Trace metals (Ni, Co, and Cu) concentrations assessment for common legume samples in Iraqi markets

In this study, seventeen legume samples that are imported from nine different countries, and sold in Iraqi marketplaces are examined for levels of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu). Ni ranges from 0.27 to 3.90 mg/kg in the measured amounts, indicating a discernible variance, Cu ranges from 2.51 to 12.15 mg/kg whereas Co varies from 2.18 mg/kg to not detected in other samples. Although the readings vary depending on the type of legume and the country of origin, all concentrations are still within generally recognized safety limits. Assessing potential health impacts needs calculating non-carcinogenic indexes (EDI, THQ, and HI) and the carcinogenic risk (CR) for Ni for three age groups (children, adults, and old-aged people). The health risk assessment reveals that HI is higher in children (0.466) than in adults (0.333) and the old-aged people (0.31), meanwhile, CR×10 -6 is also higher in children (2.186) than the other two groups. However, all values for both HI and carcinogenic risk associated with Ni remain significantly lower than the threshold level. The findings of the study show that average metal concentrations do not exceed the permissible levels set by international standards. Thus, the consumption of the investigated legume samples is not a major health risk. These legumes are suitable for human consumption, with regard to Ni, Co, and Cu contamination.