Work

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Manihot esculenta leaves cultivated in a polluted area of Kabwe District, Zambia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study carried out in Makululu Township, Kabwe, Zambia, a former mining town, assessed health risks from heavy metal (HM) contaminated Manihot esculenta (cassava) leaves. Using ICP-OES, researchers found several HMs exceeded maximum permissible limits (MPLs), including significantly elevated levels of aluminium (Al), barium (Ba), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). While lead (Pb) approached its MPL, arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) were undetected. The calculated Hazard Index (HI) of 1290.25 indicated substantial non-cancer risk from combined metal exposure and a combined carcinogenic risk (Σ CR) of 0.0013 are concerning. Furthermore, a composite soil sample (pH 7.855) from the same area showed elevated levels of several potentially toxic metals (PTMs). These findings emphasize the urgent need for continuous monitoring of cassava leaf consumption and highlight severe probable health hazards from dietary HM exposure for Makululu Township residents. Targeted public health initiatives, appropriate remedial as well as agronomic measures are crucial.

Source: Sustainable Environment

DOI: 10.1080/27658511.2026.2736981

Authors: Annette Lombe, Bitwell Chibuye, Phenny Mwaanga, Moola Mutondo

Institutions: Copperbelt University, Mukuba University

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Copperbelt University