Toxic metals and health risks in commercially available packed fruit juice products for children in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022

Toxic metals and health risks in commercially available packed fruit juice products for children in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022 | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Toxic metals and health risks in commercially available packed fruit juice products for children in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022 Fasika Weldegebriel, Zemichael Gizaw, Mulat Gebrehiwot, Jember Azanaw, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6554160/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 22 Oct, 2025 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Fruit juice is a popular non-alcoholic beverage and is consumed by children in developing countries. But long-term consumption can lead to chronic accumulation of toxic metals, posing a carcinogen risk. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of toxic metals and health risk in commercially available packed fruit juice products for children in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022. Eighty packed fruit juice samples were examined, which contain varying concentrations of toxic metals. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni ranged from 0.01–0.1, 0.0003–0.008, 0.01–0.04, and 0.0025-0.08 mg/l, respectively. The rank of target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR) were Pb > Cd > Cr > Pb and Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd, respectively. High concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Ni were present in strawberry and pineapple nectar, whereas mango juices were at a low level. Fruit juices stored in canned cartons and glass were characterized by an elevated level of Cd, Pb, and Ni as compared with products with tetra packs and plastic. THQ > 1 in Pb indicates that metals may pose a potential health risk for children. Health sciences/Diseases Health sciences/Diseases/Cancer Toxic metals health risk assessment fruit juice Atomic Absorption Spectrometer northwest Ethiopia Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Introduction Over the past two decades, the popularity of fruit juices, a non-alcoholic beverage, has significantly increased due to their rich nutritional content[ 1 ]. Over the past 20 years, fruit juice consumption has surged, with children aged 2 to 18 accounting for 50% of global intake, particularly in low income countries and Australasia[ 2 ]. Fruit juices can have a positive effect on promoting health and reducing disease risk, however, it is important to be aware that presence of harmful substance, such as toxic metals like Cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium, can pose nutritional issues and serious health risks, even at low concentration[ 3 ].Therefore, choosing high-quality fruit juice that are free from contaminants is essential for maximizing health benefits[ 4 ].Chemicals are an important yet less well-understood source of food borne illness[ 5 ] .Each year, 1 out of 10 people get ill from food contaminated with chemical agents[ 6 ]. Contaminated food leads to illness, reduced economic productivity, and premature death, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa[ 7 ]. Factors like water used for irrigation has caused toxic metal contamination in fruit cultivation, posing health risks and long-term damage to soil ecosystems. Soil concentrations in areas where wastewater is used for irrigation often exceed permitted limits, leading to soil contamination and elevated uptake of toxic metals by plants, compromising food quality and safety. Food additives, such as benzoic acid and sodium benzoate, play a significant role in preserving food and reducing nutritional deficiencies. However, they can also be toxic and linked to health hazards like hypersensitivity, allergies, asthma, hyperactivity, neurological damage, and cancer. Packaging materials used in fruit juice manufacturing can also contain toxic metals that can migrate into food items, posing further health risks. Fruits absorb metals from soil, air, industries, and vehicles during production, transport, and marketing, leading to toxic metal emissions. The solubility of toxic metals significantly affects their mobility and availability in the environment. Another factors such as climate, atmospheric deposition, and plant maturity all influence the uptake and bioaccumulation of toxic metals in fruits juice[ 8 ]. The environment is one of the most important factors affecting human health. In 2012, 1.7 million deaths in children under the age of five were attributed to the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four child deaths can be prevented by reducing environmental risks. Children's less diverse eating habits and higher consumption of fruit juice may increase their susceptibility to certain metals, making it a major source of dietary metal exposure[ 9 ]. Unsafe levels of metals in food can disrupt biological processes in the human body[ 10 ]. Lead and Cadmium intoxication can lead to cancer, reproductive problems, and kidney failure[ 11 ]. Nickel has harmful effects including haematological and cutaneous alterations, neurological impacts[ 2 ]. Food safety and chemical food quality maintenance are crucial, however there is a dearth of thorough information regarding the effects of hazardous metals in fruit juice on public health in Ethiopia[ 12 , 13 ]. The study aimed to identify potential health hazards in processed fruit juice consumption by children in Gondar city, Ethiopia, by analyzing the concentration of selected toxic metals and their health risks in commercially available fruit juice products. This will provide baseline information for further research and raise awareness about toxic metal contamination in processed fruit juice. Materials and Methods Study design, setting and period A laboratory based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 30 to July 30 2022 in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, a city with a population of 443,156. Cross-sectional study is a type of observational study that collects variables from a group of people. It does not collect information from multiple points in time; instead, it only collects data a single time, for a snapshot. Gondar city is the economic and cultural center of the region, with six sub-cities and 22 kebeles. Supermarkets and small shops commonly serve fruit juice, offering a variety of brands and packaging materials. All fruit juice products selected for this study were manufactured in Ethiopia which are packed with in different packaging materials. Samples of mango juices with in different packaging materials (tetra pack, glass and canned) are manufactured in Neqemte city, Western part of Ethiopia. Strawberry packed with canned and pineapple packed with carton was produced in Addis abeba, capital city of Ethiopia. Fruit juice is commonly packaged in a variety of containers, such as glass bottles, plastic bottles, and cartons. The process generally includes filling these containers with juice, sealing them to avoid contamination, and applying labels for branding and information. These techniques help keep the juice fresh and safe for consumption. The conditions under which fruit juice is packaged are vital for maintaining its quality, flavor, and nutritional content, as well as ensuring safety. The packaging process typically involves multiple steps aimed at extending the juice's shelf life and safeguarding it from contaminants. Sampling technique, sample size determination and data collection The sample size was determined based on general guidelines on sampling food techniques and methods 2015[ 14 ]. A simple random technique was used to select fruit juice brands. Eight brands of packed fruit juices (pine apple, Wow mango, 3D, 7star mango, strawberry, cocktail nectar, dada mango, and 7star) were purchased, and a minimum of 10 samples from each brand with a total of (n = 80) were collected. One sample was taken from 25 lots and 5 samples from 26–100 lots, depending on the number of cartons and containers in the lot. The collected samples were labelled and transported to the laboratory and stored in a refrigerator until digestion for toxic metal analysis[ 15 ]. A survey was conducted to measure children's consumption of processed fruit juices in Gondar city. Purposively suitable sub cities were chosen based on the majority of fruit juice brands that were available in supermarkets. Five markets-Bilk, Piassa, Chechela, Collage, and Azezo were selected. The sample size was estimated using a single proportion formula, n = z 2 Pq/d2, where n = the desired sample size, Z = the standard normal deviation usually set at 1.96 (which corresponds to a 95% confidence level), P = the proportion of the target population to have specific characteristics (50%), q = 1-p, and d = absolute accuracy, normally set as 0.05. A minimum of 384 participants were selected with a 10% non-response rate, resulting in a total sample size of 422. Instrument, reagents and chemicals All chemicals used during analysis were high-purity analytical-grade reagents (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany); sulphuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) was used for preparing chromic acid (H 2 CrO 4 ) for the purpose of socking. 69–72% HNO 3 was used for the digestion of samples. Tap water and distilled water were taken for washing, rinsing, and preparation of the sample. Certified reference material for Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni was used for the preparation of standard samples that were obtained from an India-accredited laboratory. Standard solutions of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni were prepared using the dilution of certified standard solutions (1000 ppm, Blulux) of corresponding metal ions. Target metal analysis was conducted using the 210 VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Model instruments, which were fitted with a flame atomizer. All laboratory equipment used in toxic metal analysis, such as the measuring cylinder, flasks, and beaker, was thoroughly cleaned using tap water and detergent. It was then rinsed with distilled water and soaked in diluted chromic acid before being rinsed again with distilled water. To obtain homogeneous and representative samples, samples of the same brands were properly mixed prior to analysis[ 16 , 17 ]. All calibration curves were based on seven standards. The element standard solutions used for calibration were freshly prepared by diluting stock standard solutions for each element (1000 mg/L) immediately before use. Digestion of fruit juice sample Sample digestion is usually required to destroy the organic matrix and to extract the metal ions bound in organic complexes[ 18 ]. Therefore, the samples were digested following the optimized procedure of the wet acid digestion method according to standard methods reported by AOAC [AOAC, 2000]. These optimum conditions were selected based on clarity of digestion, minimum reagent consumption, digestion time, and temperature applied for complete digestion of the samples. 