Potentially toxic elements in vegetable and rice species in Bangladesh and their exposure assessment

Five different types of vegetable and six rice cultivars were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to evaluate the levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and health risk to the adults and children. The mean ranges of Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, As, Cd and Pb in samples were 0.85-1.96, 7.56-21.45, 6.94-23.82, 5.7430.87, 4.70-32.76, 0.14-1.05, 0.03-0.25 and 0.50-1.12 mg/kg dw, respectively. The mean concentrations of PTEs in all fresh vegetables and rice samples were higher than the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs), indicating these foods are contaminated by PTEs and might pose risk to the consumers. Mean removal of Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, As, Cd and Pb from rice grains were 34, 31, 37, 34, 38, 59, 37 and 33%, respectively due to the effect of cooking. The THQ values for Ni, Cu, Mn, As and Pb from individual food item were higher than unity, indicating non-carcinogenic risks.