Assessment of human health risk for heavy metals in imported rice and its daily intake in Iran

Abstract

This study investigated the amount of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu in samples of imported Indian rice (Oryza sativa) available in Iranian markets. Twenty brands of Indian rice which widely-consumed were collected from Iranian local markets. Five samples of each brand were collected and analyzed. After the rice grains were digested through acid digestion method, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu values of each brand were determined by atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that cadmium content could not be detected in rice samples (Cd<0.015 mg kg-1). The mean values of lead, chromium, nickel, Zinc and Cu were 0.33±0.25, 0.631±0.43, 0.128±0.047, 3.47±2.12 and 2.08±0.33 mg kg-1, respectively. The results revealed that the mean value of lead in the samples was a little higher than recommended value by FAO/WHO guidelines. Moreover, with determining the degree of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu for one person receives less of these metals compared with the standards set by FAO/WHO. Of course, it should be noted that with the increasing rate of food sources contaminated with heavy metals and due to their bioaccumulation in body tissues and the subsequent health risks, it is recommended to use utter products. © 2016 Academic Journals Inc.