4 ml of the fruit juice samples were measured and transferred to a 50 ml conical flask, mixed with 7 ml of concentrated nitric acid, and heated on a hotplate at 1800 c until a clear and colourless solution appeared. Then the flask was removed from the hotplate and cooled. The digested solutions were diluted with 10 ml deionized water and filtered through what-man no˗42 filter paper. The filtrate was then transferred into 50-ml volumetric flasks and diluted to the mark with distilled water. The diluted samples were stored in a refrigerator at 4 o C until analysis. Each sample was digested in triplicate. The digestions of blank reagents were also performed using all reagents used above except the samples. Determination of metals in the sample The metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) concentrations were determined by using the 210VGP model of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Analysis of each sample was carried out three times to obtain representative results. The setup of AAS was fitted with a specific lamp of a particular metal; the energy, current, wavelength, and slit width of each metal were all adjusted according to the instrument manual. The instrumental analysis was calibrated by preparing a series of standard solutions of the target analyte. The operating conditions of FAAS employed for each analyte are given in Table 1 , in which the slit width of the optical slit affects resolution and sensitivity; typical values range from 0.2 to 2.0 nm; specific wavelengths corresponding to the absorption lines of the target metals must be selected; each metal has its characteristic wavelength for optimal analysis; energy that helps to vaporize and atomize the sample, creating free atoms that can absorb light; and acetylene gas is the primary fuel gas used in FAAS. It burns in the flame to provide the necessary heat for atomizing the sample. Table 1 ; Instrumental operating condition for determination of metals using FAAS in packed fruit juice (n = 80) Metals Slit width (nm) Wavelength (nm) Energy Gas Cd 0.7 228.9 3.244 Acetylene Pub 0.7 217 2.566 Acetylene Cr 0.7 359 3.833 Acetylene Ni 0.2 324.7 3.792 Acetylene Concentration calculations: From the standard calibration curve equation Y = MX + b, the concentration of each metal was calculated as follows: Y = Mx + b, X = Y ± b/m, where Y = sample absorbance, b = slope of the calibration curve, M = slope of the line, and X = concentration of an unknown sample in mg/l. Data Quality assurance and control Methods The study used standard stock solutions for each metal and validated analytical procedures using juice samples. Quality control was maintained, with glassware and equipment cleaned to avoid contamination. Readings were corrected using re-agent blank determinations, and all samples were duplicated three times, and standard sampling techniques were used. The procedure for the determination of toxic metals by FAAS was evaluated for its linearity, accuracy, precision, and detection and quantification limits. Preparation of standard calibration curves Calibrations were conducted to ensure instrument functionality before quantitative metal determination. Seven working standards were prepared from toxic metal stock solutions using distilled water. The standard solution was calibrated using FAAS, with the sample and instrument aerosol formed. Analytical wavelengths, energy, and slit width were adjusted for better sensitivity. Calibration curves were plotted for metals using absorbance against concentration, and after calibration, sample solutions were aspirated into the FAAS instrument and readings recorded. The calculations involve preparing a stock solution with a specific concentration, an intermediate solution with a specific volume, and finally a working standard solution. Regression analysis ; The calibration curves for all metals demonstrated good linearity, with coefficients of determination (r2) between 0.9983 and 0.9992, which are within the acceptable limit for regression line linearity as shown in Fig. 1 that shows a standard calibration curve for cadmium as an example [ 26 ]. The instrument's calibration was confirmed by a strong correlation between concentration and absorbance, with the calibration standards and correlation coefficient values listed in Table 2 . Table 2 Calibration curve standards, correlation coefficients for determination of metals in fruit juice (n = 80) Analyte Concentration of calibration standards (mg/L) Calibration equation Correlation coefficient of calibration curves (r 2 ) Pub 0.06, 0.07, 1, 2, 4, 6.5, 8 Y = 0.991x 0.9998 Cd 0.005,0.075,1.2.5,5,.7.5,10 Y = 0.9684x + 0.0347 0.9983 Cr 0.02,0.4,1,1.5,2,5,7 Y = 0.9828x 0.9997 Ni 0.04,0.2,0.5,1,2.5,4,6 y = 0.9967x 0.9995 Precision and accuracy In this study, the precision of the result was evaluated by the relative standard deviation of the results, analyzed under the same condition. Alternatively, the accuracy of the results was evaluated by recovery studies. The fruit juice samples were spiked with a known concentration of the analyte and allowed to pass through the procedure as the sample[ 19 ]. Known concentrations of standard solutions (1000 mg/L of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) were taken. From these standard solutions, 100 ppm of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni and 10 ppm of Pb intermediate standard solutions were prepared in 50 ml, and then 1000 µL of the intermediate standard solution were added (spiked) to 0.4 ml of fruit juice samples. Then they were digested with the same digestion method as the first fruit juice samples. After diluting the spiked fruit juice samples to the required volume (50 mL) with double-distilled water, they were analyzed with the same method used for the analysis of the fruit juice sample. Triplicate samples were prepared and analyzed, and the percentage recovery is then determined by the following formula. %R = (C spike – C sample )/C added ) x 100 Where: %R = percent recovery; C spike = concentration of analyte in the spiked sample; Csample = concentration of analyte in the unspiked sample; C added = concentration of analyte spiked into the sample. Determination of detection and instrumental limits The lowest amount of analyte in a sample that can be quantitatively measured with sufficient precision and accuracy is the quantification limit of a particular analytical procedure. The quantization limit is used to determine contaminants in particular[ 20 ]. The quantization limit (LOQ) can be calculated using the response standard deviation and the slope of the calibration curve as follows: LOQ = 10Sb / b, where Sb is the blank concentration's standard deviation and b is the calibration curve's slope. The slope b can be calculated using the analyte's calibration curve. Instrumental detection limits (LOD) are directly obtained from the instrument manual for all the elements under study (Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni). It is the lowest concentration (smallest quantity) of an analyte that can be detected (without quantitative determination) using a given measuring instrument (e.g., detector). Recovery Studies (Accuracy); the accuracy of the method was evaluated by recovery studies. The percentage recoveries (%R) of the target metals were ranging from 81–115% in all fruit juice samples. The observed %R was in acceptable ranges from 80–120%, as indicated in Table 3 [ 20 ]. Therefore, the procedure used in this method is valid to determine the targeted Analyte. Relative standard deviation (Precision) : The RSD values obtained were all under the required limit as shown in Table 3 (i.e., the overall error resulting from the sample and from the methods was within the acceptable range (RSD ≤ 15%), which indicated that the analytical method, which covers digestion and instrumental measurement steps, has provided acceptable precision[ 27 ]. Method Detection Limit and Limit of Quantification The LOQ should always be below the method detection limit and is not used for compliance data reporting but may be used for statistical data analysis and comparing the attributes of different instruments[ 28 ]. Table 3 shows the instrumental detection limit ranges from 0.001–0.04 mg/l, whereas the method detection limit was 0.0024-0.08 mg/l, indicating good sensitivity of the measuring instrument for analysis. Table 3 ; Analytical percent recovery (%R), relative standard deviations (RSD %), Instrumental detection limit (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) (n = 80). Metals Recovery (%) RSD (%) LOQ(mg/l) LOD(mg/l) Cd 81.5-113.3 1.2–13 0.01 0.04 Cr 99.9–113 1.4–13.3 0.001 0.0024 Pub 100-114.5 2.17-13 0.04 0.08 Ni 90-114.3 1.87–11.1 0.01 0.03 Health risk assessment Health risk assessment of toxic metals through intake of fruit juice to human health was evaluated based on target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR).The non-carcinogenic risk of toxic metals in fruit juice for children was assessed by a model target hazard quotient (THQ)[ 21 ]. The average daily consumption of packed fruit juice by children was obtained through a formal survey conducted in the selected market cites. The mean, standard deviation, and range of average daily consumption of 422 respondents were summarized in Table 4 below. Table 4 ; Mean ± SD of daily consumption of fruit juice and age in Gondar,Ethiopia July, 2022 (n = 422) Factors Mean ± SD Minimum Maximum Average daily consumption 0.28 l/week ± 0.095 0.25 l/week 2 l/week Age 6yrs ± 2.54yrs 3yrs 14yrs Among 422 respondents 72.9% were 3–6 years old and 27.1% were 7–14 years old children and 60.6% were female and 39.4% were male. THQ = CDI/RfD, Eq. (1) Where CDI refers to chronic daily intake and is the estimated amount of intake of toxic metals per kilogram of body weight, and RfD refers to the toxic metals' oral reference dose (mg/kg) obtained from oral exposure. RfD for Cd, Pb, As, and Cr is 0.0005, 0.0085, 0.0003, and 0.0009 mg/kg, respectively[ 22 ]. CDI = C× IRi × EFi × EDi / BWi × AT Eq. (2). where C is the concentration (mg/L) of TMs in FJ, IRi is the average daily consumption rate of FJ in children in L/day were obtained 0.238 liter per a week and convert it into Liter/day= (34 g/day) from table 9, EFi is the exposure frequency(365 days/year), EDi is the exposure duration = 6 years, BWi is the body weight (for children is 20 kg), and AT is the average time lifespan (EF × ED) = 2190. When the THQ > 1, potential adverse effects are likely; and if THQ ≤ 1, adverse effects are not likely[ 23 ]. Hazard index (HI) is the sum of hazard quotients for trace metals and will calculate by formula[ 24 ]. HI=∑THQi ………………………….(3) For an estimate, carcinogenic risk, (CR) were calculated using the Equation(4) CR = CDI*CSF*ADAF.............Eq. 1 Where CSF is the cancer slope factor (kg/day/mg) for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni, 0.38, 0.5, 0.0085, and 1.7 kg/day/mg, respectively). The probability of the one substance to increase cancer risk via oral exposure route, and ADAF is an age-dependent adjustment factor for children, is 3 and was compared with the maximum acceptable risk suggested by the USEPA, which is ≤ 1E-6[ 25 ]. Statistical analyses Microsoft Excel was used to calculate all of the descriptive statistics. The data was then transferred to SPSS for statistical analysis. Text, tables, and graphs were used to present the data. Non-parametric tests were used because of the non-normality of the data. The results were presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). The Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple pairwise comparisons were used to examine significant variation in the concentrations of toxic metals between types of fruit juice. In order to identify the difference between the groups, multiple pairwise comparisons were done. Summarized data were presented with texts and tables. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results and Discussion Concentration of the toxic metals in fruit juice sample The present study was conducted to assess the concentration of toxic metals and health risks in commercially available packed fruit juice products. 80 samples categorized in four groups were studied; among those 50 of them were in group 1 mango juice (B1-waw mango juice, B4- 7Star, B7- Dada mango, B3-3D mango, and B8-7star plastic) with different packaging materials; 10 were pineapple (cartoon), strawberry (canned), and mixed cocktail (glass), respectively. Processed fruit juice may contain toxic metals depending on many factors, such as soil used for cultivation, irrigation of water, chemical additives, preservatives, and packaging materials. In this study, the wet digestion system was preferred because of its higher accuracy with respect to both time and recovery values. The recovery values were nearly quantitative for the wet digestion method. The median concentrations of toxic metals were determined in 80 samples, with 0.08 ± 0.026 being the median and interquartile range value of cadmium with 0.010 and 0.1 maximum and minimum values, whereas 0.004 ± 0.002 was the chromium median and interquartile values. The median concentration of the toxic metals in 80 fruit juice samples in un-spiked and spiked samples was summarized in Table 5 . Table 5 ; Median, IQR and range of toxic metals in fruit juice (n = 80) Unspiked sample Spiked sample Metals Median ± Interquartile range Minimum Maximum Median ± Interquartile range Minimum Maximum Cd 0.08 ± 0.026 0.010 0.1 0.145 ± 002 0.1 0.17 Cr 0.004 ± 0.002 0.0003 0.0081 0.009 ± 0.003 0.007 0.012 Pb 0.035 ± 0.0022 0.01 0.04 0.05 ± 0.014 0.12 0.35 Ni 0.078 ± 0.035 0.0025 0.08 0.11 ± 0.025 0.08 0.14 Cadmium (Cd) The concentrations of cadmium in this study were found to be in the range of 0.01 and 0.1, with a median value of 0.08 mg/l. Cadmium concentrations in samples were higher than international limits recommended by FAO/WHO, which are 0.05 mg/l [ 29 ]. It is a non-essential toxic heavy metal in foods and natural waters, and it accumulates principally in the kidneys, liver and its poisoning can result in cancer as well as skeletal system, bone demineralization, and respiratory problems[ 30 ]. Cadmium levels were lower in this study than conducted in Iraq and India, which found the concentration of Cd vary from 0.01 to 2.40 mg/l and 0.02 to 0.9 mg/l [ 31 ]. Another study from Nigeria also tested the level of Cd as 0.01–5.68 mg/l which higher than in the present study [ 32 ]. Measured Cadmium in Brazil, the concentration levels were 0.035–0.062 mg/l, which is lower than in the current study. In another study, the authors noted that in fruit juices from Romania, the Cd levels varied from 0.012 to 0.142 mg/l [ 33 ]. In this study, the highest cadmium concentration was found in strawberry (canned) and lower in