Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Green Leafy Vegetables Grown in Allahabad

Abstract

In the following study, we have collected municipal wastewater and have studied heavy metal accumulation and health risk factors in two leafy vegetables i.e in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum). The following heavy metals were analyzed i.e. Cu, Zn and, Cr using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Present study explains about the amount of heavy metal contamination that is found in green leafy vegetables. Results showed that spinach plant contain Cu, Zn and Cr at all the study area. Cr was under the secure value limit recommended by FAO/WHO at S1, S2, S5. Cr was detected at S1,S2and S3 areas, but at experimental area S2 Cr in spinach ( 70.79ppm) and coriander(127.27ppm) was higher than the allowable limit. Soil analysis has not revealed any measurable increase in the concentration of heavy metal according to the fixed standards but the values were higher than control which shows that the abomination was due to pesticides and industrial waste.