Contamination by Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Agricultural Products Grown Around Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro State (SE Brazil)

The contamination of soil, water, and air by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) allows the transfer of metals to food. When introduced into food through soil, PTEs are absorbed by plant roots and transported to the bloodstream. The region surrounding Sepetiba Bay (SB), a densely populated area intensively exploited for tourist purposes, is one of the most contaminated by PTEs in the southeastern region of Brazil. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate (by ICP-MS) the concentrations of PTEs in agricultural products (roots, fruits, leaves, seeds, cheese, and eggs) cultivated and sold by rural producers in the region surrounding SB. The 26 food types selected for this study were produced in this region and purchased at local markets. The results for the analyzed foods revealed relatively high concentrations of Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > As > Pb > Co > Hg > Cd, exceeding the limits established by ANVISA and international laws. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the PTEs according to their possible sources: ore transport (Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd), natural (Hg, Cr, and Ni), and fertilizers (Co and As). The CA allowed us to distinguish two main food groups in terms of the enrichment of PTEs. Group 1 contains leaves, animal products, and seeds with higher levels of Hg, Cr, Ni, Co, and As. Group 2 includes roots and fruits, which have higher concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd than Group 1. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) suggests that As and Cr pose a higher risk in foods of CA-Group 1 (leaves, animal products, and seeds). Hazard Index (HI) values > 1 indicate a risk of probable long-term carcinogenesis in adults. Thus, this study reveals that the continued consumption of food produced in the region surrounding SB could cause health problems for the local population.