mango and coctail (glass) juices as shown in Fig. 2 , which is lower than levels of Cd in strawberry juice sold in the local markets of Rwanda, which were 0.77 mg/l[ 40 ]. Study on Poland demonstrated that the content of Cd in mango juice were 0.157 mg/l which is higher than In the current study[ 38 ]. The method utilized for the analysis, the analytical solvents employed, the digestive process, or the apparatus or instrument used for detection could all be to blame for the variation in concentration. In 1993, cadmium and its compounds were declared as carcinogenic factors in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). According to FAO/WHO recommendations, tolerable weekly intake of cadmium is 0.4–0.5 mg, and the maximum allowable dose is 60–70 µ g/day[ 29 , 44 ]. Chromium (Cr) The concentration of chromium in this study was found in the range of 0.0003 to 0.0081 mg/l, with the median value of 0.004 mg/l. Chromium concentrations in samples were lower than national and international requirements and legal limits recommended by FAO/WHO, which are 0.005 mg/l[ 34 ]. A study from Nigerian metropolis, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan reported concentration of chromium 0.172 ± 0.05 mg/l, 5.93 ± 0.92 and 0.039 mg/l respectively which is higher than the present study[ 35 , 36 ]. Figure 3 shows the highest concentrations of chromium were found in pineapple juice (cartoon) and mango juice (0.004 mg/l), and the lowest concentrations were in strawberry (0.0036 mg/l) and (0.0031 mg/l) in a mixed cocktail (glass). A study from Saudi Arabia presents a chromium level of 0.0078 mg/l in mango juice brands, which is higher than the current study. The level of chromium in strawberry juice was reported as 0.006 mg/l in a similar study, which was also higher than in the current study[ 42 ]. Cr concentration ranged between 0.018 mg/L in the juice samples collected from a market in Spain[ 45 ]. In other studies, chromium levels in different fruit juice sample have been reported relatively higher than the maximum standard limit set by FAO/WHO for Chromium. The variation in concentration may be from Digestion procedure, instrument used, packaging material and method of production. Low levels of chromium cause DNA-bound with chromium (III) ions that may contribute to chromium mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by altering the kinetics and fidelity of DNA replication. Also, excess exposure to chromate compounds has long been associated with diseases of the respiratory system. Excess amounts may cause allergy, produce pulmonary sensitization and bronchogenic carcinomas [ 3 ]. Lead (Pb) In this study, lead concentrations range from 0.01 to 0.04 mg/l and a median value of 0.035 mg/l in all fruit juice samples, which is lower than the maximum standard limit of lead in fruit juice set by the FAO/WHO [ 37 ]. A study in Poland done on different types of fruit juice present a level of lead(Pb) of approximately 0.01mg/l which is lower than the current study[ 38 ]. Studies conducted In Iran and Ghana, the range of concentration for Pb in fruit juices was 0.028–0.07 mg/l and 0.90–1.59 mg/l, respectively, which were higher than the maximum permissible limit and the current study[ 39 ].Study from Iran reported the level of Pb as 0.028 to 0.067mg/l which is relatively similar to the current study[ 40 ]. The concentration of Lead in strawberry (canned) and mixed cocktail (glass) were found to be higher (0.036mg/l) while the lowest concentration noted in mango and pineapple (cartoon) fruit juice samples (0.03115 and 0.031 mg/l) respectively in present study as indicated in Fig. 4 . Similar study in Iran were found the concentration for Pb in fruit canned juice 0.91 mg/l which was higher than the present study found for canned fruit juice samples[ 46 ]. A study in Saudi Arabia demonstrated that the level of Pb in mango juice samples were 0.027 mg/l which is less than the maximum permissible limit set by CODEX and lower than in the present study[ 28 ]. In products from Egypt, found the concentration of lead (Pb) in pineapple nectar juice at 0.012 mg/l which is lower than this study. Similar study also found that high concentration of Pb in mixed cocktail juice (0.05mg/l) that is higher than in current study[ 34 ]. The causes of the concentration difference could be the irrigation water, the digestive process, or the preservatives utilized. Even at relatively low levels, lead causes serious health impacts. It can harm the developing neural systems and cause death by crossing the placenta. Pb damages the kidneys, liver, heart, vascular and immunological systems, and can result in both acute and chronic poisoning[99]. Nickel In this investigation, the concentration of nickel ranged from 0.0025 to 0.08 mg/l with a median value of 0.078 mg/l. The level of nickel found in this study was greater than the maximum level of nickel set by WHO, which is 0.07 mg/l [ 41 ]. A study from Saudi Arabia demonstrated the range of Ni in different packed fruit juice varies from 0.0091 to 0.0573 mg/l which is lower than the current study and WHO limits [ 42 ]. A study in Nigeria, found that the mean concentration of all trace metals present in fruit juices was 0.217 mg/l in different fruit juice products which is higher than the present study and WHO[ 43 ]. In this study the highest concentrations of Ni were recorded in pineapple nectar cartoon juice (0.07 mg/l), strawberry canned (0.062 mg/l), and mixed cocktail (0.0565), while mango juice had the lowest level of Ni (0.034mg/l) as shown in Fig. 5 . A study in Pakistan demonstrated the higher level of Ni (12 mg/l) in canned fruit juice, which is very high from the WHO limit, and the current study[ 42 ]. Another study present the highest concentration of Ni in pineapple nectar (0.391mg/l) which also higher than the current study[ 47 ]. The observed variation of toxic metal concentration in different processed fruit juice samples might be due to fruit juice processing method, natural content of metals in the fruit, meteorological circumstances, and procedure of analysis conditions, analytical solvents used, digestion technique, and instrumentation. Nickel plays an important role in biological systems such as enzyme activities in hormonal control and in RNA, DNA, and protein structural function. Symptoms of Ni toxicity include dizziness, short and rapid respiration, and cyanosis[ 48 ]. Kruskal-Wallis test A Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to examine the median differences of cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel content in the packed fruit juice samples according to the type of ingredient of fruit juice in 80 fruit juice samples. Table 6 shows that the values of nickel (p-value = 0.001) and chromium (p-value = 0.018) were found to be statistically significant in the four groups of fruit juice samples. And a significant statistical difference was shown in chromium and nickel among eighty fruit juice samples and between the groups of the juice based on their ingredients. This might be because the fruit juice processing method and the natural content of metals in the fruit species may affect the concentration of chromium and nickel[ 30 ]. Table 6 ; Median value of toxic metal in 4 ingredient of fruit juice (n = 80) Metals Mango Pineapple Strawberry Cocktail p-value Cd 0.056 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.055 Cr 0.004 0.0051 0.0036 0.0031 0.018* Pub 0.031 0.0315 0.0353 0.036 0.68 Ni 0.034 0.07 0.062 0.0565 0.001* *p-value < 0.05 Toxic metals, such as cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel, are found in fruit juice processing and packaging materials due to environmental exposure, pollution, and the combustion of fuel in refinery processes, industrial emissions, and packaging materials like colorants and stabilizers in plastic. It is also known to be highly contaminated by phosphate-based fertilizer that is used in the plantation. Toxic metals are of great interest in the analysis of fruit juice because of its toxicity, which has implications for health[ 49 ]. Health risk assessment Based on the above equation THQ, HI and CR for children are summarized in the Table 7 Table 7 ; THQ, CR and HI for toxic metals Metals THQ CR HI Cd 0.96 1.57*10 − 7 1.5365 Cr 0.75 4.3*10 − 4 Pb 1.5339 2.25*10 − 6 Ni 0.0026 1.9*10 − 5 Health risk assessment associated with toxic metal contamination in processed fruits products for children was calculated by estimating the target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) for individual metals based on estimated daily intake (CDI). It is one of the vital health risk assessment tools. It takes into account the frequency and duration of exposure and the bodyweight of the exposed persons[ 51 ]. In general, health risk due to metal contamination depends on the average daily dietary intake and metal concentration in the food[ 52 ]. The non-carcinogenic risk was estimated by THQ for toxic metals and ranked as Pb > Cd > Cr > Pb and the hazard index for all metals, HI = 1.5365, which is higher than 1, implies adverse health effects will occur. Carcinogenic risk of toxic metals was estimated by CR and ranked as Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd. THQ for Pb in all fruit juice samples is greater, which indicates that there will be a non-carcinogen health risk for children, and the remaining metals were less than 1, which implies no potential adverse effects are expected. A study from Pakistan on quantification of metals presented the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of Pb, which were relatively high and similar to the current study. But target cancer risk (TCR) assessment indicates that these metals were within the acceptable limit. Another study in Iran from the Teheran market found that THQ for Pb in children was less than 1[ 53 ]. THQ of Pb were lower in Poland than current study [ 53 ]. The observed health risks and cancer risk in the fruit juice sample for children in this study is because of concentration of Cd was higher than the concentration of other metals and its Rfd was also very low. Limitation of the study The limitation of the present study was that the toxic metal analysis only included 8 brands of fruit juice samples to estimate potential health risks, which is not enough to generalize about the health risks of packed fruit juice for children. Because of the unavailability of materials for toxic metal analysis, others were not quantified. Conclusion The levels of measured toxic metals in different kinds of packed fruit juice were ranked as Cd > Ni > Pb > Cr. The concentrations of chromium and lead were below the permissible limit. While the concentrations of cadmium and nickel was above the permissible limit. High concentrations of Cadmium, Lead, and Nickel were present in strawberry (canned) and pineapple nectar (cartoon). The rank of THQ and CR were Pb > Cd > Cr > Pb and Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd, respectively. THQ were higher than 1 for Pb with regard to the current legal regulations concerning the permissible levels of toxic elements. Fruit juices stored in canned, cartoon, and glass were characterized by an elevated concentration of Cd, Pb, and Ni as compared with products with tetra packs and plastics. Within this concentration, consumption of fruit juice, particularly packed with canned, cartoon, and glass, may pose health problems for the children. Recommendation The findings of this study have led to the recommendations that follow. Strong control programs, like HACCP, should be implemented by food regulatory agencies to lower the concentration of hazardous metals in processed fruit juice and to forbid the use of materials with metal-containing layers in packaging when making commercial fruit juice. The current study indicates that processed fruit juice kept in tetra packs is preferable for kids to eat than canned, cartoon, or glass juice. Even though it is preferable to look into more research to precisely validate the results, the threats to human health, and the source and methods of metal contamination. Declarations Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics approval and consent to participate This work was reviewed and approved by the faculty's institutional ethical review board with Reference No. IPH 2069/2022, ethical approval was acquired from the Institute of Public Health's Institution Review Board at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Gondar. After being informed of the study's purpose, written informed consent was obtained. By removing names from the data as a means of identification, protecting their privacy while the data was being collected, and safeguarding individual results, the information's confidentiality was fully preserved. The right of the participants to withdraw from the study anytime they chose to do so was honored. Consent for publication Not applicable. Funding This study was funded by University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health. Author Contribution FW, ZG and MG conceived the design and research concept. FW analyzed and interpreted data and presented the results drafted. JA, LY, MG, EG and MG revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements The authors would like to express their gratitude to all of the staff in the University of Gondar's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, for their insightful remarks and helpful suggestions during the research work. Data Availability Upon reasonable request, the corresponding author can provide any necessary data that were included in the primary manuscript. References Rinke, P. & Jamin, E. Fruit juices. Food Integrity Handbook, : pp. 243–264. (2018). Enuneku, A. & Bamawo, R. Assessment of levels of Heavy Metal Contents in Foods Sold to public in Benin City, Southern Nigeria 3p. 67–74 (NIGERIAN ANNALS OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES, 2020). 