Fruity Vegetables Research Articles

Pharmaceutical and personal care products in recycled water for edible crop irrigation: Understanding the occurrence, crop uptake, and water quantity effects

Global water scarcity poses a great challenge to agriculture productivity. Recycled water offers a promising alternative for agricultural irrigation, yet residual pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in recycled water can transfer to edible crops during irrigation, and adversely affect food safety. Furthermore, irrigation water quantity can influence the accumulation of PPCPs in edible crops. This study comprehensively investigates the use of recycled water for agricultural irrigation by critically reviewing three key components: PPCPs occurrence in recycled water, their accumulation in edible crops, and the impact of water quantity on PPCPs accumulation. Literature analysis showed that PPCPs were present from 130 to 1400 ng/L in secondary effluent and 25–400 ng/L in tertiary effluent, with sulfamethoxazole being the most prevalent in both effluents. PPCPs uptake and accumulation varied between leafy and fruity vegetables, with diclofenac accumulating highest in leafy vegetables and fluoxetine in fruity vegetables. Furthermore, the water requirement of leafy and fruity crops vary throughout the growing season. In leafy vegetables, PPCPs accumulation in leaves is influenced by transpiration rate, with reduced accumulation occurring under limited water availability due to slower transpiration. In fruity vegetables, osmotic adjustment drives the water transport in fruits, leading to increased PPCPs accumulation under limited water conditions. This study contributes insights into PPCPs occurrence, accumulation, and irrigation water quantity, aiding in the development of effective strategies for recycled water use in agriculture.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage-irrigated vegetables from industrial cities in Haryana, India.

The majority of Indians consume a lot of vegetables because of their health advantages. High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in vegetables may be seriously harmful to consumers' health. The method for identifying and measuring 16 USEPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in samples of sewage-irrigated vegetables from three industrial cities in Haryana, India, is described in this research. Ultrasonication, liquid-liquid extraction using n-hexane as a solvent, clean-up using a Florisil column, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detector were all included in the process. The PAHs were successfully linearized (R2 > 0.99) at various doses. Results for PAH recovery ranged from 90 to about 100%. The limit of quantification was 0.002-0.580, and the limit of detection was 0.0006-0.174 µgkg-1. Data indicated that the highest mean concentrations of ∑16 PAHs were detected in Spinach (123.36 µgkg-1), in carrot (105.09 µgkg-1), and in cucumber (63.40 µgkg-1) among leafy, underground, and fruity vegetables, respectively.

Heavy metal contamination through wastewater irrigation on the soil and vegetables: Impact on the nutrient content and health risks ​

The use of wastewater irrigation may contribute to the metal accumulation, and reduction of nutrient level of vegetables, which would then have an adverse effect on human health. Therefore, in the present study we investigated heavy metals contamination and its impact on nutrient quality of vegetables and health risk. The study was conducted from the agricultural fields of Varanasi distinct during the period from March 2022 to June 2023 and all the laboratory work was carried in the department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University. Heavy metal concentrations in water, soil, and vegetable samples were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The physiochemical property (pH), daily intake of metal, metal pollution index and health quotient were also calculated according to the published protocols. All heavy metal were found in higher concentrations in the wastewater irrigated soil that control site. The Lohta site had the highest concentration of heavy metals in the vegetables, followed by Dinapur, and least at control site (BHU). The highest concentration of metals (Cu, Zn, and Pb) were found in the leafy vegetables (S. oleracea and A. esculentus) whereas lowest in fruity vegetables (P. vulgaris). The rise in the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) also provided evidence for the greater metal content of these vegetables. The S. oleracea was found to have the highest DIM (0.061 g/g) while P. vulgaris had the lowest (0.007 g/g). HQ values of these metals were found greater than one ( greater than 1) for both children and adults on the ingestion of the vegetables of wastewater irrigated sites. Further, nutrient contents (Na, Mg, Ca) were also declined in the vegetables of wastewater irrigated site when compared to control site. These findings suggest that the consumption of such vegetables leads to compromised health and might be associated with severe health risk in the human.

POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS) IN THE FRUITS OF Cucumis sativus FROM TWO MARKETS WITHIN ABA METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the fruits of Cucumis sativus obtained from Ahiaohuru and Ehere markets within Aba metropolis. C. sativus obtained from each of these markets was divided into three portions. The first portion was not washed (UW), the second portion was washed with tap water (WTW) while the last portion was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium chloride (WSS) before drying, milling and extraction procedures were applied. Quantification of the PAHs was done using a Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) technique. Eighteen PAHs were analyzed and C. sativus samples from Ahiaohuru market gave a total PAHs content of 30.45, 25.65 and 2.97 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. The samples from Ehere market gave 29.88, 18.82 and 3.06 mg kg-1 for UW, WTW and WSS, respectively. The results obtained from this research indicates that the level of PAHs content in the studied samples decreased when washed with tap water and further decreased significantly when washed with aqueous solution of sodium chloride. From the risk assessment of ?PAH4 (the sum of benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene) in the sample, there was no risk associated with the consumption of the fruity samples. It is however, advisable to wash fruity vegetables with a salt solution as it would reduce the presence of PAHs in them better than washing with tap water alone.

Climate suitability division of solar greenhouse in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

To resolve the issue of scientific planning and rational layout of different vegetable greenhouses in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, we selected the days of low temperature in winter, sunshine hours, overcast days, extreme minimum temperature, days of monsoon disaster, days of snow cover in production season of greenhouse as the climate zoning indicators, based on ground-based observation data from 119 meteorological stations (1991 to 2020) and the growing demand of leafy and fruity vegetables in greenhouse, combined with the analysis of key meteorological factors in production season and the study of meteorological disaster indicators such as low temperature and cold damage, wind disaster, snow disaster. We analyzed the indices, classification and division of comprehensive climate suitability zoning of leafy and fruity vegetables at various slopes (35°, 40°) of solar greenhouse by the weighted sum method. The results showed that the climatic suitability zoning grades of leafy and fruity vegetables at 35° and 40° slope of greenhouse was highly consistent, and that the greenhouse climate suitability of leafy vegetables was higher than that of fruity vegetables in the same region. As the slope increased, wind disaster index decreased and snow disaster index increased. Climate suitability was different in areas affected by wind and snow disasters. The northeast of the study area was mainly affected by snow disasters, and the climate suitability of 40° slope was higher than 35°. The southeast of the study area was mainly affected by wind disasters, and the climate suitability of 35° slope was higher than 40°. Alxa League, Hetao Irrigation District, Tumochuan Plain, most parts of Ordos, southeast of Yanshan foothills and the south of West Liaohe Plain were the most suitable area for the solar greenhouse, because they had the suitable solar and hot resources and the low risks of wind and snow damage, which were also the key development areas of current and future facility agriculture. Due to the deficiency of solar and hot resources, high energy consumption in greenhouse production and frequent snow storms, the area around Khingan range in the northeast of Inner Mongolia was unsuitable for greenhouse.

Contrasting yield responses at varying levels of shade suggest different suitability of crops for dual land-use systems: a meta-analysis

Despite the large body of research surrounding crop growth parameters, there is still a lack of systematic assessments on how harvestable yields of different crop types respond to varying levels of shading. However, with the advent of agrivoltaic systems, a technology that combines energy and food production, shade tolerance of cropping systems is becoming increasingly important. To address this research gap, a meta-analysis with data from two experimental approaches (intercropping and artificial shading with cloths, nets or solar panels) was performed. The aim was to quantitatively assess the susceptibility of different temperate crop types to increasing levels of shading. Crop type specific yield response curves were developed as a function of reduction in solar radiation, estimating relative crop yields compared to the unshaded controls. Only studies that reported reduction in solar radiation and crop yield per area in temperate and subtropical areas were included. The results suggested a nonlinear relationship between achieved crop yields and reduction in solar radiation for all crop types. Most crops tolerate reduced solar radiation up to 15%, showing a less than proportional yield decline. However, significant differences between the response curves of the following crop types existed: Berries, fruits and fruity vegetables benefited from reduction in solar radiation up to 30%. Forages, leafy vegetables, tubers/root crops, and C3 cereals initially showed less than proportional crop yield loss. In contrast, maize and grain legumes experienced strong crop yield losses even at low shade levels. The results provide a set of initial indicators that may be used in assessing the suitability of crop types for shade systems, and thus for agrivoltaic or other dual land-use systems. Detailed yield response curves, as provided by this study, are valuable tools in optimizing the output of annual crop components in these systems.

