Health risk assessment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the muscle, liver and gizzard of hen's marketed in East of Iran

Health risk assessment of PAHs and heavy metal levels in periwinkles (Pachymelania fusca mutans) and crabs (Scylla serrata) consumed in crude oil-contaminated coastal regions of Southern Nigeria

This study was conducted to evaluate the health risks related to eating crabs and periwinkles from Southern Nigerian coastal areas that are contaminated by crude oil. Periwinkles and crabs from contaminated locations were tested for Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metal (HM) levels using US-EPA standard, and the health risks to humans of eating these seafood were assessed. 20 samples of periwinkles and crabs were collected from crude oil-polluted coastal areas. Health risk assessments were conducted using Dietary Daily Intake (DDI), PAH4 index, Carcinogenic Toxic Equivalent (TEQs), Excess Cancer Risk (ECR) for PAHs, as well as Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Cancer Risk Assessment (CRA) for HMs. The PAH concentration in periwinkles and crabs are 0.76 mg/kg and 0.49 mg/kg respectively. Dietary daily intake (DDI) of individual PAHs for Periwinkle ranged from 0 to 0.0126 and for crabs, it ranged from 0 to x10-4. The ECR evaluated for Periwinkle and crabs ranges from 0 to 9 × 10-7, and 0-2.1 × 10-7 respectively. The TEQ for periwinkle is 0.12874 mg/kg and 0.15646 mg/kg for crabs. The evaluated PAH4 is 0.1061 mg/kg for Periwinkle and 0.1352 mg/kg for Crabs. The concentration of PAHs was found to be 0.76 mg/kg in periwinkles and 0.49 mg/kg in crabs. DDI values for individual PAHs ranged from 0 to 0.0126 for periwinkles and 0-0 to x10-4 for crabs. ECR values ranged from 0 to 9 x 10-7 for periwinkles and 0-2.1 x 10-7 for crabs. TEQ values were 0.12874 mg/kg for periwinkles and 0.15646 mg/kg for crabs. Deduction from PAH4 index exceeded the permissible limit set by the European Union. TEQ values indicate that periwinkles were below the screening value (SV) of 0.0389 mg/kg, while crabs exceeded it. The ECR for the shellfish was also found to be within the acceptable risk level. All HMs were within EPA permissible limits except cadmium (Cd). HQ indicated potential health risks from crab consumption, while CRA showed no carcinogenic risk from either shellfish. The study recommends that if crude oil pollution in coastal areas continues, severe health implications will be inevitable. Therefore, it is crucial to implement measures to mitigate pollution levels and monitor seafood safety regularly to protect public health.

Heavy metal pollution in poultry feeds and broiler chickens in Bangladesh

The poultry industry poses a significant threat of heavy metal poisoning for the people of Bangladesh. The research was performed to assess the levels of heavy metals in chicken feed as well as other consumable sections of poultry fowl, and to determine the possible health hazards implicated. The levels of seven metals were evaluated in sixteen commercially available poultry feeds and in three edible portions of chicken obtained from several local markets in Rajshahi city. The metal concentrations were investigated via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer following the wet digestion method. The amount of Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Fe in poultry feeds were observed from 0.03 to 12.85 mg/kg, 0.01-1.64 mg/kg, 0.15-4.21 mg/kg, 2.65-45.83 mg/kg, 22.63-188.85 mg/kg, 0.09-2.64 mg/kg, and 0.54-41.01 mg/kg, respectively. In broiler chickens, the concentrations were determined from 0.87 to 3.15 mg/kg, 0.01-0.05 mg/kg, 0.19-1.09 mg/kg, 0.96-3.78 mg/kg, 4.45-23.53 mg/kg, 0.07-0.56 mg/kg, and 2.70-92.32 mg/kg, respectively. With the exception of Cu, Mn, and Fe, most heavy metal concentrations in chickens exceeded the highest allowed concentration set by FAO/WHO. The estimated EDI, THQ and TTHQ numbers for all metals examined were found to be below MTDI, indicating that consumption of chicken meat poses noncarcinogenic risk to individuals. Comparatively, ILCR associated with Cd and Pb are around the safety threshold, but Cr exceeds the permissible range and poses a significant risk.

