Metal pollution index and daily dietary intake of metals through consumption of vegetables

Abstract

Present study was conducted with an objective to study the concentration of heavy metals, metal pollution index and daily intake of metal in eight selected vegetables viz. R. sativus (Raddish), B. oleracea (Cabbage), B. vulgaris ssp. Cicla (Beet-root), C. sativum (Coriander), S. oleracea (Spinach), B. vulgaris var. bengalensis (Spinach plain), B. compestis (Brassica) and T. foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) collected from three local markets of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The concentrations of heavy metals in different vegetables have ranged as—Fe: 36.18–121.80, Cu: 4.58–16.6, Cr: 0.04–0.24 and Cd: 0.05–2.55 µg g−1. The trend of the sum value of daily intake of metal for vegetables was found as: B. vulgaris var. bengalensis > S. oleracea > B. vulgaris ssp. cicla > C. sativum > B. oleracea > T. foenum-graecum > B. compestis > R. sativus. The metal pollution index in B. compestis, R. sativus, S. oleracea, B. vulgaris var. bengalensis, T. foenum-graecum, B. vulgaris ssp. cicla, C. sativum and B. oleracea was ranged from 6.10–10.28, 2.83–11.17, 2.68–5.63, 2.22–6.23, 4.38–8.35, 2.2–8.16, 1.62–6.95 to 1.75–8.85, respectively. Findings revealed that metal concentration in 32% of sampled vegetables was found to be higher than the permissible limits prescribed by FAO/WHO. Regular consumption of those vegetables may cause toxicity to the primary and secondary consumers.