An Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration in Edible Vegetables Grown Around Arad Area

Authors:
M.F. Munteanu, D. Ionescu, C. Peev, M. Butnariu, C. A. Dehelean

Volume 17, Issue 1;
Pages: 36-41;
ISSN: 2069-0053 (print) (former: ISSN:1453-1399), Agroprint;
ISSN (online):2068 – 9551
Abstract:
The objective of our study was to assess the concentrations of heavy metals in selected edible vegetables grown in the farmlands around Pancota City from Arad Area. The levels of four heavy metals [cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu)] were determined in various vegetables [leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)]. 75 samples (15 samples per month) were collected for five months during the cultivation season (May–September) during the year 2009. Heavy metals concentration was determinate by atomic absorption spectrometry. It was used an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, controlled by PC (AAS, Analytik Jena AG). The average concentrations of each heavy metal regardless of the kind of vegetable for Pb, Cu, Cr and Cd were 13.90±3.17, 12.40±1.43, 5.40±1.21 and 0.28±0.06 mg/kg, respectively. The main conclusion is that the edible vegetables that are growing in Arad region are not dangerous for human consumption because of the low detected concentrations of heavy metals. Our study revealed the heavy metals concentrations within acceptable limits after the FDA and WHO standards
Location
300645-Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, Romania
Phone
Tel: +40-256-277423
Fax: +40-256-277326
E-mail
japt@usvt.ro
Copyright © 2024 Journal of Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies