Nitrate Residues in Fruits, Vegetables and Bread Samples and Their Health Consequences

Abstract

Application of mineral fertilizers such as Nitrate or urea derivatives to crops is an essential agricultural step for fruits and vegetable production. This step may lead to accumulation of Nitrate levels in fruit and vegetables creating health risks such as cancer. This study aimed to determine nitrate residues in beard, fruits, vegetable and water samples collected from different locations and to correlate them with potential cancer cases in Gaza. Results showed elevated levels of Nitrate in some breads samples and all fruits, vegetable and water samples. This suggests high potential risk of population to cancer cases. So far, the growing incidence of cancer cases in Gaza strip may be attributed to high level of nitrate contents in bread, fruits, vegetable and water samples. It is recommended to exclude nitrate fertilization from agricultural process or replace it with other N-fertilizer source.