Health risk assessment of the concentrations of trace metals in some fruit juices from markets in Ghana

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the risk exposure of processed fruit juices sold in Ghana by analyzing the concentrations of Cd, As, Ni, Hg, Cr and Pb. 27 processed fruit products were sampled from three markets and categorized based on packaging type. Heavy metals were quantified using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MPA-ES) The results showed that Cd was not detected in any of the samples, while the average measured concentrations of Ni, Pb, As, Cr and Hg were 0.186, 0.201, 0.299, 0.839 and 0.062 mg/L, respectively. Although Cr levels were within acceptable limits in most products, concentrations of Pb, Hg, As and Ni exceeded permissible levels in several samples. On average, canned products had higher metal concentrations than paper packs and bottles. Imported products also showed higher levels than locally processed items. Pollution assessment indicated low pollution load index below 1. Health risk analysis revealed potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with As, Cr and Hg intake, with a hazard index exceeding 1 in over 50 % of products. Cancer risk estimation showed concerning values for Cr in all samples and Pb in some products. toxic elements could pose health hazards to consumers of processed fruit juices sold on Ghanaian markets.