Dietary Risk Assessment of Microcystin Exposure from Leafy Vegetables Using KNHANES Consumption Data and Literature-Based Contamination Levels

Jeong Ah Park, Mi Sook Cho^*

Department of Nutritional Science & Food Management, Ewha Womans University

Abstract

This study assessed the dietary exposure to microcystins (MCs) through consumption of leafy vegetables in Korea by combining the data on contamination levels reported in published literature with intake and body weight data from the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The estimated daily intake (EDI) was calculated for lettuce, spinach, napa cabbage, and cabbage, and hazard indices (HI) were derived using tolerable daily intake (TDI) values from the World Health Organization (WHO, 0.04 g/kg bw/day) and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA, 0.0064 g/kg bw/day). The results showed that under low-contamination conditions, the HI values, remained below 1 across all population groups, suggesting limited current risk. However, under high-concentration scenarios, the HI values exceeded 1 substantially, reaching tens to hundreds of times higher in infants, the elderly, and high-intake groups, underscoring the vulnerability of sensitive subpopulations. Because MC concentrations vary markedly across sites and seasons—even over short periods—continuous, seasonally responsive monitoring is warranted to capture episodic peaks and protect high-risk groups. These findings highlight the importance of integrating Korean dietary patterns into exposure assessment and provide a scientific basis for proactive food-safety management amid climate-driven cyanobacterial blooms.