Arsenic and cadmium concentrations in legumes and cereals grown in the north central province, sri lanka and assessment of their health risk

Abstract

Background: A total of 181 samples of cereals and legumes, including mustard, maize, finger millet, sesame, cowpea/black-eyed pea, Urad dal /split bean, foxtail millet, long bean and green gram from the North Central Province of Sri Lanka were analysed for arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Findings: The As and Cd level in each sample was not significantly different. The mean level was found to be 48.90 ± 34.63 μg/kg for As and 19.39 ± 9.508 μg/kg for Cd on weight basis. Conclusion: None of the foodstuffs studied contained As and Cd in levels exceeding the maximum permissible levels currently in force. Human health risk assessment of As and Cd in the foodstuffs was conducted and computed values indicated that there is no health risk due to consumption of the varieties studied. Nevertheless, the values, especially Total Hazard Quotient (THQ) emphasize the requirement of a comprehensive total diet study.