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Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Risk Index of As, Pb and Cr in Corn (Zea Mays) of Shushtar and Andimeshk Agricultural Fields

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 Department of Environment, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Department of Environment, Ahv.C, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.

3 Department of Soil Science, Ahv.C, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Zea mays is one of the most widely cultivated cereals globally and is a significant dietary component. This study aimed to assess the human health risks associated with arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) contamination in corn grown in Iran.

Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022, involving 60 soil and 60 corn samples collected from agricultural fields inShushtar and Andimeshkduring summer and autumn. Pb and Cr concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AA240Z).

Results: Mean concentrations of Pb, As, and Cr in soils from Shushtar were 12.4, 4.05, and 74.9 mg/kg, respectively, and 13.27, 4.68, and 45.71 mg/kg in Andimeshk. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant seasonal differences for Cr and As in soil (p>0.05) or for Pb and Cr across locations (p>0.05). However, Pb and As levels significantly differed between regions (p<0.05). Pb concentrations in corn were significantly higher in Shushtar (p<0.05), while As and Cr showed no significant spatial or seasonal variation (p>0.05). No seasonal effect was observed in corn metal levels (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Risk assessment indicated potential non-carcinogenic health risks from As and Pb exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations. Cr levels were within safe limits for both adults and children. The transfer factor analysis confirmed that corn can uptake and accumulate metal.
 
Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Keywords

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Available Online from 17 May 2025
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