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The aim of the present study was to analyze the chemical composition of parsley, parsnip, carrot, and celeriac cultivated at different localities (urban, or suburban/village). The concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, chromium) and essential elements (potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus) in edible plant parts were determined. Human health risks associated with chronic consumption of potentially contaminated vegetables were assessed through the use of hazard quotients. The concentrations of heavy metals and essential elements in the edible parts of the tested plants varied among plant species, cultivation locality and plant organ (leaf/root). Carrots showed the lowest levels of cadmium, nickel, and chromium accumulation, while the highest concentrations were measured for parsley leaves, with respect to average values. Metal pollution index values obtained for cities were lower than those obtained for some villages and a suburban settlement. The hazard quotient revealed the highest values for cadmium. Positive Pearson's correlation between chromium and nickel was found in many cases. Principal component analysis indicated differences in plants ability to accumulate certain nutrients and pollutants, while sample diversification was closely related to growth site properties. We sincerely hope that the present study will inspire similar investigations in other developing countries, as well as in the Western Balkans region, to obtain broader insight into vegetable food safety and local human health risk. Considering that food quality and safety are major concerns, our results should inform the relevant government authorities and provide a foundation for implementation of a system of controls over cultivation processes and vegetable quality in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is to assess heavy metals contamination in vegetables and fruits in Bangalore Rural taluk markets such as Nelamangala, Doddaballapura, Devanahalli and Hosakote. Samples randomly collected from these markets were analyzed for heavy metals, viz. Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and Copper in vegetables like Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), Radish (Raphanus sativus), Carrot (Daucus carota), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Spinach (Spinacea oleracea), Banana (Musa paradisiaca), Mango (Mangifera indica) by using standard methods, such as ICP-MS. The Metal pollution index and Hazard quotient were calculated. The results indicate that the presence of heavy metals in vegetables and fruits was beyond the permissible limits of human consumption set by FAO/WHO. Consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables may disturb biochemical and biological activities in human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted with an objective to study the concentration of heavy metals, metal pollution index and daily intake of metal in eight selected vegetables viz. R. sativus (Raddish), B. oleracea (Cabbage), B. vulgaris ssp. Cicla (Beet-root), C. sativum (Coriander), S. oleracea (Spinach), B. vulgaris var. bengalensis (Spinach plain), B. compestis (Brassica) and T. foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) collected from three local markets of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The concentrations of heavy metals in different vegetables have ranged as—Fe: 36.18–121.80, Cu: 4.58–16.6, Cr: 0.04–0.24 and Cd: 0.05–2.55 µg g−1. The trend of the sum value of daily intake of metal for vegetables was found as: B. vulgaris var. bengalensis > S. oleracea > B. vulgaris ssp. cicla > C. sativum > B. oleracea > T. foenum-graecum > B. compestis > R. sativus. The metal pollution index in B. compestis, R. sativus, S. oleracea, B. vulgaris var. bengalensis, T. foenum-graecum, B. vulgaris ssp. cicla, C. sativum and B. oleracea was ranged from 6.10–10.28, 2.83–11.17, 2.68–5.63, 2.22–6.23, 4.38–8.35, 2.2–8.16, 1.62–6.95 to 1.75–8.85, respectively. Findings revealed that metal concentration in 32% of sampled vegetables was found to be higher than the permissible limits prescribed by FAO/WHO. Regular consumption of those vegetables may cause toxicity to the primary and secondary consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation of agricultural land with wastewater leads to continuous buildup of metals at these sites which gets accumulated in the vegetables and crops growing on these sites. Not just the crops irrigated with wastewater are hazardous, in present study, we have found that vegetables growing in vicinity of wastewater drain are also not safe for human consumption. The risk associated with consumption of vegetables was assessed by calculating hazard quotient and results revealed that the hazard quotient for leafy and tuberous vegetables was higher than the safe limits in all the sites irrespective of mode of irrigation. Spinach was the most hazardous among all as the hazard quotient with respect to cobalt and copper was highest in spinach. Uptake trend of metals in all vegetables: Iron > Cobalt > Copper > Cadmium > Lead. Cadmium, a potential carcinogen was found in concentrations higher than permissible limits in many vegetables from all sites. Highest level of cadmium (1.20 mg/kg) and copper (81.33 mg/kg) was reported in site which was in vicinity of waste water drain but irrigated with ground water. Concentration of copper and lead in vegetable samples from different sites exhibited no statistically significant difference with respect to different sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was conducted to assess the risk to human health by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr) through the intake of locally grown vegetables, cereal crops and milk from wastewater irrigated site. Milk is not directly contaminated due to wastewater irrigation, but is an important route of food chain transfer of heavy metals from grass to animals. Heavy metal concentrations were several fold higher in all the collected samples from wastewater irrigated site compared to clean water irrigated ones. Cd, Pb and Ni concentrations were above the ‘safe’ limits of Indian and WHO/FAO standards in all the vegetables and cereals, but within the permissible limits in milk samples. The higher values of metal pollution index and health risk index indicated heavy metal contamination in the wastewater irrigated site that presented a significant threat of negative impact on human health. Rice and wheat grains contained less heavy metals as compared to the vegetables, but health risk was greater due to higher contribution of cereals in the diet. The study suggests that wastewater irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in food stuff causing potential health risks to consumers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A total of six vegetables (S. tuberosum, D. carota, S. lycopersicum, A. esculentus, S. oleracea and B. juncea) were analysed for five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) to evaluate the contamination load in vegetables collected from five cultivated and two market sites (n = 504) at Delhi, India. The irrigation water samples and soil samples (n = 180) were only collected from cultivated sites. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in soil and water samples were well below the permissible level except for Cd 0.001–0.013 µg g−1. Similarly, the concentration of Cd (>0.20 µg g−1) was detected higher in all investigated vegetables except for tomato. The evaluation index value was highest for spinach and lowest for tomato. The transfer factor values and metal pollution index was maximum in spinach and okra. Principal component analysis (PCA), Tukey's HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) test, and one-way and two-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were also applied to statistically analyse the results. [Display omitted] • Differential metal loads were observed in market and cultivated vegetable samples. • The highest and least accumulation of metals was reported by spinach and tomato, respectively. • Wastewater irrigation enhances the metal contents in vegetables and soil. • Transfer factor and metal pollution index showed the transfer and uptake of metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]