A Meta-Analysis and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Uptake in Common Garden Vegetables.

<p>Peer reviewed literature was searched to identify research pertaining to the uptake of heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb and Zn) by vegetables (cabbage, carrot, lettuce, and radish). The objectives of this research were to 1) determine the relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the soil and heavy metal concentrations in vegetables, and 2) determine the level of risk associated with exposure to heavy metals through ingestion of contaminated vegetables. Highly variable estimates and biologically implausible regression equations resulted from this meta-analysis. Exposure to arsenic through the ingestion of lettuce grown on contaminated soil significantly increases cancer risk, especially in children. Highly variable hazard quotients prevent strong statements concerning toxic effects from exposure to Pb, Cd, or Zn. A more in-depth meta-analysis (multiple-regression and nonlinear curve-fitting) and an upgrade in data reporting standards are recommended.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Environmental Health

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• LeCoultre, Trent David

• Uptake
• Meta-Analysis
• Risk Assessment
• Heavy Metal
• Vegetable
• Monte Carlo
• Bioaccumulation
• Environmental Health and Protection
• Environmental Sciences
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/113

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-1163