Assessment of public health risks associated with heavy metal contamination of agricultural products

The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of environmental protection measures by calculating the public health risk associated with the alimentary intake of contaminants from agricultural products produced in the enterprise's influence zone. The content of 8 metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Cr, Ni) in grain, milk, meat and vegetables (potatoes, carrots and beets) (n = 300) produced in the Uchaly District of the Republic of Bashkortostan was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The assessment of carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic and population health risks before and after environmental protection measures was carried out using the example of the Uchaly District of the Republic of Bashkortostan with a developed mining industry. Conducted in 2004-2018 OJSC Uchalinsky Mining and Processing Plant (OJSC UGOK) environmental protection measures have reduced the degree of impact of the enterprise on the environment. In the main food products, a significant decrease in the content of As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni and Cr, as well as an increase in the level of Zn and Cu, was found. In 2000, the highest hazard index for the development of non-carcinogenic effects (HI) was found for the nervous system, human development, cardiovascular system, respiratory organs and skin. After environmental protection measures were implemented, the risk decreased to acceptable by 2020. The level of total carcinogenic risk before environmental protection measures was classified as alarming, but by 2020 it also decreased to acceptable. The value of the population carcinogenic risk decreased from 17.2 to 1.8 additional cases of malignant neoplasms per 70,000 inhabitants.