Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leafy Vegetables and Fruits Collected from the Market of Prayagraj

Abstract

The following research work has been undertaken to examine the presence of heavy metals, i.e. lead, cadmium, copper, iron, and cobalt in some selected vegetables and fruits supplied in the local market. The process used to determine heavy metals is Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Iron concentration in spinach, tomato, and cauliflower, and ladyfinger showed higher ranges which were exceeding the permissible limits. Overall from the following study, we can conclude that vegetables and fruits were found to be contaminated by heavy toxic metals. Regular monitoring is required because these toxic metals will damage the human body as well as disturb our food chain. The main objective to conduct this study is to monitor the heavy metal toxicity and provide some recommendations which in the future will assure food safety and human health.