Assessment of trace metals in foodstuffs grown around the vicinity of industries in Bangladesh

In the present study, we investigated the levels of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in eight groups of foods, namely, cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, eggs and milk. The range of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd and Pb in the foodstuffs was 0.18-4.8, 0.008-10, 0.47-22, 0.003-0.98, 0.0003-0.85 and 0.005-3.7 mg/kg fw, respectively. The daily intakes (EDIs) of Cr, Ni, As, Cd and Pb were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI), indicating their potential sources from dietary intake. The combined metal hazard quotients (∑HQs) from rice, fruit, vegetables and fish were higher than 1, meaning that metals may pose a considerable risk to local inhabitants due to consumption of these four food items. From the human health point of view, this study showed that the studied foods were not safe for the local inhabitants, and potential risk cannot be neglected for regular or excessive consumers.