A first- time study of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes in wastewater, sludge, lagoon water, sediments and fishes from Africa

Cosmetic and personal care products are used throughout the world in large quantities. Siloxanes are commonly used in the formulation of these products. The use of these products releases siloxane into the environment. This study quantifies for the first time in Africa specifically in Lagos Nigeria, the amount of two cyclicvolatile methylated siloxane (cVMS) compounds namely octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in wastewater and sludge from industries, water, sediments and fishes from the Lagoon. The samples obtained were extracted and analyses were performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed higher concentrations of D5 compared with D4 across all sample types. Using the estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) to assess the health risks showed minimal risk to adults and children consuming fish from the lagoon. However, biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) exceeded their benchmark values of 1.7 and 5000 respectively for most of the fishes at all the sites showing bioaccumulation potential at these sites for D4 and D5. This study underscores the need for sustainable practices to mitigate cVMS contamination in Nigeria's aquatic systems.

Health risks and pathological effects of heavy metals in Oreochromis mossambicus from Usuma River, Nigeria

Heavy metals environmental pollution has become a global menace requiring constant biomonitoring and concerted efforts towards its reduction. There are reports of heavy metals pollution of Usuma River, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. However, information on the direct and indirect health impacts of such pollution on inhabiting fish and on their human consumers are non-existent, especially in Oreochromis mossambicus. The analyses of the physicochemical parameters of Usuma River water, fish heavy metals, histopathological changes, and health risks were performed according to standard procedures. The physicochemical characteristics of the Usuma River water were within acceptable ranges. The Pb bioaccumulation at 2.5100 ± 0.42 mg/kg was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the values recorded for Cd at 0.4267 ± 0.16 mg/kg and zinc at 0.6027 ± 0.02 mg/kg. Nevertheless, Pb and Cd bioaccumulated more than their recommended permissible levels. Human health risks assessment revealed no immediate carcinogenic risk at a target rate of between 1.2690 × 10-5 - 2.3530 × 10-5. The current heavy metals' concentration posed no long-term non-carcinogenic risk at a hazard index of less than one. This is because the target rate figure above 1.0 × 10-3 and the hazard index figure above one signifies great health risks. The recorded gills and hepatic cellular changes did not affect organ functionalities as their obtained degree of tissue change figures were all below 10 based on the protocol. Although there was a positive strong correlation between the water temperature and its biochemical oxygen demand as well as between the water dissolved oxygen content and gill cellular changes, a negative strong correlation existed between the water pH and its electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. The findings highlighted the progressing volatility of heavy metals pollution dynamics within the study area that could pose great human health risks, if unchecked.

Concentrations, Sources, and Health Risk of Heavy Metals in Edible Parts of Broilers from Northeast of Algeria

Heavy metals contamination of poultry products is a major concern for public health. This study aimed to determine the concentration of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe) in the edible parts of broilers, as well as in feed, drinking water, and litter as sources of contamination and to assess their possible human health risk in the province of Jijel (Northeast Algeria). The range of Hg, Pb, and Fe in edible parts were 0.004-0.007, 0.185-0.480, and 28.536-88.306 mg/kg, respectively, and the difference in content was only significant (p < 0.05) for lead. Breast and thigh samples had Pb concentrations above the maximum limit. Spearman coefficient analysis revealed that most correlations were positive between metals detected in feed, water, and litter and those in the edible parts of broilers. But most of them were insignificant (p > 0.05). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of examined metal exceeded the tolerable daily intake (PTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of all metals were lower than 1, suggesting no significant carcinogenic risks. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of Pb was higher than 10-4 for men, women, and children, indicating the presence of carcinogenic risk. Considering the wide consumption of broiler meat, regular national monitoring of heavy metals in the broiler production chain is recommended to protect population health.

Assessment of heavy metals level in chicken with indeterminate analysis in localities of Lahore, Pakistan

The poultry industry is a significant source of animal protein, vitamins, and minerals, particularly through the consumption of chicken meat. In order to conduct the study, 100 samples of liver, chicken feed, and drinking water were collected in nearby areas of Lahore. The investigation aims to detect the presence of specific heavy metals in the collected samples. For this purpose, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to detect heavy metals after proper preparation of the samples. The experimentally observed data were analyzed through a novel statistical approach known as neutrosophic statistics. It was observed that copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) were the most prominent metals detected with contamination above the safe limits (for chicken drinking water (Zn = 23.09±13.67 mg/L, Cu = 3.84±3.04 mg/L, Cd = 0.805±0.645 mg/L, Pb = 0.275±0.095 mg/L, As = 0.982±0.978 mg/L), for chicken feed (Zn = 2.705±0.715 mg/kg, Cu = 1.85±0.53 mg/kg, Cd = 3.065±1.185 mg/kg, Pb = 0.215±0.175 mg/kg, As = 0.68±0.22 mg/kg), and chicken's liver (Zn = 3.93±0.66 mg/kg, Cu = 1.2±0.52 mg/kg, Cd = 0.07±0.05 mg/kg, Pb = 0.805±0.775 mg/kg, As = 1.05±0.8 mg/kg)). Similarly, the statistical analysis leads that the findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and mitigating heavy metal contamination in the poultry industry to ensure the safety and quality of poultry products.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in some vegetables-Erbil City-Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Heavy metals can have significant impacts on human health due to their toxicity and potential to accumulate in the body over time. Some heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, are particularly harmful even at low concentrations. The estimation of hazards of vegetable intake to human health as well as explore the of heavy metals accumulation in different vegetables (cucumbers, tomato, eggplant, and bell peppers) collected in Erbil city from different source locally and imported from nearby country are conducted. The heavy metals concentration (cooper, zinc, lead and cadmium) was measured and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometry. The maximum concentration of Pb was 27.95 mg/kg and the minimum was 6.49 mg/kg; for Cd, the concentration was 1.43 and 0.99 mg/kg, 74.94 and 5.14 mg/kg for Zn; and for Cu, the result was 56.25 and 8.2 mg/kg for the maximum and minimum, which they are within limits described by Food Agricultural Organization, but more than health limits and health risks calculated by mean of hazard quotient (HQ) techniques for Cu and Pb which they are more than 1. The local sample that collected in Erbil city show less concentration of heavy metals and low HQ in comparison with imported samples. The carcinogenic risk study shows elevated risk of accumulative consuming of edible part of those plant which they exceed the permissible limit that is 10-6.

ICP-OES analysis of total As and Cd in Columbian Oryza sativa L. rice

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are considered toxic elements, even at trace levels. Their accurate quantification in crops can be complex at low levels and due to interference with other elements. The aim of this work was to develop and validate an analytical method for As and Cd quantification in rice stem and grains from the production systems "Irrigated Rice Ecosystems" (IRE) and "Rainfed Rice Ecosystems" (RRE) in Colombia. Mineralisation was carried out by acid digestion using an open system with a heating plate. Metal detection was performed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Method adjustment, calibration, and validation were performed in accordance with AOAC standards, considering sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and selectivity parameters. The obtained method was applied to quantify levels in 259 rice stem and 443 grain samples from IRE and RRE.

Burial leakage: A human accustomed groundwater contaminant sources and health hazards study near cemeteries in Benin City, Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the levels of physico-chemical parameters that could be impacted by burial leakage and associated human health risks in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of thirty groundwater samples were collected from two cemeteries and analysed for pH, alkalinity, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, ammonia- N, calcium, sodium, potassium, BOD₅, COD, Mn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Fe. The concentrations of the parameters were compared to national and international standards. The results revealed that the groundwater is highly acidic in nature. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that except for alkalinity, all other parameters characterised contributed significantly to various principal components (PC) with eigenvalues ≥ 1. Moreover, the significance of the PC depicted decomposition of the body corpse and associated burial materials. Water quality index (WQI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and Nemerov pollution index (NI) indicated that groundwater from the study area is of poor quality, and highly contaminated by heavy metals. We determined the Chronic health risk through exposure by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI), for both children and adults. For the oral exposure, approximately 33% of samples suggest the high category of chronic risk for children while the medium category was indicated for adults. We found that oral exposure showed relatively higher risk than dermal exposure, and chronic risk for children and adults ranged from low to negligible. However, the carcinogenic risk of Ni and Pb via oral exposure route suggests, very high risk for Ni and medium risk for Pb. In consideration that long term exposure to low concentrations of some heavy metals (including Pb, Cd, and Ni) could result in different manifestations of cancer, we recommend that residents of these areas should find an alternative source of water for drinking and other domestic uses.

Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and Chiapas

Cheese consumption provides humans with minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. In Mexico, several cheese varieties are produced, each with its texture, scent, and flavor. The artisanal cheeses made in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas-including, among others, the varieties named crema (cream), doble crema (double cream), oaxaca, panela, fresco, bola, poro, cotija, and asadero-have a high demand in the domestic and foreign markets. The intensification of anthropic activity in these states causes an increased emission to the environment of contaminants like heavy metals, which could reach human foodstuffs through the food chains. In particular, heavy metal contents in cheeses consumed daily by these states' local populations might represent a public health risk. Because of that, our objectives in this work were to determine the concentrations of lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, and iron in artisanal cheeses produced in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas and to determine the values of the hazard quotient (HQ), total hazard quotient (THQ), and cancer risk total (CRT) for adult and young men and women. The results of our analyses of cheese samples from the states of Tabasco and Chiapas showed that the average concentrations (mg kg-1) of cadmium (0.0023 ± 0.002, 0.0023 ± 0.002 mg kg-1, respectively, for each state), lead (0.0047 ± 0.00, 0.0051 ± 0.002), nickel (0.0039 ± 0.0046, 0.0031 ± 0.0039), copper (0.0199 ± 0.021, 0.0202 ± 0.022), zinc (0.1611 ± 0.18, 0.194 ± 0.21), and iron (61.84 ± 4.23, 65.76 ± 6.61 mg kg-1), the first three values lower than the limits established by the FAO/WHO and Codex Alimentarius. The value of THQ that we obtained was less than one, and that of CRT was within the limits established by the US-EPA, which means that the consumption of artisanal cheeses from Tabasco and Chiapas by humans does not imply a risk of disease or cancer.

Heavy metals in offal and canned food sold in the Malaysian market

Food contaminated with heavy metals poses a serious threat to consumers. This study aims to assess levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in offals of chicken, cattle, and pig as well as tin (Sn) in canned food. A total of 378 offal samples was collected from wet markets, while 218 canned food samples were purchased locally. Samples were digested using a microwave before analysis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb was determined, highest in cattle lung (0.11 ± 0.20 mg/kg) followed by cattle spleen (0.09 ± 0.14 mg/kg), and cattle tripe (0.09 ± 0.12 mg/kg). For Cd, the highest concentrations were in cattle liver (0.13 ± 0.12 mg/kg), pig liver (0.08 ± 0.05 mg/kg), and chicken liver (0.03 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Significant variations of Sn levels existed in different canned food categories with 3.21% samples (n = 7) exceeded the maximum level of 250 mg/kg set by Codex Alimentarius. All offal samples were below the Malaysian regulatory limits, indicating their safety for human consumption. However, Sn levels varied significantly among canned food categories, with the highest levels found in canned pineapple chunks in syrup, mixed pineapple cubes in syrup, pineapple slices and longan. Samples exceeding the maximum level set by Codex Alimentarius may pose a risk to consumers.

Arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in northwest Croatian seafood: A health risks assessment

This study focuses on the health risk assessment of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) concentrations in seafood species commonly consumed in the northwestern region of Croatia. By measuring the concentrations of these elements coupled with data on seafood consumption, the health risks were evaluated using Target Hazard Quotients and Hazard Indexes. The results indicate a slightly increased health risks linked to seafood consumption for As, Cu and Zn in some of the tested seafood species. The findings of this study highlight the critical need for stronger food quality control measures, especially targeting certain types of seafood.

