Analysis of toxic and radiotoxic heavy metals in some cereal grains consumed in Türkiye and assessment of potential health risk

Seref Turhan1*, Ergin Murat Altuner2, Asli Kurnaz1, Kenan Akyol3, Aybaba Hancerliogullari1, Aydan Altikulac4

1Kastamonu University, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, Kastamonu, Türkiye
2Kastamonu University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Kastamonu, Türkiye
3Kastamonu University, Institute of Graduate Education, Department of Physics, Kastamonu, Türkiye
4Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Ula Ali Koçman Vocational School, Ula, Mugla, Türkiye
* Corresponding author: serefturhan63@gmail.com; sturhan@kastamonu.edu.tr

This study analyzed the concentrations of toxic (Cr, Co, Cu, etc.) and radiotoxic (U, Th) heavy metals (HMs) in 40 commercial cereal samples consumed in Türkiye by using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Health risks caused by ingestion of cereal samples were assessed using the hazard index (HI), annual effective dose (EEff), and the excess lifetime cancer risk (LCR) models. The average concentrations (mg/kg dry weight) of HMs analyzed in the samples were 2.7 (Cr), 6.4 (Co), 7.9 (Cu), 49.8 (Fe), 49.4 (Mn), 7.6 (Ni), 40.4 (Zn), 1.0 (U), and 1.4 (Th). Wheat and maize showed HI >1, indicating potential concern for consumers. The total annual effective dose exceeded global averages primarily due to Th in cereal samples. Findings highlight the need for monitoring and consumer guidance.
Keywords: Cereal grains, Health risk assessment, Heavy metal, Natural radioactivity, Thorium, Uranium

How to cite: Turhan S, Altuner EM, Kurnaz A, Akyol K, Hancerliogullari A, Altikulac A. (2026). Analysis of toxic and radiotoxic heavy metals in some cereal grains consumed in Türkiye and assessment of potential health risk. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 151, 108958.

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