1. Tadesse, M., Tsegaye, D. & Girma, G. 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Setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (Text with EEA relevance) . Official J. Eur. Comm. , 1881 . 364(20.12): (2006). Dehelean, A. & Magdas, D. A. Analysis of mineral and heavy metal content of some commercial fruit juices by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Scientific World Journal, 2013. (2013). Cherfi, A., Abdoun, S. & Gaci, O. Food survey: levels and potential health risks of chromium, lead, zinc and copper content in fruits and vegetables consumed in Algeria. Food Chem. Toxicol. 70 , 48–53 (2014). Kowalska, G. et al. Determination of the content of selected trace elements in Polish commercial fruit juices and health risk assessment. Open. Chem. 18 (1), 443–452 (2020). Mania, M., Rebeniak, M. & Postupolski, J. Food as a source of exposure to nickel . Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny , 70 (4). (2019). Additives, F. CODEX GENERAL STANDARD FOR CONTAMINANTS AND TOXINS IN FOOD AND FEED (CODEX STAN 193–1995) 1. PREAMBLE 1.1 SCOPE. Enani, M. & Farid, S. Determination of toxic elements concentration and radioactivity levels in fruit juice in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. JKAU: Eng. Sci. 22 (2), 153–170 (2011). Ofori, H., Owusu, M. & Anyebuno, G. Heavy metal Anal. fruit juice soft drinks bought retail market Accra Ghana. (2013). Abbasi, H. et al. Quantification of heavy metals and health risk assessment in processed fruits’ products. Arab. J. Chem. 13 (12), 8965–8978 (2020). Abdi, L. et al. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) samples collected from Tehran, Iran: a health risk assessment study . Int. J. Environ. Anal. Chem. , : pp. 1–12. (2020). Farid, S. & Enani, M. Levels of trace elements in commercial fruit juices in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Med. J. Islamic World Acad. Sci. 18 (1), 31–38 (2010). Eneji, I., Nurain, A. & Salawu, O. Trace metal Levels in Some Packaged Fruit Juices Sold in Makurdi Metropolis Markets, Nigeria. ChemSearch J. 6 (2), 42–49 (2015). Savić, S. R. et al. The presence of minerals in clear orange juices. Adv. Technol. 4 (2), 71–78 (2015). Garcıa, E. et al. Chromium levels in potable water, fruit juices and soft drinks: influence on dietary intake. Sci. Total Environ. 241 (1–3), 143–150 (1999). Łukomska, A. et al. The effect of low levels of lead (Pb) in the blood on levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and expression of S1P receptor 1 in the brain of the rat in the perinatal period. 166: pp. 221–229. (2017). Fatima, N., Khan, M. & Kabeer, M. S. Evaluation of heavy metals content in the canned/packed fruit juices from local and imported origin in Lahore, Pakistan. J. Food Saf. Hygiene . 6 (4), 183–197 (2020). Hussen, F. M. A. Activated carbon from Cyclamen Persicum Tubers for Diclofenac removal from aqueous solution . (2013). Dugo, G. et al. Determination of Cd (II), Cu (II), Pb (II), and Zn (II) content in commercial vegetable oils using derivative potentiometric stripping analysis . 87 (4): pp. 639–645. (2004). Sharma, R. C., Singh, N. & Chauhan, A. The influence of physico-chemical parameters on phytoplankton distribution in a head water stream of Garhwal Himalayas: a case study. Egypt. J. Aquat. Res. 42 (1), 11–21 (2016). Adusei-Mensah, F. et al. Heavy metal content and health risk assessment of commonly patronized herbal medicinal preparations from the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. J. Environ. Health Sci. Eng. 17 (2), 609–618 (2019). Anand, S. & Sati, N. Artificial preservatives and their harmful effects: looking toward nature for safer alternatives. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Res. 4 (7), 2496–2501 (2013). Fathabad, A. E. et al. Determination of heavy metal content of processed fruit products from Tehran's market using ICP-OES: a risk assessment study. Food Chem. Toxicol. 115 , 436–446 (2018). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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10:28:11","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":15105,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDistribution of cadmium concentration in fruit juice samples in Gondar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2022 (n=80).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6554160/v1/3bbeab3c9d43569ff467a76e.png"},{"id":83280930,"identity":"a3e2a76b-0b15-4697-8f86-1dc68ea599f5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-22 10:20:11","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":15446,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDistribution of cadmium concentration in fruit juice samples in Gondar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2022 (n=80).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6554160/v1/e6aa9fa48865745f55bf83f7.png"},{"id":83282411,"identity":"2a63990f-184b-403c-a026-e3c7b7aeb13a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-22 10:36:11","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":14743,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDistribution of lead concentration in fruit juice samples in Gondar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2022 (n=80).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6554160/v1/7082651189b2ef5262a93096.png"},{"id":83280933,"identity":"8d74e186-7ed1-4c01-b56d-5b171976685e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-05-22 10:20:11","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":14300,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDistribution of lead concentration in fruit juice samples in Gondar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2022 (n=80).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6554160/v1/1c2797ef1e7e05f71f644237.png"},{"id":94490751,"identity":"7386515e-c073-45ba-87dd-0492bf3d46ee","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-27 17:14:42","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1305030,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6554160/v1/d4068cf0-b6e4-438a-9a3d-62cc24f50523.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Toxic metals and health risks in commercially available packed fruit juice products for children in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eOver the past two decades, the popularity of fruit juices, a non-alcoholic beverage, has significantly increased due to their rich nutritional content[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Over the past 20 years, fruit juice consumption has surged, with children aged 2 to 18 accounting for 50% of global intake, particularly in low income countries and Australasia[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFruit juices can have a positive effect on promoting health and reducing disease risk, however, it is important to be aware that presence of harmful substance, such as toxic metals like Cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium, can pose nutritional issues and serious health risks, even at low concentration[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].Therefore, choosing high-quality fruit juice that are free from contaminants is essential for maximizing health benefits[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e].Chemicals are an important yet less well-understood source of food borne illness[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] .Each year, 1 out of 10 people get ill from food contaminated with chemical agents[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Contaminated food leads to illness, reduced economic productivity, and premature death, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Factors like water used for irrigation has caused toxic metal contamination in fruit cultivation, posing health risks and long-term damage to soil ecosystems. Soil concentrations in areas where wastewater is used for irrigation often exceed permitted limits, leading to soil contamination and elevated uptake of toxic metals by plants, compromising food quality and safety. Food additives, such as benzoic acid and sodium benzoate, play a significant role in preserving food and reducing nutritional deficiencies. However, they can also be toxic and linked to health hazards like hypersensitivity, allergies, asthma, hyperactivity, neurological damage, and cancer. Packaging materials used in fruit juice manufacturing can also contain toxic metals that can migrate into food items, posing further health risks. Fruits absorb metals from soil, air, industries, and vehicles during production, transport, and marketing, leading to toxic metal emissions. The solubility of toxic metals significantly affects their mobility and availability in the environment. Another factors such as climate, atmospheric deposition, and plant maturity all influence the uptake and bioaccumulation of toxic metals in fruits juice[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe environment is one of the most important factors affecting human health. In 2012, 1.7\u0026nbsp;million deaths in children under the age of five were attributed to the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four child deaths can be prevented by reducing environmental risks. Children's less diverse eating habits and higher consumption of fruit juice may increase their susceptibility to certain metals, making it a major source of dietary metal exposure[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. Unsafe levels of metals in food can disrupt biological processes in the human body[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Lead and Cadmium intoxication can lead to cancer, reproductive problems, and kidney failure[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Nickel has harmful effects including haematological and cutaneous alterations, neurological impacts[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Food safety and chemical food quality maintenance are crucial, however there is a dearth of thorough information regarding the effects of hazardous metals in fruit juice on public health in Ethiopia[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study aimed to identify potential health hazards in processed fruit juice consumption by children in Gondar city, Ethiopia, by analyzing the concentration of selected toxic metals and their health risks in commercially available fruit juice products. This will provide baseline information for further research and raise awareness about toxic metal contamination in processed fruit juice.