ABSTRACT:

This study assessed the concentrations of trace and toxic elements in vegetables using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer by evaluating the Estimated Daily Exposure of Metals (EDEM), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Bio-concentration Factor (BCF). The results showed that copper (Cu) concentrations exceeded the WHO/FAO permissible limit (5 mg/kg) in potato (6.55 mg/kg) and tomato (6.54 mg/kg). In addition, the maximum concentrations of cadmium (Cd) in carrot (0.36 mg/kg), chromium (Cr) in onion (0.21 mg/kg), and arsenic (As) in round melon (0.06 mg/kg) remained within the WHO/FAO permissible limits of 0.6, 0.3, and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. The Estimated Daily Exposure of Metals (EDEM) for Cr, Cd, Cu, and As was below 1 (mg/kg bw/d), indicating negligible non-carcinogenic health risks to the local population. In general, EDEM or THQ values ≤1 suggest no significant health risk to consumers, whereas values >1 indicate a potential health concern. The EDEM values followed the ascending order: As < Cd < Cr < Cu, whereas the soil-to-plant bio-concentration factors followed the reverse trend: Cu > Cr > Cd > As. Similarly, the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were all below 1 (THQ < 1), with the relative contribution decreasing in the order: Cd > Cr > Cu > As. In conclusion, the findings indicate that consumption of the investigated vegetables does not pose an immediate systemic health risk to local consumers. However, continuous monitoring of trace and toxic metal concentrations, together with proactive regulatory measures, is recommended to minimize long-term accumulation and ensure food safety.

Keywrords: Risk assessment, Toxic elements, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Vegetables

How to Cite this paper?

APA- Style
A. H. Rind, M. A. Jakhrani, S. A. Rind, A. R. Shaikh, M. A. Rind, Q. H. Hundal, N. A. Veesar, S. Soomro, R. Arain (2026). Risk Assessment of Trace and Toxic Elements (Cu, Cd, Cr, and As) in Vegetables from District Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan Pakistan Journal of Chemistry, 16(3), 124-134. https://doi.org/10.15228/2026.v16.i3.p.124-134.

ACS Style

Rind A. H., Jakhrani M. A.,Rind S. A., Shaikh A. R., Rind M. A., Hundal Q. H., Veesar N. A., Soomro S., Arain R. Risk Assessment of Trace and Toxic Elements (Cu, Cd, Cr, and As) in Vegetables from District Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan Pakistan Journal of Chemistry, 16(3), 124-134. https://doi.org/10.15228/2026.v16.i3.p.124-134.

AMA Style

Rind A. H.; Jakhrani M. A.; Rind S. A. Shaikh A. R.; Rind M. A.; Hundal Q. H.; Veesar N. A.; Soomro S.; Arain R.; Risk Assessment of Trace and Toxic Elements (Cu, Cd, Cr, and As) in Vegetables from District Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan (2026) Pakistan Journal of Chemistry, 16(3), 124-134. https://doi.org/10.15228/2026.v16.i3.p.124-134.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rind A H Jakhrani M A, Rind S A, Shaikh A R, Rind M A, Hundal Q H, Veesar N A, Soomro S, Arain R, Risk Assessment of Trace and Toxic Elements (Cu, Cd, Cr, and As) in Vegetables from District Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan Pakistan Journal of Chemistry, 16(3), 124-134. https://doi.org/10.15228/2026.v16.i3.p.124-134.

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