Heavy metal accumulation in paddy plants and health risks: Insights from southern peninsular Malaysia and global research trends
Yan Ji Teoh1,2, Wan Hee Cheng1,2*, Walton Wider3,4, Kumar Krishnan1,2, Chee Kong Yap5, Qijin Chen6, Leilei Jiang6, Thomas Man Tat Lei7, Tawatchai Tanee8,9, Runglawan Sudmoon10, Shiou Yih Lee1,2
1Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
2Center for Health, Well-being, and Environmental Sustainability, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
3Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
4Department of Applied Economic Sciences, Wekerle Sandor Uzleti Foiskola, Budapest, Hungary
5Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
6Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
7Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macau, 999078, China
8Faculty of Environmental and Resource Studies, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand
9One Health Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
10Faculty of Law, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Received: 05 September 2024 / Accepted: 29 November 2024 / Published Online: 23 January 2025
Abstract
This current study assessed the toxicity of selected heavy metals in paddy and sediments of non-major production sites in Southern Peninsular Malaysia, complemented by bibliometric analysis of research trends and health implications of rice contamination. Paddy (grains, stems, roots) and soil samples were collected from seven selected sites in the Southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed for their heavy metals content. The health risk assessments were conducted based on estimated daily intake, and the Web of Science database was used for bibliometric analysis. The results indicated elevated levels of manganese, Mn (0.4 ± 0.07), especially in the roots, compared to other heavy metals. Generally, the heavy metal levels in paddy grains were below FAO/WHO’s tolerable daily intake levels, indicating minimal non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children. The bibliometric analysis indicated a significant increase in related publications, reflecting growing academic interest. This study highlights the potential of non-major sites to produce rice with lower contamination levels, provides insights into research trends, and identifies future investigation areas, especially for major production sites and post-COVID-19 periods. Therefore, this study offers a robust scientific context, identifies research gaps, benchmarks findings, and guides future research directions, ensuring an in-depth perception on heavy metal contamination and its health risks.
Keywords: Heavy metals risk assessment, ICP-MS, Bibliometric analysis, Rice contamination, Human health
