Analysis of Heavy Metals in some selected Vegetables by AAS Method

ABSTRACT

The present research was done to determine heavy metals in different vegetables  by Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method. In this study six different vegetables samples were selected which are mostly available in the local market of Aurangabad.(India) such as Lady finger, ,Brinjal,Turai, spinach ,Mint, Coriander etc. Heavy metals which were determined were cadmium, copper, lead and, zinc. Results showed that the levels of Copper and Cadmium for the vegetables ranged were under permissible limit. While that of Zinc and Lead was also under permissible limit these were compared with standards, the permissible levels set by the FAO and WHO, heavy metal levels were found to be within safe limit which is an indicator that the vegetables in local market of Aurangabad city are safe for consumption without any risk of environmental toxicants. Heavy metals are a universal problem because these metals are indestructible and most of them have toxic effect on living organisms, when permissible concentration levels are exceeded. Young children and senior citizens with poor immunity are mostly affected by this contamination. The responsible authorities should give an impetus to the concentration of heavy metals in vegetable cultivation  and should also take care that the consumption of the vegetables do not results causing any harm to the health of the consumer after consuming it. Hence, this study is to make society aware of heavy metals present in vegetables and to know there hazardous effects on health.

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