Determination of Heavy Metal accumulation in vegetables and their potential health risk analysis in Bargarh, Odisha

Abstract:

Agriculture is integral to global food security and economic stability, while vegetables constitute a significant component of the human diet and provide essential elements necessary for health and well-being. Nevertheless, the growing global emphasis on nutrition-sensitive agriculture necessitates a heightened evaluation of crop nutrient density and the quality of soils utilized for food cultivation. Advancement is unattainable without understanding the significance of vegetables in nutrition and healthcare services. Human exposure to heavy metal contamination primarily occurs through the consumption of green vegetable crops irrigated with wastewater. Objective of the current study was focused on to determine the concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, manganese, chromium, copper, iron, nickel, lead, zinc) in plant and soil from collected from five different samples from Sambalpur, Odisha. The study also determines bioconcentration factor, daily intake of metals from vegetables and health risk index from vegetable intakes. In tomato higher concentration of cadmium, manganese, chromium, copper and Zinc were found whereas, iron concentration was found in maximum concentration parwal (25.07±0.547 mg/kg) in soil. In case of vegetables maximum concentration of heavy metals such as Cd, Mn, Cr, Cu were found in chilli and parwal. Additionally, metals such as Fe, Ni and Zn was found in parwal and brinjal. The concentration of Cd, Mn, Cr and Ni have surpassing the permissible limit given by WHO/FAO. The human DIM has been calculated and found to be below the recommended values set by the FAO/WHO. However, to prevent any chronic health risk and extent of heavy metal contamination, steps must be taken to reduce human activities at the sites. Consistent surveillance of heavy metals in vegetables cultivated in wastewater-irrigated regions is essential.