Human health risks from the consumption of Cantareus aspersus and Solanum lycopersicum L. containing residues of glyphosate and trace metals

To combat predatory species and weeds, the use of glyphosate-based herbicides is necessary. However, the chemical composition and biocidal properties of these substances negatively impact environmental quality and food safety. This study focuses on glyphosate and its metabolites as well as trace metal elements for their persistence and influence on living organisms. The general objective of this study is to determine the residues of glyphosate and its metabolites and trace metal elements present in soils, Solanum lycopersicum L. and Cantareus aspersus. The analysis is carried out in the samples using chromatographic and spectrometric methods. Aminomethylphosphonic acid is detected in the commercial sample of glyphosate (14×102 ± 10 mg/L). Glyphosate is present at concentrations of 0.92±0.01 mg/kg DW (fruits) and 0.18 ± 0.01 mg/kg DW (cephalopods), higher than the standards. For trace metal elements, the highest concentrations are: 40.0 ± 0.3 mg/kg DW (Cr), 140 ± 2 mg/kg DW (Zn) and 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/kg DW (Cd) in soils; 7.10 ± 0.01 mg/kg DW (As) and 56 ± 3 mg/kg DW (Cu) in snails; 8.7 ± 0.5 mg/kg DW (Cr), 6.9 ± 0.6 mg/kg DW (Ni) and 85 ± 2 mg/kg DW (Zn) in tomato fruits. The health risk associated with the consumption of these foods by the population is alarming. This study deserves to be extended to all foods consumed.