Author/Authors :
Taghipour، Hassan نويسنده Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , , Mosaferi، Mohammad نويسنده National Public Health Management Center (NPMC), Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences ,
Abstract :
Background: Contamination of vegetable crops (as an important part of peopleʹs
diet) with heavy metals is a health concern. Therefore, monitoring levels of
heavy metals in vegetables can provide useful information for promoting food
safety. The present study was carried out in north-west of Iran (Tabriz) on the
content of heavy metals in vegetable crops.
Methods: Samples of vegetables including kurrat (n=20) (Allium ampeloprasumssp.
Persicum), onion (n=20) (Allium cepa) and tomato (n=18) (Lycopersiconesculentum
var. esculentum), were collected from production sites in west of Tabriz
and analyzed for presence of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn by atomic absorption
spectroscopy (AAS) after extraction by aqua regia method (drying, grounding
and acid digestion).
Results: Mean ± SD (mg/kg DW) concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni and Zn
were 0.32 ± 0.58, 28.86 ± 28.79, 1.75 ± 2.05, 6.37± 5.61 and 58.01 ± 27.45,
respectively. Cr, Cu and Zn were present in all the samples and the highest concentrations
were observed in kurrat (leek). Levels of Cd, Cr and Cu were higher
than the acceptable limits. There was significant difference in levels of Cr
(P < 0.05) and Zn (P < 0.001) among the studied vegetables. Positive correlation
was observed between Cd:Cu (R=0.659, P < 0.001) Cr:Ni (R=0.326, P < 0.05) and
Cr:Zn (R=0.308, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Level of heavy metals in some of the analyzed vegetables, especially
kurrat samples, was higher than the standard levels. Considering the possible
health outcomes due to the consumption of contaminated vegetables, it is required
to take proper actions for avoiding peopleʹs chronic exposure.