Cadmium and lead bioavailability to poultry fed with contaminated soil-spiked feed

Geophagy is common for free-range chickens, however, the relative bioavailability (RBA) of heavy metals in contaminated soils consumed by chickens has not fully investigated. In this work, chickens were fed diets increasingly spiked with a contaminated soil (Cd = 105, Pb = 4840 mg kg^-1; 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 % of overall feed by weight), or Cd/Pb reagent spikes (from CdCl₂ or Pb(Ac)₂), for 23 d. After the study period, chicken liver, kidney, femur and gizzard samples were analyzed for Cd and Pb concentrations, and organ/tissue metal concentrations were used to calculate Cd and Pb RBA. Linear dose response curves (DRCs) were established for both Cd/Pb reagents-spiked and soil-spiked treatments. Femur Cd concentrations of soil-spiked treatments were two times of Cd-spiked treatments with similar feed Cd levels, while feed spiked with Cd or Pb also resulted in elevated Pb or Cd concentrations in some organ/tissues. Metal RBA was calculated using three different methods. Most Cd and Pb RBA values were in the range 50-70 %, with the chicken gizzard as a potential endpoint for bioaccessible Cd and Pb. Cadmium and Pb bioavailability values can help with more precise estimation of Cd and Pb accumulation in chicken following heavy metal-contaminated soil ingestion, with overall results helping to protect human health.

Contamination of Selected Toxic Elements in Integrated Chicken-Fish Farm Settings of Bangladesh and Associated Human Health Risk Assessments

The presence of trace elements in the environment can contaminate a food chain of an agro farm in various ways. Integrated chicken-fish farms (i.e., where poultry chicken and fish are cultivated in same places) are getting popular nowadays to meet the demands of a balanced diet. The present study conducted a health risk assessment on the basis of selected heavy metal (i.e., Cr and Pb) and metalloid (i.e., As) contamination in this type of farm in Bangladesh. Samples of various types were collected from different farms between September 2019 and March 2020. The concentrations of the elements were checked by Flame-AAS and HG-AAS. Our findings demonstrated that the elements' concentrations in fishes were simultaneously induced by the habitation and bioaccumulation through the food chain of the farm. The concentrations of As and Pb in the chicken parts and Cr and As in some fishes were greater than the highest limits set by different permissible standards. Overall, the metal concentration obtained in different samples was in descending order: sediment > droppings > different fish parts > various species of chicken > pond water. Among the pollutants, As gave target hazard quotient (THQ) values higher than 1 for all the species, suggesting health risks from the intake of fishes and chicken. However, there was non-target cancer risk present while considering all the elements together. Notably, the study found carcinogenic risks of As, Pb, and Cr for humans due to poultry and/or fish consumption; the identified health risks associated with the integrated farming setting will be crucial in further tackling strategies. Investigation of the possible sources of heavy metals in commercial chicken feeds and regular monitoring of groundwater used for agro-farming are highly recommended to reduce the burden.

A study on microbial and chemical characterization of mechanically deboned chicken in Tehran, Iran

This study aimed to investigate microbial, chemical, and heavy metal contamination of mechanically deboned chicken (MDC) in Iran. A total of 24 samples of MDC were obtained from meat plants. TBC of the three samples were acceptable. E. coli and S. aureus were detected in 21 and 6 samples, respectively. Three of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp. Campylobacter was not detected in any of the samples. The moisture content of MDC was in the range of 41% to 75%. Ash had a range of 0.74% to 1.4%. The maximum protein content of the MDC was 21.98% and fat content was in the range of 2.1% to 20%. The highest PV was 15.18 mEq/kg. All of the samples were polluted with Pb, Cd, and As. In conclusion, MDC had microbial and chemical contamination. It is necessary to develop more strict criteria for control of the chicken paste processing method.