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy design, setting and period\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA laboratory based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 30 to July 30 2022 in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, a city with a population of 443,156. Cross-sectional study is a type of observational study that collects variables from a group of people. It does not collect information from multiple points in time; instead, it only collects data a single time, for a snapshot. Gondar city is the economic and cultural center of the region, with six sub-cities and 22 kebeles. Supermarkets and small shops commonly serve fruit juice, offering a variety of brands and packaging materials. All fruit juice products selected for this study were manufactured in Ethiopia which are packed with in different packaging materials. Samples of mango juices with in different packaging materials (tetra pack, glass and canned) are manufactured in Neqemte city, Western part of Ethiopia. Strawberry packed with canned and pineapple packed with carton was produced in Addis abeba, capital city of Ethiopia. Fruit juice is commonly packaged in a variety of containers, such as glass bottles, plastic bottles, and cartons. The process generally includes filling these containers with juice, sealing them to avoid contamination, and applying labels for branding and information. These techniques help keep the juice fresh and safe for consumption. The conditions under which fruit juice is packaged are vital for maintaining its quality, flavor, and nutritional content, as well as ensuring safety. The packaging process typically involves multiple steps aimed at extending the juice's shelf life and safeguarding it from contaminants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSampling technique, sample size determination and data collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sample size was determined based on general guidelines on sampling food techniques and methods 2015[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. A simple random technique was used to select fruit juice brands. Eight brands of packed fruit juices (pine apple, Wow mango, 3D, 7star mango, strawberry, cocktail nectar, dada mango, and 7star) were purchased, and a minimum of 10 samples from each brand with a total of (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;80) were collected. One sample was taken from 25 lots and 5 samples from 26\u0026ndash;100 lots, depending on the number of cartons and containers in the lot. The collected samples were labelled and transported to the laboratory and stored in a refrigerator until digestion for toxic metal analysis[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA survey was conducted to measure children's consumption of processed fruit juices in Gondar city. Purposively suitable sub cities were chosen based on the majority of fruit juice brands that were available in supermarkets. Five markets-Bilk, Piassa, Chechela, Collage, and Azezo were selected. The sample size was estimated using a single proportion formula, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;z\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e Pq/d2, where n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;the desired sample size, Z\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;the standard normal deviation usually set at 1.96 (which corresponds to a 95% confidence level), P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;the proportion of the target population to have specific characteristics (50%), q\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1-p, and d\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;absolute accuracy, normally set as 0.05. A minimum of 384 participants were selected with a 10% non-response rate, resulting in a total sample size of 422.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstrument, reagents and chemicals\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll chemicals used during analysis were high-purity analytical-grade reagents (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany); sulphuric acid (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e) was used for preparing chromic acid (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eCrO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e) for the purpose of socking. 69\u0026ndash;72% HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e was used for the digestion of samples. Tap water and distilled water were taken for washing, rinsing, and preparation of the sample. Certified reference material for Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni was used for the preparation of standard samples that were obtained from an India-accredited laboratory. Standard solutions of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni were prepared using the dilution of certified standard solutions (1000 ppm, Blulux) of corresponding metal ions. Target metal analysis was conducted using the 210 VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Model instruments, which were fitted with a flame atomizer. All laboratory equipment used in toxic metal analysis, such as the measuring cylinder, flasks, and beaker, was thoroughly cleaned using tap water and detergent. It was then rinsed with distilled water and soaked in diluted chromic acid before being rinsed again with distilled water. To obtain homogeneous and representative samples, samples of the same brands were properly mixed prior to analysis[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. All calibration curves were based on seven standards. The element standard solutions used for calibration were freshly prepared by diluting stock standard solutions for each element (1000 mg/L) immediately before use.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDigestion of fruit juice sample\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSample digestion is usually required to destroy the organic matrix and to extract the metal ions bound in organic complexes[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, the samples were digested following the optimized procedure of the wet acid digestion method according to standard methods reported by AOAC [AOAC, 2000]. These optimum conditions were selected based on clarity of digestion, minimum reagent consumption, digestion time, and temperature applied for complete digestion of the samples. 4 ml of the fruit juice samples were measured and transferred to a 50 ml conical flask, mixed with 7 ml of concentrated nitric acid, and heated on a hotplate at 1800 c until a clear and colourless solution appeared. Then the flask was removed from the hotplate and cooled. The digested solutions were diluted with 10 ml deionized water and filtered through what-man no˗42 filter paper. The filtrate was then transferred into 50-ml volumetric flasks and diluted to the mark with distilled water. The diluted samples were stored in a refrigerator at 4\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC until analysis. Each sample was digested in triplicate. The digestions of blank reagents were also performed using all reagents used above except the samples.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetermination of metals in the sample\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) concentrations were determined by using the 210VGP model of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Analysis of each sample was carried out three times to obtain representative results. The setup of AAS was fitted with a specific lamp of a particular metal; the energy, current, wavelength, and slit width of each metal were all adjusted according to the instrument manual. The instrumental analysis was calibrated by preparing a series of standard solutions of the target analyte. The operating conditions of FAAS employed for each analyte are given in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, in which the slit width of the optical slit affects resolution and sensitivity; typical values range from 0.2 to 2.0 nm; specific wavelengths corresponding to the absorption lines of the target metals must be selected; each metal has its characteristic wavelength for optimal analysis; energy that helps to vaporize and atomize the sample, creating free atoms that can absorb light; and acetylene gas is the primary fuel gas used in FAAS. It burns in the flame to provide the necessary heat for atomizing the sample.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e; Instrumental operating condition for determination of metals using FAAS in packed fruit juice (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;80)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMetals\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSlit width (nm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWavelength (nm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGas\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e228.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.244\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAcetylene\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePub\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e217\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.566\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAcetylene\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e359\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.833\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAcetylene\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e324.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.792\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAcetylene\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eConcentration calculations:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom the standard calibration curve equation Y\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;MX\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;b, the concentration of each metal was calculated as follows: Y\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Mx\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;b, X\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Y\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;b/m, where Y\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;sample absorbance, b\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;slope of the calibration curve, M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;slope of the line, and X\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;concentration of an unknown sample in mg/l.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eData Quality assurance and control Methods\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study used standard stock solutions for each metal and validated analytical procedures using juice samples. Quality control was maintained, with glassware and equipment cleaned to avoid contamination. Readings were corrected using re-agent blank determinations, and all samples were duplicated three times, and standard sampling techniques were used. The procedure for the determination of toxic metals by FAAS was evaluated for its linearity, accuracy, precision, and detection and quantification limits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePreparation of standard calibration curves\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalibrations were conducted to ensure instrument functionality before quantitative metal determination. Seven working standards were prepared from toxic metal stock solutions using distilled water. The standard solution was calibrated using FAAS, with the sample and instrument aerosol formed. Analytical wavelengths, energy, and slit width were adjusted for better sensitivity. Calibration curves were plotted for metals using absorbance against concentration, and after calibration, sample solutions were aspirated into the FAAS instrument and readings recorded. The calculations involve preparing a stock solution with a specific concentration, an intermediate solution with a specific volume, and finally a working standard solution.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eRegression analysis\u003c/b\u003e; The calibration curves for all metals demonstrated good linearity, with coefficients of determination (r2) between 0.9983 and 0.9992, which are within the acceptable limit for regression line linearity as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e that shows a standard calibration curve for cadmium as an example [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. The instrument's calibration was confirmed by a strong correlation between concentration and absorbance, with the calibration standards and correlation coefficient values listed in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalibration curve standards, correlation coefficients for determination of metals in fruit juice (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;80)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalyte\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConcentration of calibration standards (mg/L)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalibration equation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCorrelation coefficient of calibration curves (r\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePub\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.06, 0.07, 1, 2, 4, 6.5, 8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.991x\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9998\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.005,0.075,1.2.5,5,.7.5,10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9684x\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;0.0347\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9983\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02,0.4,1,1.5,2,5,7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eY\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9828x\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9997\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04,0.2,0.5,1,2.5,4,6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ey\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9967x\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9995\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePrecision and accuracy\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, the precision of the result was evaluated by the relative standard deviation of the results, analyzed under the same condition. Alternatively, the accuracy of the results was evaluated by recovery studies. The fruit juice samples were spiked with a known concentration of the analyte and allowed to pass through the procedure as the sample[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Known concentrations of standard solutions (1000 mg/L of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) were taken. From these standard solutions, 100 ppm of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni and 10 ppm of Pb intermediate standard solutions were prepared in 50 ml, and then 1000 \u0026micro;L of the intermediate standard solution were added (spiked) to 0.4 ml of fruit juice samples. Then they were digested with the same digestion method as the first fruit juice samples. After diluting the spiked fruit juice samples to the required volume (50 mL) with double-distilled water, they were analyzed with the same method used for the analysis of the fruit juice sample. Triplicate samples were prepared and analyzed, and the percentage recovery is then determined by the following formula.