Developing agriculture value chain inclusive for small-scale vegetable farmers in the highland of Bedugul, Bali

As a major global tourist destination, the demand for a large variety of fresh produce in Bali has developed following the country of origins of tourists and their eating habits. The varieties of fresh produce demanded by hotels and restaurants have increased since the 1970s. More than 100 types of vegetables (leafy and fruity vegetables, tubers, roots, shoots, immature flowers) and herbs are produced in the highland of Bedugul, Bali. As the market competition increases, the small-scale vegetable farmers have to be more value-oriented, efficient, and effective in production and postharvest handling. How is the competitiveness of the evolving value chain to meet the dynamic needs of institutional consumers and retail modern markets? Therefore, the aims of the study were to assess the competitiveness of the vegetables value chains and develop a model design of value chain inclusive for small scale farmers for improvement. This study was carried out through surveys and focus group discussions (FGD) involving actors in production and distribution channels. It was found that there were five groups of distribution channels,and most of them are less value-oriented. However, the emerging integrated value chains are shown, mainly to which derive from the institutional consumers (hotels and restaurants) and modern markets. A designed alternative model of value chain system inclusive for small-scale farmers has been developed, especially with the end on institutional consumers and modern markets.

Multidimensional Scaling of the Mineral Nutrient Status and Health Risk Assessment of Commonly Consumed Fruity Vegetables Marketed in Kyrgyzstan.

Intensive production of fruits and vegetables causes heavy metal accumulation. Consumption of this kind of foodstuff is a growing concern of the modern world with the additional distress of the supply of enough foodstuffs. To contribute to this global purpose, this research aimed to find out the mineral nutrient and heavy metal concentrations of commonly consumed fruity vegetables in Kyrgyzstan. Totally, ten different fruity type vegetables were collected from five different large bazaars of Kyrgyzstan. From these, 20 samples, including washed/unwashed rinds of vegetables, were quantified in terms of their B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn contents by using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of the fruity vegetables were found in the following range: B (1.392-25.816), Ca (92.814-4095.466), Cd (0.007-0.086), Cr (0.009-0.919), Cu (0.351-8.351), Fe (4.429-126.873), K (920.124-10,135.995), Mg (61.973-879.085), Mn (1.113-78.938), Na (36.132-266.475), Ni (0.039-1.215), Pb (0.081-2.906), and Zn (1.653-87.107) (mg kg-1). It was determined that red capia pepper was the vegetable having the highest daily nutritional value according to evaluation done in our study. Taking into account of the HI values, all of the vegetables analyzed were determined to be lower than the limit value of 1 that falls into acceptable limits in terms of being safe. Peppers demonstrated the highest variation in terms of the elemental content. The high Cr content rendered hot pepper risky for consumption by both genders regarding with CR, and in terms of CR, it has been observed that nickel contents being found in vegetables including tomatoes pose a moderate risk for consumption. Quite lower risk was detected in red/Brandy-wine tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumber for both genders. As most striking result in our study, the Brandy-wine type tomato was found to be healthiest (as well as safest) and nutritious vegetable looking from the viewpoint of consumption in Kyrgyzstan.

The plant transfer factor of natural radionuclides and the soil radiation hazard of some crops.

