Assessment of Toxic Trace Element Exposure in Ethiopia: Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystem Quality, Food Safety, and Human Health Risks

Duration

2 years

Lead institutions

Universiteit Gent

Ethiopian Public Health Institute , Ambo University

Academic partners

Daniel Abera Denssa , Mathewos Temesgen Kebede

Project status

Ongoing

Programme

Total budget

69,851.10

Summary

This research aims to investigate the presence, distribution, and impact of toxic trace elements (TTEs) in Ethiopia’s aquatic ecosystems, edible crops, and their health risks. Industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization have led to TTEs contamination in aquatic system and food crops, thereby health hazards through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. This study will monitor TTEs level in water, sediment, fish, aquatic vegetations, and edible food crops at contaminated sites using ICP-MS. It also assess bioaccumulation level, food chain transfer, and human health risks by applying hazard quotients and carcinogenic risk indices. This project will identify contamination levels and exposure pathways while engaging policymakers, local communities, and agencies to develop sustainable solutions and improve regulations. This will help to enhance ecosystem resilience, safeguard public health, and inform long-term environmental management strategies in Ethiopia.