Trace metals in vegetables and fruits cultivated around the surroundings of Tummalapalle uranium mining site, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Vegetables (Tomato – Solanum lycopersicum, green chilli – Capsicum annum and bitter gourd – Momordica charantia) and fruits (Banana – Musa acuminata colla, papaya – Carica papaya and mosambi – Citrus limetta) from the cultivated areas around the Tummalapalle uranium mining site were analyzed for trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Be, V, Co, Cd and U) using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). As per the estimated data, the concentrations of trace metals in vegetables and fruits are found in the range of 47.5–7.8 mg/kg for Al, 9.7–1.0 mg/kg for Cr, 3.8–1.0 mg/kg for Mn, 75.5–13.9 mg/kg for Fe, 1.4–0.2 mg/kg for Ni, 2.3–0.8 mg/kg for Cu, 9.2–3.1 mg/kg for Zn, 0.2–1.4 mg/kg for Pb, 19.2–1.9 μg/kg for Be, 96.1–15.8 μg/kg for V, 48.2–12.9 μg/kg for Co, 46.5–2.3 μg/kg for Cd and 16.4–2.7 μg/kg for U. The trace metals observed are compared to the literature reported values. Trace elemental data were subjected to statistical analysis to examine the interrelationship between the investigated trace elements and possible source identification of the trace metal contamination in vegetable and fruits. Daily intake of trace metals through ingestion of vegetables and fruits are also calculated.

Levels of heavy metals in soil and vegetables and associated health risks in Mojo area, Ethiopia

“…The EDI values for As, Pd, Cd and Hg were found to be 6.06 x 10 −4 , 1.14 x 10 −3 , 1.76 x 10 −4 and 1.08 x 10 −3 mg/day due to the consumption of 240 g/day of tomato, respectively, while the corresponding values due to the consumption of same amount of cabbage were 1.80 x 10 −3 , 2.37 x 10 −3 , 4.9 x 10 −4 and 1.33 x 10 −3 mg/day, respectively. The EDI of As, PB, Cd and Hg metals obtained due to the consumption of both cabbage and tomato were observed to be less than maximum tolerable daily intake of each metals as presented by Basha et al [76]; Shaheen et al [55] and Zheng et al [50] and indicated in Table 6. Likewise, the EDI of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni and Co due to the consumption of tomato were found to be 7.69 x 10 −3 , 5.11 x 10 −3 , 2.67 x 10 −2 , 8.54 x 10 −3 , 4.68 x 10 −4 , 5.84 x 10 −4 and 1.98 x 10 −4 mg/day, respectively.…”

“…Estimated daily intake (mg/day/kg body weight) of toxic metals for adult population due to the consumption of contaminated vegetables in Mojo area, central Ethiopia. [50] c [76] https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227883.t006…”

Assessment of selected nutrients and toxic metals in fruits, soils and irrigation waters of Awara Melka and Nura Era farms, Ethiopia

“…Kalagbor et al (2014) have studied the levels of heavy metals in four fruits from Nigeria. Basha et al (2014) have reported trace metals in vegetables and fruits cultivated in India. Igwegbe et al (2013) have reported a survey of heavy metal contents of selected fruit and vegetable crops in Nigeria.…”

Validation of Microwave and ICP Parameters for Assessment of Selected Toxic Trace Elements in Fresh Fruits from Turabah Valley of Saudi Arabia

“…The toxicity of some elements like lead and cadmium can reduce mental and central nervous function and damage many organs. For this reason, a large number of studies have been undertaken to identify the potential risk factors with TTEs in different food matrices [3,4].…”

“…Abdrabo et al [11] have determined 23 elements in Spanish palm dates. Basha et al [4] have reported trace elements in vegetables and fruits cultivated in India. Taharn et al [12] have investigated the concentration of major to trace elements in tomato varieties economically grown in the northeast of Thailand.…”