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<p>Ensuring food safety in conflict-affected regions is a critical public health priority. This study investigated the contamination levels of lead and trace elements in eleven varieties of commonly consumed vegetables (leafy, fruiting, and tuber) from the central markets of Aden, Yemen, and evaluated the associated human health risks. Samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Health risk models, including the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), were utilized to characterize potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the local population. Trace element concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) were found in the following ranges: Pb (0.0007 ± 0.0004–0.3765 ± 0.0461), Cd (0.0013 ± 0.0009–0.0114 ± 0.0036), Cu (0.0673 ± 0.0093–0.1833 ± 0.0045), Zn (0.0906 ± 0.0070–0.6690 ± 0.0811), and Fe (0.7151 ± 0.0844–9.1080 ± 2.0792). Notably, lead concentrations in legumes (0.3765 ± 0.0461&#xa0;mg/kg) exceeded the WHO/FAO permissible limit of 0.3&#xa0;mg/kg. While Cd levels remained within safe thresholds, the study highlights its long biological half-life and the updated 2024 JECFA Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI) as factors for long-term monitoring. Health risk assessment indicated that while the HI for most metals was below unity, the specific elevation of Pb—a cumulative neurotoxicant with no known safe level—presents a significant concern for cardiovascular and developmental health. The findings underscore the vulnerability of the food supply chain in Aden, where environmental regulations are often compromised. We recommend immediate implementation of mitigation strategies, including the selection of low-accumulation crop cultivars and regular surveillance of irrigation sources. This study serves as a critical baseline for food safety policy in Yemen, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring to protect the population from cumulative heavy metal toxicity.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Lead and trace element contamination in market vegetables of Aden, Yemen: a human health risk assessment

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月20日

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  • Mokhtar S. S. Al-Salimi,
  • Adel A. M. Saeed,
  • Abdul-Rahman Alawi Bin Yahia

摘要

Ensuring food safety in conflict-affected regions is a critical public health priority. This study investigated the contamination levels of lead and trace elements in eleven varieties of commonly consumed vegetables (leafy, fruiting, and tuber) from the central markets of Aden, Yemen, and evaluated the associated human health risks. Samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). Health risk models, including the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR), were utilized to characterize potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the local population. Trace element concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) were found in the following ranges: Pb (0.0007 ± 0.0004–0.3765 ± 0.0461), Cd (0.0013 ± 0.0009–0.0114 ± 0.0036), Cu (0.0673 ± 0.0093–0.1833 ± 0.0045), Zn (0.0906 ± 0.0070–0.6690 ± 0.0811), and Fe (0.7151 ± 0.0844–9.1080 ± 2.0792). Notably, lead concentrations in legumes (0.3765 ± 0.0461 mg/kg) exceeded the WHO/FAO permissible limit of 0.3 mg/kg. While Cd levels remained within safe thresholds, the study highlights its long biological half-life and the updated 2024 JECFA Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI) as factors for long-term monitoring. Health risk assessment indicated that while the HI for most metals was below unity, the specific elevation of Pb—a cumulative neurotoxicant with no known safe level—presents a significant concern for cardiovascular and developmental health. The findings underscore the vulnerability of the food supply chain in Aden, where environmental regulations are often compromised. We recommend immediate implementation of mitigation strategies, including the selection of low-accumulation crop cultivars and regular surveillance of irrigation sources. This study serves as a critical baseline for food safety policy in Yemen, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring to protect the population from cumulative heavy metal toxicity.

Graphical Abstract