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Potentially toxic elements (PTEs), especially arsenic in drinking water, pose significant global health risks, including cancer. This study evaluates the groundwater quality in Giresun province on the Black Sea coast of Türkiye by analyzing twelve groundwater resources. The mean concentrations of macronutrients (mg/L) were: Ca (10.53 ± 6.63), Na (6.81 ± 3.47), Mg (3.39 ± 2.27), and K (2.05 ± 1.10). The mean levels of PTEs (µg/L) were: Al (40.02 ± 15.45), Fe (17.65 ± 14.35), Zn (5.63 ± 2.59), V (4.74 ± 5.85), Cu (1.57 ± 0.81), Mn (1.02 ± 0.76), As (0.93 ± 0.73), Cr (0.75 ± 0.57), Ni (0.41 ± 0.18), Pb (0.36 ± 0.23), and Cd (0.10 ± 0.05). All PTE levels complied with WHO drinking water safety guidelines, and overall water quality was excellent. The heavy metal evaluation index (HEI < 10) and heavy metal pollution index (HPI < 45) indicate low pollution levels across all stations. Irrigation water quality was largely adequate, as shown by the magnesium hazard (MH), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Na%, and Kelly's ratio (KR). The total hazard index (THI) values consistently remained below 1, indicating no non-carcinogenic health risks. However, at station 10 (city center), the cancer risk (CR) for adults due to arsenic was slightly above the threshold (1.44E-04). Using principal component analysis (PCA), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and geographic information system (GIS) mapping, the study determined that most PTEs originated from natural geological formations or a combination of natural and human sources, with minimal impact from human activities. These findings highlight the safety and reliability of the groundwater sources studied, emphasizing their potential as a long-term, safe water supply for nearby populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Safe fish in Samsun's Lagoon Lakes with PTE levels within limits. • Minimal health risks from consumption suggested low noncarcinogenic risks. • Pollution sources identified as residential waste, lithogenic, agriculture. • Esox lucius nutritionally superior, rich in essential nutrients. This study is the first comprehensive investigation into the levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the muscle tissues of various fish species (Carassius gibelio , Squalis cephalus , Esox lucius , and Tinca tinca) in Lagoon Lakes Akgöl and Semenit (LLAS), Samsun, Türkiye. A multidisciplinary approach was employed, integrating elemental analysis, health risk assessment, and source identification techniques to evaluate the distribution, sources, and health risks of PTE contamination in fish. The mean concentrations of toxic and trace elements (µg/kg) were determined in ascending order: Cd (5) < Co (8) < Cr (18) = Pb (18) < Ni (66) < As (1 6 3) < Cu (2 9 0) < Mn (7 9 8) < Fe (6150) < Zn (6250). In contrast, the concentrations of macro elements are provided in units of mg/kg, as follows: Mg (3 9 1) < Na (6 7 7) < Ca (1698) < P (2314) < K (3837), with notable variations across species. Health risk assessment methodologies indicated that PTE levels in fish muscle tissues generally fell below regulatory limits, indicating their safety for consumption. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment further documented the safety of consuming these fish species, with elevated maximum safe consumption quantity (MSCQ) values observed for all metals. In addition, the estimated daily intake of PTEs was found to be below reference doses, confirming the safety of consumption. Esox lucius demonstrated a highest abundance of essential nutrients (e.g., Ca, K, Mg, and P). Source identification techniques indicated that residential waste, lithogenic materials, and agricultural practices are significant contributors to PTE contamination. Overall, this research stresses the importance of monitoring PTE levels in fish, ensuring food safety and protect human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface sediments of the Abdal River system, a critical water source for Samsun province, Türkiye, due to the presence of the Çakmak Dam. PTE concentrations, measured in mg/kg, show significant variability: Hg (0.03) < Cd (0.26) < As (10.98) < Pb (13.88) < Cu (48.61) < Ni (62.45) < Zn (70.97) < Cr (96.28) < Mn (1015) < Fe (38357). Seasonal variations were observed, in particular increased concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in summer (p < 0.05). Contamination and ecological risk indices (mHQ, EF, I geo , CF, PLI, E r i, mCd, NPI, PERI, MPI, and TRI) indicate moderate to low levels of contamination, suggesting potential ecological effects. Health risk assessments suggest minimal risks to human health from sediment PTEs. Statistical analyses (PCC, PCA and HCA) improve the understanding of the sediment environment and contamination sources, while the coefficient of variation assists in source identification. [Display omitted] • Sediment quality and health risk assessments guide effective assessment of pollution. • Varied metal pollution in Abdal River System prompts comprehensive management strategies. • Moderate to low contamination levels observed; minimal health risks detected. • Statistical analysis identifies diverse pollution sources for informed decisions. • Coefficient of variation enhances source identification, aiding ecosystem preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the levels and patterns of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface sediment of Almus Dam Lake (ADL), a key fish breeding site in Türkiye. PTE concentrations in sediment were ranked: Hg (0.05 ± 0.01) < Cd (0.16 ± 0.01) < Pb (9.34 ± 1.42) < As (18.75 ± 15.65) < Cu (63.30 ± 15.17) < Ni (72.64 ± 20.54) < Zn (86.66 ± 11.95) < Cr (108.35 ± 36.40) < Mn (1008 ± 151) < Fe (53,998 ± 6468), with no significant seasonal or spatial differences. Ecological risk indices (mHQ, EF, I geo , CF, PLI, E r i, mCd, NPI, PERI, MPI, and TRI) showed low contamination levels. Health risk assessments, including LCR, HQ, and THI, indicated minimal risks to humans from sediment PTEs. Statistical analyses (PCA, HCA, SCC) identified natural, transportation, and anthropogenic PTE sources, with slight impacts from agriculture and fish farming. This research underlines contamination status of ADL and emphasizes the need for targeted management strategies, offering critical insights for environmental safeguarding. [Display omitted] • Certain PTEs surpassed average shale, TEL and PEL values • Benthic