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Determination and Assessment of the Toxic Heavy Metal Elements Abstracted from the Traditional Plant Cosmetics and Medical Remedies: Case Study of Libya

Author

Listed:
  • Aiman M. Bobaker

    (Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Benghazi, Benghazi 16063, Libya)

  • Intisar Alakili

    (Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Benghazi, Benghazi 16063, Libya)

  • Sukiman B. Sarmani

    (School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Baru Bangi 43600, Malaysia)

  • Nadhir Al-Ansari

    (Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Lulea University of Technology, 97187 Lulea, Sweden)

  • Zaher Mundher Yaseen

    (Sustainable Developments in Civil Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

Abstract

Henna and walnut tree bark are widely used by Libyan women as cosmetics. They may contain lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As), which, in turn, pose a high risk to their health. This study aims to determine the levels of Pb, Cd and As in henna and walnut tree bark products sold in Libyan markets. The products were analyzed for their Pb, Cd and As content by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after a microwave acid digestion. The results showed a significant difference between the henna and walnut tree bark samples in terms of their heavy metals content ( p < 0.05). The highest heavy metal concentrations were observed in the walnut tree bark samples whereas the lowest was observed in the henna samples. In addition, 60% of the henna and 90% of the walnut tree bark samples contained Pb levels and approximately 80% of the henna and 90% the walnut tree bark samples contained Cd levels, which are much higher than the tolerance limit. However, As concentrations in all the samples were lower. The results indicated that such cosmetics expose consumers to high levels of Pb and Cd and hence, to potential health risks. Thus, studying the sources and effects of heavy metals in such cosmetics is strongly recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Aiman M. Bobaker & Intisar Alakili & Sukiman B. Sarmani & Nadhir Al-Ansari & Zaher Mundher Yaseen, 2019. "Determination and Assessment of the Toxic Heavy Metal Elements Abstracted from the Traditional Plant Cosmetics and Medical Remedies: Case Study of Libya," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:11:p:1957-:d:236575
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ayesha Al-Suwaidi & Hafiz Ahmed, 2010. "Determination of para -Phenylenediamine (PPD) in Henna in the United Arab Emirates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Agnieszka Fischer & Barbara Brodziak-Dopierała & Krzysztof Loska & Jerzy Stojko, 2017. "The Assessment of Toxic Metals in Plants Used in Cosmetics and Cosmetology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Hang Zhou & Wen-Tao Yang & Xin Zhou & Li Liu & Jiao-Feng Gu & Wen-Lei Wang & Jia-Ling Zou & Tao Tian & Pei-Qin Peng & Bo-Han Liao, 2016. "Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Species Planted in Contaminated Soils and the Health Risk Assessment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-12, March.
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