In the present study, the transfer factors of the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K were estimated for several crops cultivated in farms in the suburbs of Baghdad and one farm in Al-Najaf. The transfer factor (TF) is the ratio of activity transfers from soil to plant. The specific activities of the natural radionuclides were measured with a gamma-ray spectrometer with a HPGe detector. The crops include cereals (rice and wheat), fruits (lemons and oranges), podded vegetables (vigna and okra), fruity vegetables (chili peppers and Solanum melongena), and leafy vegetables (Apium graveolens, Raphanus sativus, and Ocimum basilicum). The results showed that the highest transfer factors for 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 0.32, 0.70, and 3.44, respectively, in wheat. The average transfer factors for 238U and 232Th were founded 0.23 and 0.2 which are lower than the default unitiy value but the 1.85 were reported for 40K higher than unity.

Bioaccumulation of zinc in edible tropical vegetables in Peninsular Malaysia and its human health risk assessment based on various ethnicities in Malaysia.

Along with the growing utilization of zinc (Zn) and Zn-containing nanoparticles in various industries, Zn ecotoxicological evaluation on human food supply is necessary even though Zn is generally considered safe and rarely concentrated ecotoxicologically. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of Zn in 18 species of vegetables (seven leafy, nine fruity vegetables and one species each of tuber and legume) collected from two farming sites in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. A human health risk assessment (HHRA) was also conducted. In addition to HHRA based on the general population, HHRA based on each major ethnic group of the Malaysian society was also determined considering that the food consumption pattern would definitely be varied across ethnicities and age groups (children and adults). The study results showed that Zn concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in leafy vegetables than in other types of vegetables. However, the target hazard quotient (THQ) values were all found to be < 1.0. Therefore, based on the Malaysian ethnicities and age groups with their respective vegetable consumption patterns, the results indicated insignificant noncarcinogenic human health risk of Zn via oral consumption of vegetables by the Malaysian population. As a metric of measurement of HHRA, a comparison of THQ values could yield previously unreported insights into HHRA differences among the compared populations. A comparison of THQ values among the consumer groups indicated higher HHR for Chinese Malaysians and children due to their higher vegetable consumption and lower body weight, respectively. A comparison the Zn intakes of all the consumer groups with the recommended nutrient intakes indicated that the oral consumption of the vegetable species collected in this study would not result in Zn-related hazards and would not be able to fulfil the Zn dietary need of the individual consumer.

Evaluation of the ecological risk index (Er) of heavy metals (HMs) pollution in urban field soils

This study presents the importance of urban field soils for producing vegetable crops. This study was conducted in the three local areas of Isfahan (first region), Falavarjan (second region), and Natanz, Feridan, and Golpayegan (third region) to evaluate transfer factor (TF), contamination factor, ecological risk (Er) and potential ecological risk index (RI) which were employed to investigate the Pb, Cu, Co, Cd, and Cr pollution of the urban field soils affecting vegetable to reveal the potential hazards of HMs pollution for the first time in Isfahan city in Iran. To measure the pollution of such heavy metals (HMs) as Pb, Cu, Co, Cd, and Cr, the related soil samples were collected and their pollution and ecological risk indices were assessed. The results showed the highest pollution of Pb and Cr in the field soils of the first (127.37 and 112.65 mg kg−1) and second (6.94 and 4.61 mg kg−1) regions, respectively, which were greater than the amounts recommended by Iran’s Environmental Protection Agency. The high TF of Cr (0.56 mg kg−1), Cd (0.23 mg kg−1), and Co (0.30 mg kg−1) from the soils to the tubers were found to mostly involve leafy and fruity vegetables. The highest contamination factor (PF) of Cr (12.46 mg kg−1) in the first region was in the class of very high pollution. The highest Er of Cd in first and second regions was 264.0 and 214.9 mg kg−1, respectively, which were considered in the high-risk class. These indices revealed possible increases in potential ecological RI in the mentioned regions (up to 330.8 and 272.4 mg kg−1, respectively), which were classified in the classes of high and moderate pollution risk. Principal component analysis indicated that the pollution of the HMs in Isfahan and Falavarjan was overlapped. Cr in PC1 and Cd and Co in PC2 had the highest distributions and impacts representing enhancing transfer factor from the soils to onions, potatoes, and basil.

