Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Solanum tuberosum, Manihot esculenta, and Ipomoea batatas (orange- and purple-fleshed sweet potatoes) sold at wet markets in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

The present work examined the health risks of heavy metals from Solanum tuberosum, Manihot esculenta, and Ipomoea batatas (both orange- and purple-fleshed sweet potatoes) sold in Kuala Selangor wet markets, Malaysia. A total of 40 samples were collected using simple random sampling. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were measured using atomic absorption spectrometers (AAS) after the samples were washed, dried, and digested. A non-carcinogenic risk assessment was done without oral slope variables. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine if three or more group medians differed statistically (p < 0.05). The present work indicated that cassava and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes posed higher health risks than potatoes and purple-fleshed sweet potatoes. Cd and Pb levels were the highest in cassava (0.90 and 0.39 mg/kg), while Cr and Cu levels were the highest in orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (2.49 and 1.95 mg/kg). Zn levels were also the highest in cassava (1.62 mg/kg). Significant variations between Cu and Zn concentrations were observed in tuber crops (p < 0.05). While the consumption of tuber crops did not present health risks based on EDI, THQ, and HRI values established in the present work, it remains vital to assess the factors affecting heavy metal levels in these food crops, and employ suitable agricultural techniques to curb heavy metal contamination in them.