Health risk assessment based on metal analysis of soil and crops in Al-Dakhla Oasis

This study is a part of the first campaign to Al-Dakhla Oasis directed by the Radioisotopes Department for medical and environmental investigations. This part of the research aims to evaluate the main minerals contents in the soils and crops in this area and to assess the health risk of these elements. Twenty-one elements were analyzed in soils and crops using ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). The health risks were assessed by comparing the results with two recommended international assessment models (WHO and FAO) and by analyzing some liver enzymes and tumor markers. Cu, Cd, and Zn were found to be above the permitted limits in some soil samples. Similarly, Cr, Pb, and Cd were recorded and turned out to be above the standards in some vegetables. Serum liver enzymes are elevated in a small percentage of the total number of random collected blood samples. Cancer risk biomarkers specific to men and women have been recorded in low rates of suspected and abnormal cases. Based on the data obtained from the heavy metal analysis and biochemical parameters, it could be concluded that there is a significant potential health risk from the edible crops with more precisely around the areas studied in Al-Dakhla Oasis. © 2021, Saudi Society for Geosciences.