organisms in the surface sediments may have toxic response • Ecological indices indicated low contamination • No health risk was estimated based on recreational activities • PCA, SCC and HCA tests estimated natural, transportation and anthropogenic origins [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chocolate, a widely consumed product across diverse age groups, underwent elemental analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following microwave-assisted acid digestion. The study focused on white, milky, and dark samples from the top 6 best-selling chocolate brands in Turkish markets. Although numerous studies in the literature have explored the benefits of chocolate, there is a scarcity of research on its potential health hazards. Results were employed to ascertain recommended daily allowances (RDA) and assess health risk levels. According to the results obtained from white, milky and dark chocolates, the mean values of the elements are as follows, respectively: Na: 1848-1564-273; Mg: 350-829-2344; P: 3471-3998-4562; K: 5728-8095-17138; Ca: 4334-3752-1438; Mn:0.48- 5.99-25.95; Fe: 8.24-71.95-345.34; Cu: 0.50-5.21-19.71; Zn: 14.27-16.86-34.32 µg g-1. The mean elemental levels in white, milky and dark chocolates demonstrated a cocoa-content-dependent increase particularly for Mg, P, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn and dark chocolate was found to be rich in these elements. However, an escalation in cocoa content corresponded to heightened health risks, with mean values for potentially toxic elements increasing in the same order as follows: Cr: 0.06-0.69-3.10; Ni:0.21-1.34-4.96; Cd: 0.16-0.14-0.21; and Pb: 0.079-0.096-0.141 µg g-1 . Arsenic was not detected in any samples. Although the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) remained below 1 for all samples (based on a 5-gram daily consumption), the carcinogenic risk (CR) for Ni, and Cr raised concerns. The carcinogenic risk values for Pb are 1.72x10-8 -3.06x10-8; 1.36x10-6 -2.02x10-6 for Cd; 9.03x10-6 -2.15x10-4 for Ni; and for Cr it is in the range of 7.55x10-7 -3.93x10-5. Notably, Ni and Cr presented moderate risks, escalating linearly from white to dark chocolate. Thus, it becomes crucial for consumers to balance the nutritional benefits with the potential health risks when consuming different varieties of chocolate. [1-4] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High amounts of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in non-alcoholic beverages can result in acute or long-term intoxication. Trace amounts of PTEs like arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, zinc, and some others can accumulate in soft drinks because of environmentally contaminated surface and underground water, food, and fruits that are used in the manufacturing process. These elements can then be ingested through soft beverages and cause adverse health effects. From this point of view, the levels of PTEs in 39 soft beverages (ice coffee, iced tea, and energy drinks) obtained from supermarkets in Istanbul were quantified using a validated ICP-MS assay. Hence, the corresponding levels in the unit of µg/L were as follows: Mn (395.83 ± 431.74) > Fe (327.53 ± 684.65) > Zn (255.55 ± 490.65) > Ni (30.36 ± 21.36) > Cu (25.48 ± 54.38) > Cr (6.57 ± 10.09) > Pb (4.60 ± 1.70) > Cd (3.36 ± 0.79) > Sb (2.60 ± 0.30) > As (1.69 ± 3.34) > Ti (0.73 ± 1.73) > Hg (0.37 ± 0.43). The health risk assessment study was based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target cancer risk (TR), hazard index (HI), and target hazard quotient (THQ), indicating no cancer and non-cancerogenic health risk. Intercorrelation among PTEs and their possible sources was investigated using multivariate and bivariate statistical approaches such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), and principal component analysis (PCA), demonstrating that there can be three different sources of PTEs measured in the samples. Though our results pointed to no possible health risk linked with PTEs from non-alcoholic beverage intake, screening soft drinks in terms of PTE content should be sustained for long-term food security. [Display omitted] • Potential origins for PTEs in the samples were assessed using multivariate / bivariate statistics. • Some samples exceeded the thresholds for Cd, Ni, Fe, and Mn. • THQ, HI, and CR data showed that PTEs in non-alcoholic beverages were safe. • PTEs in soft drinks should be regulated globally like water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chocolate, a universally treasured delicacy, transcends geographical and cultural boundaries to satisfy the palates of many people. The elemental composition of chocolate, including minerals and trace elements, has the potential to have both positive and negative health effects. Therefore, the accurate and precise method should be selected and applied to determine the essential and potentially toxic metals in the chocolate samples. In the present study, elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 18 different chocolate samples from 3 different varieties, including 6 different bitter, milk and white chocolate brands. The microwave-assisted digestion system was also used for the digestion of the chocolate samples. In addition, the accuracy of the method was evaluated by examining a standard reference material, specifically Ulva lactuca (BCR®279 – sea lettuce). The average metal contents were in the range: Na: 1849–1565–274; Mg: 350–830–2344; P: 3471–3998–4563; K: 5728–8095–17138; Ca: 4334–3752–1438; Mn:0.484–5.99–25.9; Fe: 9.32–71.9–345; Cu: 0.502–5.21–19.7; Zn: 14.3–16.9–34.3; Cr: 0.060–0.687–3.09; Ni:0.21–1.34–4.96; Cd: 0.159–0.141–0.209; and Pb: 0.080–0.096–0.136 μg g-1. The above values were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard ratio (THQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR) associated with the consumption of chocolate bars with potential toxic elements (PTEs). Statistical research conducted using Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC), Hierarchical Clustering Research (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed that metal contaminants most likely originated from cocoa beans grown in polluted soils and introduced at different stages of production processes. These results highlight the need for strict monitoring and control measures to ensure the safety and quality of chocolate products and highlight the potential health risks. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]