Human health risk assessment by Monte Carlo simulation method for heavy metals of commonly consumed cereals in Iran- Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis

In this study, seven types of high-consumption cereals including lentil, peas, corn, split peas, bean, rice, and wheat (totally 48 brands) were surveyed from the market of Kermanshah city (Iran). A total of 144 samples (3 from each brand) were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) was utilized to analyze As and Hg elements, while analysis of other metal ions was performed with an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The overall concentration of Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Hg and As was equal to 6.85 +/- 12.0, 27.3 +/- 15.5, 86.7 +/- 136, 459 +/- 146, 21.2 +/- 34.8, 147 +/- 86.3, 2.03 +/- 2.26 and 0.62 +/- 1.80 mu g/kg dry weight, respectively. The total non-carcinogenic (TTHQ) of heavy metals for almost cereals is less than acceptable level ( = 1), while the corresponding total carcinogenic risks (TCR) for almost cereals is higher than allowable limit ( = 10(-4)). Therefore, various practical measures can be taken to reduce the amount of heavy metals in cereals. These measures including avoid excessive consumption of fertilizers and pesticides for cereals production, cultivation of cereals in high-quality soils, and continuous monitoring of cereals in market.

Automated summary

The study surveyed seven types of high-consumption cereals in the market of Kermanshah city, Iran, and found that the heavy metal concentrations in almost all cereals were below acceptable levels, but the total carcinogenic risks were higher than allowable limits. Therefore, measures need to be taken to reduce the heavy metal content in cereals.