Doha: A Qatar University research has proposed that closer monitoring of potentially toxic metals and metalloids levels in Qatar’s cultivated soils and farm produce is needed.
The research was published in the 16th issue of the university’s Research Magazine, and international journal, Toxics, published by Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI).
The research was conducted by Dr. Kamal Usman, Research Associate , Agricultural Research Station; Dr. Hareb Al Jabri, Manager of Innovation and Intellectual Property, Research and Graduate Studies Sector (VPRGS), Qatar University and Dr. Muhammad Rizwan, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
According to the research, titled ‘Ecological and Health Risks Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals and Metalloids Contaminants: A Case Study of Agricultural Soils in Qatar,’ reducing the bioavailability of toxic elements in the soil and developing innovative remediation technologies are needed to limit potential risks to human health.
Researchers studied open and irrigated farms spread across the northwestern and central parts of Qatar. According to the study, “50 soil samples from 10 separate locations, all within 70km of Doha city centre, were gathered from January to April 2020.”
The results presented in the study confirm that the Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), and Nickel (Ni) levels in studied soil samples are significantly higher than their corresponding background levels. Besides, a human health risks analysis shows that oral ingestion could be the principal exposure pathway in adults and children,compared to skin contact, mouth, and nose inhalation.
Although adults and children may be at risk when exposed to the elements, children are more vulnerable and likely to develop cancer. Hence the high concentration of these elements in the soil can be hazardous and lead to various health problems.
Also, the researchers’ findings strongly support authorities’ need to closely monitor potentially toxic elements in agricultural soils and farm produce. Dr. Mohammed Alsafran, Director of Agricultural Research Station, Qatar University, stated that further studies on arsenic, chromium and nickel gastrointestinal bio accessibilities are required to fully understand the effects after long-term exposure and the cancer-causing potential of these elements.
The findings in this research will help authorities implement policies that would promote the agricultural sector as Qatar increases its domestic production output and food security drive.