Evaluation of Vegetative and Yield Performance of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties at Abol District, Gambella Region

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is major fruity vegetables grown in Ethiopia next to hot pepper. Although crops grown in the country its production and productivity is very low compared to the world average. Among the reasons for low its production and productivity, shortage of improved tomato varieties is the major one. This experiment was done with the aim of evaluating tomato varieties and select high yielding cultivars. An experiment was conducted in bonga district Gambella region 2011/12 dry season under irrigated condition. Seven tomato varieties namely ARP Tomato D2, Fetan, Melkasalsa, Chali, Bishola, Gelila and Roma-VF(as local check) and were tested in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The mean values of all parameters were subjected to two way analysis of variance using the Proc GLM procedure of SAS 9.3. Then statistical significance of the mean of each parameter was determined using F-test and Duncan multiple range test procedure was used to compare differences between treatment means at 5% probability level. The analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences (p&lt; 0.05) among varieties in all growth and yield parameters except days to 50% flowering. Among the tested tomato cultivars, Melkasalsa produced the largest fruit. The highest fruit yield was recorded by Melkasalsa followed by Bishola. we can conclude Melkasalsa and Bishola variety were the most productive and gave larger fruit compared to others. Hence, these varieties can be used by tomato growers under irrigated condition around Bonga area.

Fruit and Vegetables Carotenoids Intake in Eight Latin American Countries, Results from the ELANS Study

Abstract Objectives To determine carotenoid intake (Beta and alpha carotene, lycopene and beta cryptoxanthin) from fruit and vegetable sources in ELANS participating countries. Methods Data were obtained from the Latin American Health and Nutrition Study (ELANS), a multicenter study developed in urban areas of 8 Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Dietary intake among 9218 participants (15- 65 y) was assessed using two 24-hour recall and processed by Nutritional Data System for Research (NDS-R). Fruits and vegetables were classified according to the 2002–2007 FAO Supply Utilization Accounts Data. Major food sources of carotenoids were assessed using weighed-proportions. Median intake, expressed as micrograms per day (mcg/d), and sources of carotenoids were performed by country. Results *All data is presented as mcg/d The highest intake for beta-carotene was reported in Ecuador (2659.6 ± 82.8) and the lowest in Brazil (1368.9 ± 42.2). The same trend was observed for alpha-carotene (290.6 ± 15.2 in Brazil vs 975.6 ± 33.5 in Ecuador). The main sources of these carotenoids are root vegetables such as carrots and beets. In the case of lycopene, Ecuador showed the highest average intake (3038.5 ± 174.3) whereas Peru showed the lowest (1111.7 ± 75.2). The most important source of this carotenoid is fruity vegetables, such as tomatoes. For beta cryptoxanthin, the highest intake was observed in Venezuela (246.3 ± 10.7) and the lowest was reported in Brazil (99.5 ± 5.3) Conclusions Fruits and vegetables are important sources of carotenoids in the human diet. Of all countries included in this study, Brazil had the lowest intake of beta and alpha carotene and beta cryptoxanthin, and Ecuador had the highest intake of beta and alpha carotene and lycopene. Further studies are needed to assess bioavailability and serum concentrations in order to establish dietary recommendations regarding both pro vitamin and non pro-vitamin A carotenoids. Funding Sources The ELANS is supported by a scientific grant from the Coca Cola Company and support from participating academic institutions. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, the decision to publish, or the preparation of this abstract.

Selenium Enrichment of Horticultural Crops.

The ability of some crops to accumulate selenium (Se) is crucial for human nutrition and health. Selenium has been identified as a cofactor of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which is a catalyzer in the reduction of peroxides that can damage cells and tissues, and can act as an antioxidant. Plants are the first link in the food chain, which ends with humans. Increasing the Se quantity in plant products, including leafy and fruity vegetables, and fruit crops, without exceeding the toxic threshold, is thus a good way to increase animal and human Se intake, with positive effects on long-term health. In many Se-enriched plants, most Se is in its major organic form. Given that this form is more available to humans and more efficient in increasing the selenium content than inorganic forms, the consumption of Se-enriched plants appears to be beneficial. An antioxidant effect of Se has been detected in Se-enriched vegetables and fruit crops due to an improved antioxidative status and to a reduced biosynthesis of ethylene, which is the hormone with a primary role in plant senescence and fruit ripening. This thus highlights the possible positive effect of Se in preserving a longer shelf-life and longer-lasting quality.