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e%R = (C\u003csub\u003espike\u003c/sub\u003e \u0026ndash; C\u003csub\u003esample\u003c/sub\u003e)/C\u003csub\u003eadded\u003c/sub\u003e) x 100\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere: %R\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;percent recovery; C\u003csub\u003espike\u003c/sub\u003e = concentration of analyte in the spiked sample; Csample\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;concentration of analyte in the unspiked sample; C\u003csub\u003eadded\u003c/sub\u003e = concentration of analyte spiked into the sample.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eDetermination of detection and instrumental limits\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe lowest amount of analyte in a sample that can be quantitatively measured with sufficient precision and accuracy is the quantification limit of a particular analytical procedure. The quantization limit is used to determine contaminants in particular[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. The quantization limit (LOQ) can be calculated using the response standard deviation and the slope of the calibration curve as follows: LOQ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;10Sb / b, where Sb is the blank concentration's standard deviation and b is the calibration curve's slope. The slope b can be calculated using the analyte's calibration curve. Instrumental detection limits (LOD) are directly obtained from the instrument manual for all the elements under study (Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni). It is the lowest concentration (smallest quantity) of an analyte that can be detected (without quantitative determination) using a given measuring instrument (e.g., detector).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eRecovery Studies (Accuracy);\u003c/b\u003e the accuracy of the method was evaluated by recovery studies. The percentage recoveries (%R) of the target metals were ranging from 81\u0026ndash;115% in all fruit juice samples. The observed %R was in acceptable ranges from 80\u0026ndash;120%, as indicated in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Therefore, the procedure used in this method is valid to determine the targeted Analyte.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRelative standard deviation (Precision)\u003c/b\u003e: The RSD values obtained were all under the required limit as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e (i.e., the overall error resulting from the sample and from the methods was within the acceptable range (RSD\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;15%), which indicated that the analytical method, which covers digestion and instrumental measurement steps, has provided acceptable precision[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMethod Detection Limit and Limit of Quantification\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe LOQ should always be below the method detection limit and is not used for compliance data reporting but may be used for statistical data analysis and comparing the attributes of different instruments[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows the instrumental detection limit ranges from 0.001\u0026ndash;0.04 mg/l, whereas the method detection limit was 0.0024-0.08 mg/l, indicating good sensitivity of the measuring instrument for analysis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e; Analytical percent recovery (%R), relative standard deviations (RSD %), Instrumental detection limit (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;80).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMetals\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecovery (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRSD (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLOQ(mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLOD(mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.5-113.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u0026ndash;13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e99.9\u0026ndash;113\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u0026ndash;13.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.0024\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePub\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100-114.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.17-13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90-114.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.87\u0026ndash;11.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eHealth risk assessment\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth risk assessment of toxic metals through intake of fruit juice to human health was evaluated based on target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR).The non-carcinogenic risk of toxic metals in fruit juice for children was assessed by a model target hazard quotient (THQ)[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. The average daily consumption of packed fruit juice by children was obtained through a formal survey conducted in the selected market cites. The mean, standard deviation, and range of average daily consumption of 422 respondents were summarized in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e below.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e; Mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD of daily consumption of fruit juice and age in Gondar,Ethiopia July, 2022 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;422)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFactors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;SD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage daily consumption\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.28 l/week\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.095\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25 l/week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 l/week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6yrs\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.54yrs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3yrs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14yrs\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmong 422 respondents 72.9% were 3\u0026ndash;6 years old and 27.1% were 7\u0026ndash;14 years old children and 60.6% were female and 39.4% were male.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTHQ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;CDI/RfD, \u003cb\u003eEq.\u0026nbsp;(1)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere CDI refers to chronic daily intake and is the estimated amount of intake of toxic metals per kilogram of body weight, and RfD refers to the toxic metals' oral reference dose (mg/kg) obtained from oral exposure. RfD for Cd, Pb, As, and Cr is 0.0005, 0.0085, 0.0003, and 0.0009 mg/kg, respectively[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCDI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;C\u0026times; IRi \u0026times; EFi \u0026times; EDi\u003cb\u003e/\u003c/b\u003eBWi \u0026times; AT Eq.\u0026nbsp;(2). where C is the concentration (mg/L) of TMs in FJ, IRi is the average daily consumption rate of FJ in children in L/day were obtained 0.238 liter per a week and convert it into Liter/day= (34 g/day) from table 9, EFi is the exposure frequency(365 days/year), EDi is the exposure duration\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6 years, BWi is the body weight (for children is 20 kg), and AT is the average time lifespan (EF \u0026times; ED)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2190. When the THQ\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1, potential adverse effects are likely; and if THQ\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;1, adverse effects are not likely[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eHazard index (HI)\u003c/b\u003e is the sum of hazard quotients for trace metals and will calculate by formula[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eHI=\u0026sum;THQi \u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;\u0026hellip;.(3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor an estimate, carcinogenic risk, (CR) were calculated using the\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEquation(4)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;CDI*CSF*ADAF.............Eq.\u0026nbsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere CSF is the cancer slope factor (kg/day/mg) for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni, 0.38, 0.5, 0.0085, and 1.7 kg/day/mg, respectively). The probability of the one substance to increase cancer risk via oral exposure route, and ADAF is an age-dependent adjustment factor for children, is 3 and was compared with the maximum acceptable risk suggested by the USEPA, which is \u0026le;\u0026thinsp;1E-6[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analyses\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMicrosoft Excel was used to calculate all of the descriptive statistics. The data was then transferred to SPSS for statistical analysis. Text, tables, and graphs were used to present the data. Non-parametric tests were used because of the non-normality of the data. The results were presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). The Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple pairwise comparisons were used to examine significant variation in the concentrations of toxic metals between types of fruit juice. In order to identify the difference between the groups, multiple pairwise comparisons were done. Summarized data were presented with texts and tables. A P-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eConcentration of the toxic metals in fruit juice sample\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe present study was conducted to assess the concentration of toxic metals and health risks in commercially available packed fruit juice products. 80 samples categorized in four groups were studied; among those 50 of them were in group 1 mango juice (B1-waw mango juice, B4- 7Star, B7- Dada mango, B3-3D mango, and B8-7star plastic) with different packaging materials; 10 were pineapple (cartoon), strawberry (canned), and mixed cocktail (glass), respectively. Processed fruit juice may contain toxic metals depending on many factors, such as soil used for cultivation, irrigation of water, chemical additives, preservatives, and packaging materials. In this study, the wet digestion system was preferred because of its higher accuracy with respect to both time and recovery values. The recovery values were nearly quantitative for the wet digestion method.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe median concentrations of toxic metals were determined in 80 samples, with 0.