Heavy metal contaminations and health risk assessment from fruits and vegetables in bangalore rural markets, karnataka, india.

Abstract

The study is to assess heavy metals contamination in vegetables and fruits in Bangalore Rural taluk markets such as Nelamangala, Doddaballapura, Devanahalli and Hosakote. Samples randomly collected from these markets were analyzed for heavy metals, viz. Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and Copper in vegetables like Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Brinjal (Solanum melongena), Radish (Raphanus sativus), Carrot (Daucus carota), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Spinach (Spinacea oleracea), Banana (Musa paradisiaca), Mango (Mangifera indica) by using standard methods, such as ICP-MS. The Metal pollution index and Hazard quotient were calculated. The results indicate that the presence of heavy metals in vegetables and fruits was beyond the permissible limits of human consumption set by FAO/WHO. Consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables may disturb biochemical and biological activities in human beings.