Consumer Attitude towards the quality of Perishable Foods in Dhaka City: An Empirical Study

The expansion of global food retailers in emerging economies has made the study of the consumers’ attitude towards perishable food especially relevant at this time. Recently, as competitors of Kaccha Bazaar (flea markets), a lot of supermarkets have made arrangement for selling perishable foods, though at the same time posing a high level of uncertainty and unpopularity regarding overall food quality. This research tries to measure attitudes of consumers of perishable foods on the basis of the propositions advanced by various thinkers like Fishbein (1963), Katz (1960), Cohen (1964) and Kelman (1964). The study formulated a survey to collect information regarding factors like color, tenderness, spot, damage, physical dirt and water-wash for leafy vegetables; color, size, outer-shell, taste, smell and hardness for fruity vegetables; color, belly, smell, source, cold-storing for fish; and color, fat, presence of dirt, bone, moisture and origin for meat. Collected data were analyzed in terms of factors like importance, expectation and perceived actual level of value. It is found that damage-freeness for the leafy vegetables, taste for the fruity vegetables, smell of fish and color and moisture for meat are playing most crucial roles as deciding factors for consumers to purchase them. Finally, the study shows the gap between the expectation and perceived actual level of value in terms of types of perishable foods involved.

Comparative analysis of dry ashing and wet digestion methods for the determination of trace and heavy metals in food samples

This study compared the dry ashing and wet digestion methods of processing food samples for elemental analysis. The concentrations of trace elements (manganese, iron, copper and zinc) and heavy metals (chromium, cadmium, lead and nickel) were determined in varieties of samples classified as fruits, leafy and fruity vegetables, tubers, legumes and cereals, obtained from Abeokuta, South-West, Nigeria. The metal concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to standard methods. The accuracy of the procedures was confirmed by spiking some samples and evaluating their recoveries. The metal levels evaluated were relatively higher in the dry-ashed samples than the wet-digested samples. However, the results showed non-significant differences in most data obtained after processing with the two methods. The dry ashing method is recommended for digestion of food items in these categories because: it involves lesser amount of chemical reagents and related hazards; it requires simple equipment and achieved better recovery.

Antioxidant Activity of Ethanol and Lipophilic Extracts of Common Fruity Vegetables in Bangladesh

The amount of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in ethanol extracts and antioxidant activity of both ethanol and lipophilic extracts of common fruity vegetables in Bangladesh were studied. Among the ethanol extracts of 15 fruity vegetables, M. oleifera had the highest total polyphenol content (85.05 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) followed by L. acutangula (61.74 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and A. esculentus (48.92 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract). L. acutangula had high a content of flavonoids (14.46 mg (+)-catechin equivalent/g extract), which was almost similar to L. siceraria (13.67 mg catechin equivalent/g extract) followed by A. esculentus (11.95 mg catechin equivalent/g extract) and S. melongena (11.42 mg catechin equivalent/g extract). Highest anthocyanins content was in F. hispida (2.22 μmol/g extract) followed by S. melongena (1.04 μmol/g extract). Ethanol extracts of A. esculentus, F. hispida, L. acutangula, L. siceraria, and S. melongena exhibited high DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 70.4, 64.9, 70.4, 64.9, and 94.3 μg/mL respectively, whereas for the same lipophilic extracts of F. hispida and S. melongena showed lowest (37 μg/mL) IC50 followed by M. oleifera (47.6 μg/mL), L. siceraria (57.5 μg/mL), and A. esculentus (63.3 μg/mL). These vegetables also showed high reducing powers, NO scavenging and total antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the top five potential fruity vegetables consist of both hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant(s), the order being F. hispida > M. oleifera > A. esculentus, L. acutangula > L. siceraria > and S. melongena.

