Assessment of Metal Contamination and Potential Health Risk of Roadside Vegetables along the Sayre Highway, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines

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Published: Sep 19, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35762/AER.2025031
Keywords:
Carcinogenic risk Hazard quotient Metal concentration Potential human health risk assessment Roadside vegetables

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John R.N. Labajo
College of Science and Technology, Doroluman, Arakan, North Cotabato, Philippines
Junesa U. Cristobal
Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines
Myrna G. Pabiona
College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines

Abstract

This study assessed heavy metal contamination in roadside vegetables (Ipomoea batatas and Moringa oleifera) across five urbanized localities in Bukidnon, Philippines, and evaluated potential human health risks. Metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were analyzed via atomic absorption spectro-photometry and compared against FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits. The results revealed severe contamination, with Mn (575.27–862.17 mg kg-1) and Fe (256.46–706.68 mg kg-1) dominating natural soil mineralogy (Adtuyon series) and anthropogenic inputs. Toxic Cr (16.20–21.93 mg kg-1) exceeded permissible limits by nine and a half times in Quezon. Health risk assessments revealed negligible noncarcinogenic risks (THQ<1) but significant carcinogenic risks (TCR: 4.02E-2 to 4.94E-2; exceeding the USEPA’s 1E-4 threshold), driven by Cd/Cr ingestion. Correlation analysis revealed synergistic (Zn-Fe: 0.453*) and antago-nistic (Zn-Cr: -0.417*) interactions. Urgent mitigation strategies include buffer zones (≥30 m from roads), *Moringa*-based phytoremediation, and TCR integration into national food safety policies.

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How to Cite
Labajo, J. R., Cristobal, J. U., & Pabiona, M. G. (2025). Assessment of Metal Contamination and Potential Health Risk of Roadside Vegetables along the Sayre Highway, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines. Applied Environmental Research, 47(4), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.35762/AER.2025031
Issue
Vol. 47 No. 4 (2025): Oct.-Dec.
Section
Original Article
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