Assessment of trace elements concentrations and associated health risks in imported vegetable samples

Vegetables are a key component of the human food chain and can serve as a source of heavy metal exposure. The concentrations of Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Ti, V, and Zn were measured in various imported vegetables from Erbil City using ICP-MS. The mean values of Cd (0.095 mg/kg), Cu (5.219 mg/kg), and Zn (23.07 mg/kg) in all vegetables of this study were below the maximum limit established by WHO/FAO. However, Pb (0.463 mg/kg) and Ni (0.547 mg/kg) exceeded the maximum limit of WHO/FAO and the European Commission guidelines. The hazard quotient (HQ) for all metals except As was below the USEPA threshold value. The Hazard Index (HI) values for adults and children for most vegetables exceeded the USEPA threshold, and the HI values for children were higher than for adults; this finding suggests that children are more vulnerable and susceptible to trace elements. Cancer risk (CR) values for Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were within acceptable limits. In contrast, CR values for As exceeded the acceptable threshold in adults, suggesting potential lifetime cancer risk, while in children, only leeks showed a high cancer risk.