Heavy metals and potential health risk assessment of Lactuca sativa and Daucus carrota from soil treated with organic manures and chemical fertilizer.

The large-scale production of food crops with heavy application of chemical fertilizers in the effort to meet the astronomical increase in food demands may be counterproductive to the goal of food security. This study investigated the effect of different soil treatments on the levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in two types of vegetables Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Daucus carrota (carrot). The potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks from their consumption were also evaluated.

Selenium and other heavy metal levels in different rice brands commonly consumed in Pretoria, South Africa.

For centuries, rice has been a dietary staple food partially due to its accessibility, affordability, and nutritional content. However, it has been documented that plants can bioaccumulate trace elements from soil and store them in their tissues therefore necessitating monitoring of its nutritional quality. The current study investigated the Selenium and heavy metal contents of various brands of rice obtained from different retail stores in Pretoria, South Africa.

Trace metals concentrations in fresh milk from dairy farms and stores: An assessment of human health risk.

Milk may be consumed daily for the supply of essential nutrients in the body, however, depending on the source, milk may contain different concentrations of trace metals. The present study investigated the presence of trace metals in fresh milk purchased from different dairy farms and stores to determine the possible health risks to humans. A total of 15 fresh milk samples were purchased from various dairy farms (7 fresh milk samples) and stores (8 milk samples).

Blood lead concentrations in exposed forecourt attendants and taxi drivers in parts of South Africa.

Background: Leaded fuel was banned in South Africa in 2006, in order to improve human health and reduce environmental pollution. Lead (Pb) has been suggested to contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, and the role of respiratory exposure to Pb from petrol fumes should not be neglected in this context. In addition to Pb, petrol contains various harmful chemicals including other neurotoxic metals and hydrocarbons.

Corrigendum to "Assessment of heavy metals and their human health risks in selected spices from South Africa" [Toxicol. Rep. 11 (2023) 216-220].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.