A Review on Heavy Metals in Vegetables Available in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: During recent years various anthropogenic and natural activities contribute to high levels of heavy metals in environments. These toxic metals are accumulated in foods mainly in vegetables which consuming them may cause different fetal diseases among humans. Therefore, the main aims of this study were to review the heavy metals level in vegetables and to evaluate related human health risks indifferent parts of Bangladesh. Methods: Various keywords such as heavy metals, vegetables, and health risk were used to search published articles from 2015-2020 on heavy metals in vegetables (Searching Location: Khulna, Bangladesh). Twenty two articles were selected to review the present study. Results: In this review, the level of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in vegetables was considered for study which their level in many researches were above the safe limits recommended by joint FAO/WHO (Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization) leading to health hazards for human being. Conclusion: This study showed that vegetables cultivated in the contaminated areas were the main sources of heavy metals entrance to human body which pose severe health risks. Thus proper waste management systems should be suggested to reduce the heavy metals level in environments.