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.026 being the median and interquartile range value of cadmium with 0.010 and 0.1 maximum and minimum values, whereas 0.004\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002 was the chromium median and interquartile values. The median concentration of the toxic metals in 80 fruit juice samples in un-spiked and spiked samples was summarized in Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e; Median, IQR and range of toxic metals in fruit juice (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;80)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnspiked sample\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth colspan=\"3\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSpiked sample\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMetals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedian\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;Interquartile range\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMedian\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;Interquartile range\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMinimum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMaximum\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.026\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.010\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.145\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.004\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.002\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0081\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.009\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.003\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.007\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.012\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.035\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.0022\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.014\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.078\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.035\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0025\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.11\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.025\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eCadmium (Cd)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe concentrations of cadmium in this study were found to be in the range of 0.01 and 0.1, with a median value of 0.08 mg/l. Cadmium concentrations in samples were higher than international limits recommended by FAO/WHO, which are 0.05 mg/l [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. It is a non-essential toxic heavy metal in foods and natural waters, and it accumulates principally in the kidneys, liver and its poisoning can result in cancer as well as skeletal system, bone demineralization, and respiratory problems[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCadmium levels were lower in this study than conducted in Iraq and India, which found the concentration of Cd vary from 0.01 to 2.40 mg/l and 0.02 to 0.9 mg/l [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]. Another study from Nigeria also tested the level of Cd as 0.01\u0026ndash;5.68 mg/l which higher than in the present study [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. Measured Cadmium in Brazil, the concentration levels were 0.035\u0026ndash;0.062 mg/l, which is lower than in the current study. In another study, the authors noted that in fruit juices from Romania, the Cd levels varied from 0.012 to 0.142 mg/l [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. In this study, the highest cadmium concentration was found in strawberry (canned) and lower in mango and coctail (glass) juices as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e, which is lower than levels of Cd in strawberry juice sold in the local markets of Rwanda, which were 0.77 mg/l[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]. Study on Poland demonstrated that the content of Cd in mango juice were 0.157 mg/l which is higher than In the current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. The method utilized for the analysis, the analytical solvents employed, the digestive process, or the apparatus or instrument used for detection could all be to blame for the variation in concentration. In 1993, cadmium and its compounds were declared as carcinogenic factors in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). According to FAO/WHO recommendations, tolerable weekly intake of cadmium is 0.4\u0026ndash;0.5 mg, and the maximum allowable dose is 60\u0026ndash;70 \u0026micro; g/day[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eChromium (Cr)\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe concentration of chromium in this study was found in the range of 0.0003 to 0.0081 mg/l, with the median value of 0.004 mg/l. Chromium concentrations in samples were lower than national and international requirements and legal limits recommended by FAO/WHO, which are 0.005 mg/l[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. A study from Nigerian metropolis, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan reported concentration of chromium 0.172\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.05 mg/l, 5.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.92 and 0.039 mg/l respectively which is higher than the present study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows the highest concentrations of chromium were found in pineapple juice (cartoon) and mango juice (0.004 mg/l), and the lowest concentrations were in strawberry (0.0036 mg/l) and (0.0031 mg/l) in a mixed cocktail (glass). A study from Saudi Arabia presents a chromium level of 0.0078 mg/l in mango juice brands, which is higher than the current study. The level of chromium in strawberry juice was reported as 0.006 mg/l in a similar study, which was also higher than in the current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. Cr concentration ranged between 0.018 mg/L in the juice samples collected from a market in Spain[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e]. In other studies, chromium levels in different fruit juice sample have been reported relatively higher than the maximum standard limit set by FAO/WHO for Chromium. The variation in concentration may be from Digestion procedure, instrument used, packaging material and method of production. Low levels of chromium cause DNA-bound with chromium (III) ions that may contribute to chromium mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by altering the kinetics and fidelity of DNA replication. Also, excess exposure to chromate compounds has long been associated with diseases of the respiratory system. Excess amounts may cause allergy, produce pulmonary sensitization and bronchogenic carcinomas [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eLead (Pb)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn this study, lead concentrations range from 0.01 to 0.04 mg/l and a median value of 0.035 mg/l in all fruit juice samples, which is lower than the maximum standard limit of lead in fruit juice set by the FAO/WHO [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]. A study in Poland done on different types of fruit juice present a level of lead(Pb) of approximately 0.01mg/l which is lower than the current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies conducted In Iran and Ghana, the range of concentration for Pb in fruit juices was 0.028\u0026ndash;0.07 mg/l and 0.90\u0026ndash;1.59 mg/l, respectively, which were higher than the maximum permissible limit and the current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e].Study from Iran reported the level of Pb as 0.028 to 0.067mg/l which is relatively similar to the current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe concentration of Lead in strawberry (canned) and mixed cocktail (glass) were found to be higher (0.036mg/l) while the lowest concentration noted in mango and pineapple (cartoon) fruit juice samples (0.03115 and 0.031 mg/l) respectively in present study as indicated in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. Similar study in Iran were found the concentration for Pb in fruit canned juice 0.91 mg/l which was higher than the present study found for canned fruit juice samples[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e]. A study in Saudi Arabia demonstrated that the level of Pb in mango juice samples were 0.027 mg/l which is less than the maximum permissible limit set by CODEX and lower than in the present study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. In products from Egypt, found the concentration of lead (Pb) in pineapple nectar juice at 0.012 mg/l which is lower than this study. Similar study also found that high concentration of Pb in mixed cocktail juice (0.05mg/l) that is higher than in current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. The causes of the concentration difference could be the irrigation water, the digestive process, or the preservatives utilized. Even at relatively low levels, lead causes serious health impacts. It can harm the developing neural systems and cause death by crossing the placenta. Pb damages the kidneys, liver, heart, vascular and immunological systems, and can result in both acute and chronic poisoning[99].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eNickel\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn this investigation, the concentration of nickel ranged from 0.0025 to 0.08 mg/l with a median value of 0.078 mg/l. The level of nickel found in this study was greater than the maximum level of nickel set by WHO, which is 0.07 mg/l [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]. A study from Saudi Arabia demonstrated the range of Ni in different packed fruit juice varies from 0.0091 to 0.0573 mg/l which is lower than the current study and WHO limits [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. A study in Nigeria, found that the mean concentration of all trace metals present in fruit juices was 0.217 mg/l in different fruit juice products which is higher than the present study and WHO[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]. In this study the highest concentrations of Ni were recorded in pineapple nectar cartoon juice (0.07 mg/l), strawberry canned (0.062 mg/l), and mixed cocktail (0.0565), while mango juice had the lowest level of Ni (0.034mg/l) as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e. A study in Pakistan demonstrated the higher level of Ni (12 mg/l) in canned fruit juice, which is very high from the WHO limit, and the current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. Another study present the highest concentration of Ni in pineapple nectar (0.391mg/l) which also higher than the current study[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e]. The observed variation of toxic metal concentration in different processed fruit juice samples might be due to fruit juice processing method, natural content of metals in the fruit, meteorological circumstances, and procedure of analysis conditions, analytical solvents used, digestion technique, and instrumentation. Nickel plays an important role in biological systems such as enzyme activities in hormonal control and in RNA, DNA, and protein structural function. Symptoms of Ni toxicity include dizziness, short and rapid respiration, and cyanosis[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eKruskal-Wallis test\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted to examine the median differences of cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel content in the packed fruit juice samples according to the type of ingredient of fruit juice in 80 fruit juice samples. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e shows that the values of nickel (p-value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.001) and chromium (p-value\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.018) were found to be statistically significant in the four groups of fruit juice samples. And a significant statistical difference was shown in chromium and nickel among eighty fruit juice samples and between the groups of the juice based on their ingredients. This might be because the fruit juice processing method and the natural content of metals in the fruit species may affect the concentration of chromium and nickel[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"char\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e; Median value of toxic metal in 4 ingredient of fruit juice (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;80)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMetals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMango\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePineapple\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eStrawberry\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCocktail\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ep-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.056\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.055\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0051\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0036\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0031\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.018*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePub\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.031\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0315\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0353\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.036\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.034\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.062\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0565\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.001*\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003ctfoot\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003e*p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tfoot\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eToxic