Level Of Toxic Metals In Consumable Aquatic Plant Ledermanniella Schlechteri From Congo River And Potential Risk Assessment Through Plant Consumption
- Henry K Mata1, Dhafer Mohammed M Al Salah2, Joel N Konde1, Guillaume M Kiyombo1, Crispin K Mulaji3, John W Poté4*
- 1 Faculty Of Medicine, School Of Public Health, University Of Kinshasa, Kinshasa XI, Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
- 2 Department F.-A, Forel For Environmental And Aquatic Sciences And Institute Of Environmental Sciences, Earth And Environmental Science Section, Faculty Of Science, University Of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, King Abdulaziz City For Science And Technology, Joint Centers Of Excellence Program, Prince Turki The 1st St, Saudi Arabia
- 3 Faculty Of Sciences, Department Of Chemistry, University Of Kinshasa, Kinshasa XI, Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
- 4 Department F.-A, Forel For Environmental And Aquatic Sciences And Institute Of Environmental Sciences, Earth And Environmental Science Section, Faculty Of Science, University Of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, University Of Kinshasa, Faculty Of Sciences, Department Of Chemistry, Kinshasa XI, Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
*Corresponding Author:
John W Poté
Department F.-A, Forel For Environmental And Aquatic Sciences And Institute Of Environmental Sciences, Earth And Environmental Science Section, Faculty Of Science, University Of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, University Of Kinshasa, Faculty Of Sciences, Department Of Chemistry, Kinshasa XI, Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
Tel:+41 223790321,
Fax:+41 223790329
Email:john.pote@unige.chReceived Date: Jul 16, 2020 Accepted Date: Jul 25, 2020 Published Date: Aug 03, 2020
Abstract
The accumulation of toxic metals in food consumption has been identified as a serious human health risk. Ledermanniella schlechteri (LDMSC) is a genus of Podostemaceae plant family and is well known to grow naturally on rocks of rapid waters. LDMSC is rich in nutrients and one of the most consumed aquatic vegetables in Africa. However, there are not any studies performed to assess the level of toxic metals in this aquatic plant. Consequently, the aim of this study is to assess the concentration of toxic metals in LDMSC and to evaluate the potential health risk to the consumers. Plant samples were collected in Congo River at the rapid of Kinsuka-Mimosa, in the vicinity of Kinshasa, Capital City of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Toxic metal (Cr, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) concentrations in LDMSC were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry whereas Hg analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Metal levels in LDMSC were compared with international regulation for human consumption set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). Metal concentrations in LDMSC varied significantly according to sampling sites. The average values (in mg kg-1) ranging from 0.44 -9.1 (Cr), 0.14-4.52 (Ni), 5.5-78.4 (Cu), 336.14-1520.91 (Zn), 0.08-0.49 (As), 0.21-0.78 (Cd), 0.44-11.81 (Pb) and 0.02-0.24 (Hg). In all sampling sites, the average concentration of Zn, As, Cd and Hg in plant samples exceeded the FAO/WHO permissible limits for human consumption. According to FAO/WHO regulation and the calculated values of targeted risk quotient, the impact on human health is likely to occur. On other hand, according to the metal levels in LDMSC, this plant can be used as bioindicator to evaluate the state of river pollution by toxic metals.
Keywords
Bioaccumulation; Human health risks; Ledermanniella schlechteri; Plant contamination; River pollution; Toxic metals
