Chromium Contamination in Chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.): Health Risk Assessment, Producer Perceptions, and Sustainability Perspectives

The bioaccumulation of heavy metals, such as Cr, Cd, Pb, and As, in vegetables irrigated with contaminated water represents a risk to human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Cr concentration in chayote fruits in sites irrigated with contaminated water from Lake Chapala and to assess the potential risk to human health using the estimated daily intake (EDI), objective risk quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk quotient (TCR). In parallel, interviews were conducted with local producers to understand their perceptions of the quality of irrigation water and their willingness to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. In two of the sites and seasons, Cr concentrations exceeded the FAO-WHO limit of 2.3 mg·kg−1 (from 2.49 to 4.82 mg·kg−1). In all, 90% of producers used water from Lake Chapala to irrigate their crops, although most did not perform water quality analyses, despite 32% being aware that the water was contaminated. The results highlight the need to implement strategies to increase awareness of the quality of irrigation water, as well as the need for comprehensive public policies that combine technical assessments and producer perceptions to reduce the risks associated with the use of contaminated irrigation water to promote sustainable agricultural production.