Heavy metals in vegetables grown in the vicinity of Hawassa industrial zone, Ethiopia: Estimation of possible human health risks

Concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Hg) in cabbages potatoes were determined the potential human health risks due to consumption vegetables have been estimated. Mean concentrations Zn (134.0 + 5.62 mg/kg), As (0.12 0.01 mg/kg) Cd (0.32 from Biological Lagoon area as well (103.0 8.34 (0.14 (0.31 Boicha stream above safety limits FAO/WHO. Likewise, mean (0.24 0.03 (0.35 0.07 (0.50 0.04 also limits. Assessment Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) indicated no concern both grown areas except through areas. However, effects all put together may affect revealed by high Index (HI > 1). Cancer Risk (TCR) these for Cd. Overall, industrial zone is more risky than consuming Reference site indicating effluents industries be a sources metals.