Exposure to potentially toxic elements due to consumption of Capsicum annum in different parts of Serbia

Abstract

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are transferred to vegetables primarily through agricultural soil or irrigation water. PTEs in agricultural soil originate from pedogenic and anthropogenic sources. In most cases, soil contamination with these elements happens via river systems or air pollution. Furthermore, food is now imported from many regions and countries, where it is grown in various conditions and on various agricultural lands. Peppers (Capsicum annuum) are popular vegetables in Serbia and worldwide. They are consumed in numerous dishes as fresh fruits, spices, or ingredients. Peppers are reach source of carotenoids, vitamins, antioxidant compounds, and other nutritive compounds. This study aimed to estimate the human exposure to thirteen PTEs present in fresh, dried, and processed peppers obtained from the Serbian market. The exposure assessment was conducted for people in four regions of Serbia by calculating the target hazard quotient (THQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR). The comparison across areas was made due to significant disparities in pepper consumption between them.