An Evaluation of Edible Plant Extracts for the Phytoremediation of Lead Contaminated Water

There is a growing global concern for the environmental and health hazards posed by heavy metal contaminants, especially lead in the soil and ground water. The potential for plant and animal uptake, metabolism, and propagation into food-chain poses great health risks. World communities face a common need to a cheap, efficient, and effective technology to mitigate the growing problem of heavy metal contaminations. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the potential of using aqueous extracts of edible vegetables and fruits for the in-situ remediation of lead contaminated water (1300 PPM). The plants used in this study include Mustard Green (Brassica juncea), Spinach (Spinacea oleracea), Collard Green (Brassica Oleracea), Bitter leaf (Vernonia Amygdalina), Carrot (Daucus Carota Sativus), Red, Green, and Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum Annuum ), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum), red and white grape (Vitis vinifera), and lime (Citrus aurantifolia). After shaking triplicate reaction mixtures lead contaminated water with each substrate for 22 hours at room temperature, lead removal by the substrates were analyzed by EPA Method 6010, using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). Results suggest that the order of lead removal is Collard Green (99.8%) >, Spinach (98.7%) > Mustard Green (98.2%) > Green Bell Pepper (97.8%) > Yellow Bell Pepper (97.75%) > White Grape (96.7%)> Carrot (95.5%) > Red Bell Pepper (94.28%) > Red Grape > 93.5% > Tomatoes (84%) > Bitter Leaf (61%). The study concludes that liquid substrates such as the supernatants from pureed edible tuberous, leafy, and fruity vegetables can effectively remove lead from contaminated water.

Removal of residual pesticides in vegetables using ozone microbubbles

The removal of fenitrothion (FT) pesticide residues from vegetables by immersion in ozone-microbubbled solution was demonstrated. FT-treated lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries were immersed in ozone-microbubbled, ozone-millibubbled, and dechlorinated water. After that the percentage of residual FT in the vegetables was determined. Residual FT was efficiently removed from lettuce by immersing it in ozone-microbubbled solution containing more than 1.0ppm dissolved ozone, or continuously generated ozone-microbubbled solution containing 2.0ppm dissolved ozone. Similarly, for cherry tomatoes and strawberries, the continuously generated ozone-microbubbled solution containing 2.0ppm dissolved ozone was highly effective. These results showed that ozone microbubbles effectively removed residual pesticides not only from leafy vegetables but also from fruity vegetables.

Monitoring of pesticide residues in market basket samples of vegetable from Lucknow City, India: QuEChERS method

The study was conducted on 20 vegetables including leafy, root, modified stem, and fruity vegetables like bitter gourd, jack fruit, french-bean, onion, colocassia, pointed gourd, capsicum, spinach, potato, fenugreek seeds, carrot, radish, cucumber, beetroot, brinjal, cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, okra, and bottle gourd. Forty-eight pesticides including 13 organochlorines (OCs), 17 organophosphates (OPs), 10 synthetic pyrethriods (SPs), and eight herbicides (H) pesticides were analyzed. A total number of 60 samples, each in triplicates, were analyzed using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe method. The quantification was done by GC-ECD/NPD. The recovery varies from 70.22% to 96.32% with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 15%. However the limit of detection ranged from 0.001-0.009 mg kg(-1)for OCs, SPs, OPs, and H, respectively. Twenty-three pesticides were detected from total 48 analyzed pesticides in the samples with the range of 0.005-12.35 mg kg(-1). The detected pesticides were: Σ-HCH, Dicofol, Σ-Endosulfan, Fenpropathrin, Permethrin-II, β-cyfluthrin-II, Fenvalerate-I, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Diazinon, Malathion, Chlorofenvinfos, Anilophos, and Dimethachlor. In some vegetables like radish, cucumber, cauliflower, cabbage, and okra, the detected pesticides (Σ-HCH, Permethrin-II, Dichlorvos, and Chlorofenvinfos) were above maximum residues limit (MRL) (PFA 1954). However, in other vegetables the level of pesticide residues was either below detection limit or MRL.