot = 1.29) and regular children consumers (HQ tot = 1.6 in maximalist scenario, where the consumer would exclusively consume the vegetables of the farm). Next would be the adult gardener scenario (HQ tot = 0.9), while the least risky are adult consumer scenarios (HQ tot = 0.62) and the farm workers (HQ tot = 0.45). For the highest risk scenarios (urban farmers and children), specific and drastic measures may be considered, such as reducing the site frequentation by sensitive populations (child and

Lead Toxicity: Health Hazards, Influence on Food Chain, and Sustainable Remediation Approaches

“…It is noted that higher concentrations of Pb are associated with fruit crops (Table 3). Accidental soil ingestion is a major Pb exposure pathway for humans inhabited in a Pb polluted area [9,139]. However, the intake of Pb contaminated plants has been an important exposure to humans and animals [9,139,140].…”

“…Accidental soil ingestion is a major Pb exposure pathway for humans inhabited in a Pb polluted area [9,139]. However, the intake of Pb contaminated plants has been an important exposure to humans and animals [9,139,140]. Edible/wild plants cultivated/grown in the vicinity of phosphate industries can be Pb bio-indicators of toxic metals [9].…”

Potential of Technosols Created with Urban By-Products for Rooftop Edible Production

“…[30], type of pollutant, type of plant and soil organisms [31]. An effect of urban pollution is described for different forms of urban agriculture using uncontaminated soils at natural levels trace metals concentrations [32], hydroponic system on rooftop [33] or urban contaminated soils [34,35]. However, to our knowledge the quality of vegetables grown on Technosols made with by-products derived from urban wastes was not informed.…”

Heavy Metal Contamination of Food Crops: Transportation via Food Chain, Human Consumption, Toxicity and Management Strategies

“…In any case, inorganic Heavy metal can likewise be moved. Movement (i.e., Heavy metal present in aeronautical parts/driving roots) can be executed for understanding level of Heavy metal movement [110,[112][113][114]. Notwithstanding, the admission of Heavy metal tainted plants has been a significant openness to people and creature [113][114][115].…”

“…Movement (i.e., Heavy metal present in aeronautical parts/driving roots) can be executed for understanding level of Heavy metal movement [110,[112][113][114]. Notwithstanding, the admission of Heavy metal tainted plants has been a significant openness to people and creature [113][114][115]. Consumable/wild plants developed/filled nearby phosphate businesses can be Heavy metal bio-pointers of harmful metals [113].…”