metals, such as cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel, are found in fruit juice processing and packaging materials due to environmental exposure, pollution, and the combustion of fuel in refinery processes, industrial emissions, and packaging materials like colorants and stabilizers in plastic. It is also known to be highly contaminated by phosphate-based fertilizer that is used in the plantation. Toxic metals are of great interest in the analysis of fruit juice because of its toxicity, which has implications for health[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec26\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eHealth risk assessment\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eBased on the above equation THQ, HI and CR for children are summarized in the Table \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e; THQ, CR and HI for toxic metals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMetals\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTHQ\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCR\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCd\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.57*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;7\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"4\" align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5365\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCr\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.3*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;4\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePb\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.5339\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.25*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;6\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNi\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.0026\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"char\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.9*10\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHealth risk assessment associated with toxic metal contamination in processed fruits products for children was calculated by estimating the target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) for individual metals based on estimated daily intake (CDI). It is one of the vital health risk assessment tools. It takes into account the frequency and duration of exposure and the bodyweight of the exposed persons[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e]. In general, health risk due to metal contamination depends on the average daily dietary intake and metal concentration in the food[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe non-carcinogenic risk was estimated by THQ for toxic metals and ranked as Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cd\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cr\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb and the hazard index for all metals, HI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.5365, which is higher than 1, implies adverse health effects will occur. Carcinogenic risk of toxic metals was estimated by CR and ranked as Cr\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Ni\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cd.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTHQ for Pb in all fruit juice samples is greater, which indicates that there will be a non-carcinogen health risk for children, and the remaining metals were less than 1, which implies no potential adverse effects are expected. A study from Pakistan on quantification of metals presented the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of Pb, which were relatively high and similar to the current study. But target cancer risk (TCR) assessment indicates that these metals were within the acceptable limit. Another study in Iran from the Teheran market found that THQ for Pb in children was less than 1[\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e]. THQ of Pb were lower in Poland than current study [\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e]. The observed health risks and cancer risk in the fruit juice sample for children in this study is because of concentration of Cd was higher than the concentration of other metals and its Rfd was also very low.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv id=\"Sec27\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003eLimitation of the study\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe limitation of the present study was that the toxic metal analysis only included 8 brands of fruit juice samples to estimate potential health risks, which is not enough to generalize about the health risks of packed fruit juice for children. Because of the unavailability of materials for toxic metal analysis, others were not quantified.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe levels of measured toxic metals in different kinds of packed fruit juice were ranked as Cd\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Ni\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cr. The concentrations of chromium and lead were below the permissible limit. While the concentrations of cadmium and nickel was above the permissible limit. High concentrations of Cadmium, Lead, and Nickel were present in strawberry (canned) and pineapple nectar (cartoon). The rank of THQ and CR were Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cd\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cr\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb and Cr\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Ni\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cd, respectively. THQ were higher than 1 for Pb with regard to the current legal regulations concerning the permissible levels of toxic elements. Fruit juices stored in canned, cartoon, and glass were characterized by an elevated concentration of Cd, Pb, and Ni as compared with products with tetra packs and plastics. Within this concentration, consumption of fruit juice, particularly packed with canned, cartoon, and glass, may pose health problems for the children.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec29\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRecommendation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings of this study have led to the recommendations that follow. Strong control programs, like HACCP, should be implemented by food regulatory agencies to lower the concentration of hazardous metals in processed fruit juice and to forbid the use of materials with metal-containing layers in packaging when making commercial fruit juice. The current study indicates that processed fruit juice kept in tetra packs is preferable for kids to eat than canned, cartoon, or glass juice. Even though it is preferable to look into more research to precisely validate the results, the threats to human health, and the source and methods of metal contamination.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis work was reviewed and approved by the faculty's institutional ethical review board with Reference No. IPH 2069/2022, ethical approval was acquired from the Institute of Public Health's Institution Review Board at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Gondar. After being informed of the study's purpose, written informed consent was obtained. By removing names from the data as a means of identification, protecting their privacy while the data was being collected, and safeguarding individual results, the information's confidentiality was fully preserved. The right of the participants to withdraw from the study anytime they chose to do so was honored.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study was funded by University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFW, ZG and MG conceived the design and research concept. FW analyzed and interpreted data and presented the results drafted. JA, LY, MG, EG and MG revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to express their gratitude to all of the staff in the University of Gondar's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, for their insightful remarks and helpful suggestions during the research work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUpon reasonable request, the corresponding author can provide any necessary data that were included in the primary manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRinke, P. \u0026amp; Jamin, E. \u003cem\u003eFruit juices.\u003c/em\u003e Food Integrity Handbook, : pp. 243\u0026ndash;264. 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Toxicol.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e115\u003c/b\u003e, 436\u0026ndash;446 (2018).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Toxic metals, health risk assessment, fruit juice, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, northwest Ethiopia","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6554160/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6554160/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eFruit juice is a popular non-alcoholic beverage and is consumed by children in developing countries. But long-term consumption can lead to chronic accumulation of toxic metals, posing a carcinogen risk. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of toxic metals and health risk in commercially available packed fruit juice products for children in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022. Eighty packed fruit juice samples were examined, which contain varying concentrations of toxic metals. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni ranged from 0.01\u0026ndash;0.1, 0.0003\u0026ndash;0.008, 0.01\u0026ndash;0.04, and 0.0025-0.08 mg/l, respectively. The rank of target hazard quotient (THQ) and cancer risk (CR) were Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cd\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cr\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb and Cr\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Ni\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Pb\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Cd, respectively. High concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Ni were present in strawberry and pineapple nectar, whereas mango juices were at a low level. Fruit juices stored in canned cartons and glass were characterized by an elevated level of Cd, Pb, and Ni as compared with products with tetra packs and plastic. THQ\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1 in Pb indicates that metals may pose a potential health risk for children.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Toxic metals and health risks in commercially available packed fruit juice products for children in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-05-22 10:20:06","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6554160/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-05-28T12:12:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-05-28T10:06:03+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-05-27T03:41:13+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"78374189114601639026350371282367589704","date":"2025-05-19T23:52:28+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"261231813335691573208636488810657115452","date":"2025-05-19T16:43:30+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-05-19T14:00:24+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-05-14T12:05:17+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-05-14T11:56:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-05-13T09:43:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2025-04-29T08:12:54+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"b7bb2432-ef82-4dbb-84b4-e5a263e56146","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 22nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[{"id":48759272,"name":"Health sciences/Diseases"},{"id":48759273,"name":"Health sciences/Diseases/Cancer"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-10-27T16:36:07+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-6554160","link":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-20789-x","journal":{"identity":"scientific-reports","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Scientific Reports"},"publishedOn":"2025-10-22 16:17:11","publishedOnDateReadable":"October 22nd, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-05-22 10:20:06","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1038/s41598-025-20789-x","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-20789-x","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6554160","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6554160","identity":"rs-6554160","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}