Health risks assessment for trace elements accumulation in Amaranthaceae family cultivars and their correlation with macro-minerals

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Abstract

The Yamuna Floodplain, a vital agricultural hub feeding Delhi’s growing population, faces significant challenges from soil contamination and unsustainable farming practices. In a quest for solutions that prioritize both crop quality and environmental health, this study explores the transformative potential of organic waste compost. Spinach, green amaranth, and red amaranth were cultivated in two distinct soils amended with compost, irrigated with groundwater, and rigorously assessed for their nutrient content and safety. Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), we observed that compost amendments significantly boosted the concentrations of essential macro-minerals like phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, and potassium, enhancing their contribution to Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) levels compared to chemical fertilizers. Health risk assessments revealed minimal non-carcinogenic risks, with hazard quotient (HQ) and health index (sum of Target Hazard Quotients, THQ) values well below 1. Moreover, compost amendments reduced risks associated with trace elements, including manganese, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium, while revealing interesting correlations between trace and macro-minerals. This study highlights urban organic compost as a sustainable soil amendment for the Yamuna Floodplain, promoting the production of high-quality, nutrient-rich vegetables with minimal health risks. These findings pave the way for environmentally friendly and health-conscious agricultural practices in a critical region.

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