Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment of potatoes in Romania

Food contamination with heavy metals (HMs) is a global public health concern. This study assessed the health risks associated with exposure to HMs (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sn, Cd, Hg, Pb) in one of the most consumed foods worldwide – potatoes. A total of 200 potato samples from markets and local producers in Transylvania (Romania) were analyzed using ICP-MS. The mean HM concentrations followed the order: Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Co > Sn > Cd > Pb > Hg/As. Target hazard quotient (THQ) for adults ranged from 1.49 × 10 −5 to 7.46 × 10 −4 , all below the safe threshold (THQ < 1). Cancer risk (CR) values for Cu, Cr, Zn and Ni, Cd, and Pb were within acceptable thresholds (10 −6 – 10 −4 ). Only one sample showed a CR above the thresholds (2 ×10 −4 ). Total cancer risk (TCR) values ranged from 2.42 × 10 −6 to 2.2 × 10 −5 , also within the safe limits. These findings suggest that, based on the analyzed metal content, the daily consumption of the tested potatoes does not pose significant health risks, although continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure consumer safety. • Assessed heavy metal levels in 200 potato samples from Romania. • Evaluated health risks of heavy metal exposure through potato consumption. • Regional heavy metal levels were compared with international benchmarks. • No significant consumer health risks were found based on heavy metal content.