Abstract:
Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, large quantities of wastes are released into the
rivers of Kombolcha city. The vegetables grown on the polluted sites can take up potentially
toxic trace metals at concentrations, which are toxic to human health. The current study
determined the amount of potentially toxic trace metals in soil and vegetable samples grown
around polluted river and assessed the potential health risks to consumers. Samples
were collected in June 2020, digested using the wet digestion method and analyzed quantitatively
using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The concentrations
of selected trace metals in soil samples were much lower than the recommended limit; however,
the levels of nickel, lead and cadmium in vegetable samples were above the international
guideline values. The result also indicated that the average target hazard quotient of lead, nickel
and cadmium in most studied areas were higher than the limit. The target hazard quotients of
these potentially toxic trace metals were higher in lettuce vegetables especially in children
consumer. Thus, frequent consumption of lettuce may cause a health risk in children.
Keywords: Contamination, kombolcha city, soil, vegetable, trace metal
