Determination and probabilistic health risk assessment of heavy metals in widely consumed market basket fruits from Dhaka city Bangladesh

Heavy metals contamination of fruits and vegetables is a growing concern to the public and policymakers in developing countries. This study investigated the extent of heavy metal contamination in widely consumed grape, apple, orange, banana, and pomegranate from supermarkets in Dhaka, Bangladesh, using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to assess the health risks to humans. Of the total 80% of banana and 60% of pomegranate samples, the mean lead (Pb) concentrations were 0.608 and 0.164, respectively, exceeding the maximum allowable concentration (MAC = 0.1) set by FAO/WHO and EU regulations, while the remaining fruit samples were below the limit. The Single-factor pollution index (PI) of Pb in bananas (6.08) and pomegranate (1.64) was higher than the reference value (PI>1), indicating the…