Source apportionment and health risk assessment for potentially toxic elements in size-fractionated road dust in Busan Metropolitan City, Korea

Potentially toxic elements' (PTEs; V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Hg) pollution level was investigated in size-fractionated road dust in Busan Metropolitan City. Health risks to humans (adult and children) were also evaluated in fine particle fraction (< 63 μm) of road dust. PTE concentrations in the fine particles (< 63 μm) were ranked as follows (unit: mg/kg): Zn (2511) > Cu (559) > Cr (531) > Pb (385) > Ni (139) > V (83.8) > Sb (31.6) > Co (21.6) > As (17.2) > Cd (4.1) > Hg (0.38). The PTE concentrations in fine particles (< 63 μm) were significantly higher than those in coarse particles except for V, Co, and As. The mean PTE loadings of fine particle fraction (< 63 μm; 233 mg/m2) in road dust were up to 4.5 times higher than other particle fractions. Igeo values of Sb were higher than 5 except for > 1000-μm fraction, indicating extremely polluted status. PCA results and elemental ratios indicated that most of the PTEs in road dust were derived from non-exhaust traffic-related sources such as brake pads and tires. Cr, Pb, and Sb had higher HI values than other metals for both adults and children. Sampling sites of heavy traffic and industrial areas showed that the carcinogenic risk exceeded the maximum threshold level (10 - 4). Especially in children, the mean carcinogenic risk (ingestion pathway) of As (6.8 × 10 - 4) Cd (2.0 × 10 - 4), and Ni (4.1 × 10 - 4) exceeded the maximum threshold level, indicating that continuous exposure to road dust may pose a high cancer risk to children. Therefore, continuous monitoring and management of these metals are needed to protect human health and the urban environment.

Health Risk Assessment of Essential and Toxic Metals in Canned/Pouched Food on Kitten and Adult Cats: an Animal Health Risk Assessment Adaptation Assay

The main aim of this study was to determine the levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in commercial canned and pouched cat foods (salmon, tuna, liver, fish, and other aquatic products) and assess the potential health risks to kitten (≤ 1 years old) and adult cats (≥ 1 years old) associated with the recommended average consumption rate of labels. The study was also aimed to adapt the health risk assessment method to animal health and to support clinical prevention and diagnosis. The detected levels of the metals were below the data from other studies, except the mean Fe in all and Pb levels in salmon and kitten foods. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) values did not exceed 1. That means the studied metals do not pose a health risk for adult cats and kittens. Dietary Hg and Cd should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of cases with clinical or postmortem findings, especially regarding neurological, kidney, and liver tissues. In conclusion, although canned/pouched consumption does not pose a health risk with regard to metals, further studies of health risk assessment for other pollutants by this first adaptation method will be necessary.

Detection, Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Heavy Metals/Metalloids, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Goat Carcasses Processed for Human Consumption in South-Eastern Nigeria

Notwithstanding the increased toxic heavy metals/metalloids (THMs) accumulation in (edible) organs owed to goat′s feeding habit and anthropogenic activities, the chevon remains increasingly relished as a special delicacy in Nigeria. Specific to the South-Eastern region, however, there is paucity of relevant data regarding the prevalence of THMs in goat carcasses processed for human consumption. This work was, therefore, aimed to investigate the detection, distribution and health risk assessment of THMs in goat carcass processed for human consumption in South-Eastern Nigeria. To achieve this, a total of 450 meat samples (kidney, liver and muscle) were evaluated from 150 randomly selected goat carcasses processed in two major slaughterhouses in Enugu State. The detection, distribution, as well as health risk assessment parameters followed standard procedures. Results revealed that at least one THM was detected in 56% of the carcasses. Mean concentrations of arsenic (As) were 0.53 ± 0.10 mg/kg, 0.57 ± 0.09 mg/kg and 0.45 ± 0.08 mg/kg, lead (Pb) were 0.48 ± 0.38 mg/kg, 0.45 ± 0.24 mg/kg and 0.82 ± 0.39 mg/kg, cadmium (Cd) was 0.06 ± 0.32 mg/kg, 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg, and 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg for kidney, liver and muscle tissues, respectively. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) for all THMs were above the recommended safe limits. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) computed for all As, Cd and Pb fell below unity in all the studied organs, which indicated no non-carcinogenic risks. Curtailing the anthropogenic activities that aid the THM-contamination in goat production/processing lines is recommended. Screening for THM-contamination in Nigerian slaughterhouses is imperative, so as to ascertain the toxicological safety of meats intended for human consumption.