Abstract:
Prenatal exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including heavy metals and metalloids, poses a significant public health risk in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where environmental surveillance is limited. This study assessed maternal and fetal exposure to PTEs in maternal and umbilical cord blood samples (n = 32) collected at Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Uganda, an agricultural region with known environmental contamination. Concentrations of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were quantified using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy; cadmium was undetected. Maternal samples had significantly higher mean concentrations than cord blood (p < 0.05), suggesting partial placental filtration. Nonetheless, maternal–fetal transfer ratios ranged from 10.0% (Zn) to 50.5% (Pb), indicating fetal exposure. Based on Weighted Risk Score modeling, 68.75% of neonates and 71.88% of mothers fell into the high-risk category, primarily due to elevated levels of As, Pb, and Cr. Strong correlations between Pb–Cu (r = 0.75) and Cr–Ni (r = 0.52) suggest shared environmental sources. Findings highlight substantial in-utero exposure to neurotoxic and developmental toxicants, with potential implications for adverse birth outcomes and long-term health effects, underscoring urgent maternal-child health interventions and environmental regulation in LMIC settings.