Volume 16, Issue 3 (May & June 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(3): 275-284 |
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Ethics code: IR.GMU.REC.1399.109
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Abdi-Moghadam Z, Salarbashi D, Khajavian N, Tayebi N. Heavy Metal Contamination in the Unrefined Salt From the Kal Shur River of Gonabad City, Iran: Potential Health Risks for Local Populations. J Research Health 2026; 16 (3) :275-284
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2795-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2795-en.html
1- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran. , z.abdimoghadam1@gmail.com
2- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
3- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
4- Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
2- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
3- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
4- Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
Abstract: (49 Views)
Background: Excessive salt intake is a major public health concern due to its association with hypertension and chronic diseases. In Gonabad City, Iran, local populations consume unrefined salt from seasonal rivers, such as Kal Shur River, which may contain hazardous levels of heavy metals.
Methods: Twenty unrefined salt samples were collected from the Kal Shur River during the dry season. Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Estimated dietary intakes were calculated based on average salt consumption and compared with national standards and provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs).
Results: Concentrations of Pb (2.10±1.74 mg/kg; 95% CI, 1.65%, 2.55%) and Hg (0.16±0.092 mg/kg; CI, 0.14%, 0.18%) exceeded permissible limits. Weekly Pb intake reached 588% of the former PTWI, suggesting severe risk. Although As and Cd were below thresholds, their cumulative toxicity remains concerning. Essential trace elements also exceeded tolerable levels: Fe (64 mg/day), Cu (20 mg/day), and Zn (57 mg/day), raising concerns about systemic toxicity.
Conclusion: Unrefined salt from the Kal Shur River contains elevated levels of toxic metals, such as Pb and Hg, alongside excessive concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn. Occasional use may not pose an immediate risk, but regular consumption could contribute to acute and chronic health issues. These findings underscore the need for regulatory oversight and public health measures to monitor and manage heavy metal contamination in natural salt sources. Implementing environmental health policies will be critical in reducing potential risks and protecting the wellbeing of local populations.
Methods: Twenty unrefined salt samples were collected from the Kal Shur River during the dry season. Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Estimated dietary intakes were calculated based on average salt consumption and compared with national standards and provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs).
Results: Concentrations of Pb (2.10±1.74 mg/kg; 95% CI, 1.65%, 2.55%) and Hg (0.16±0.092 mg/kg; CI, 0.14%, 0.18%) exceeded permissible limits. Weekly Pb intake reached 588% of the former PTWI, suggesting severe risk. Although As and Cd were below thresholds, their cumulative toxicity remains concerning. Essential trace elements also exceeded tolerable levels: Fe (64 mg/day), Cu (20 mg/day), and Zn (57 mg/day), raising concerns about systemic toxicity.
Conclusion: Unrefined salt from the Kal Shur River contains elevated levels of toxic metals, such as Pb and Hg, alongside excessive concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn. Occasional use may not pose an immediate risk, but regular consumption could contribute to acute and chronic health issues. These findings underscore the need for regulatory oversight and public health measures to monitor and manage heavy metal contamination in natural salt sources. Implementing environmental health policies will be critical in reducing potential risks and protecting the wellbeing of local populations.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Unrefined salt, Public health, Gonabad, Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Health Education
Received: 2025/04/30 | Accepted: 2025/09/27 | Published: 2026/03/14
Received: 2025/04/30 | Accepted: 2025/09/27 | Published: 2026/03/14
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