Data on the detection of toxic metals, essential nutrients, and microbial load of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (okra) in Southern India and their impact on human health—A comparison between organic and conventional vegetables

Abstract

Data on concentration of essential and toxic metals as well as microbial load of conventionally grown and organic certified commonly consumed vegetable crops Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) and Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (okra) in Mysore region of Southern India were determined analytically using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean concentrations of heavy metals and microbial contaminants in S. lycopersicum was Pb>Cd>TAC>TC>YM and in A. esculentus was Pb>TC>TAC>YM. In S. lycopersicum , the highest mean concentration of Pb (5.731 ppm) was recorded for conventionally grown and Cd (0.652 ppm) was recorded for organic certified. Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) values indicated adverse non-carcinogenic health effects on prolonged exposure to Pb and Cd by consumption of S. lycopersicum . Target cancer risk (TCR) value also indicated cancer risk on consumption of S. lycopersicum due to Pb. These findings exposed an urgent need for regulations for fresh produce to ensure safety of consumers.