Heavy metals accumulation in vegetables irrigated with different water sources and their human daily intake in Nevsehir.

Abstract

In the present study, impact of different irrigation sources on metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni and Fe) uptake by Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Onion (Allium cepa L.), Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in Nevsehir Province were determined using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy). Heavy metal concentrations in vegetables irrigated by wastewater and river water were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than tube well water and exceeded the permissible limits of WHO/FAO. Among the edible parts of vegetables, maximum accumulation of Fe and Cr occurred in onion; Zn and Pb accumulation were determined in tomato followed by Ni in beans, while Cd and Cu were high in pepper. Also BioConcentration Factor (BCF) and Daily Intake Metal (DIM) values were calculated and it was determined that DIM values were free of risk, as the dietary intake limits of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn in adults can range from 1.2 to 3.0, 10.0 to 50.0, 5.0 to 22.0, and 2.0 to 20.0 mg, respectively. As a result, wastewater and river water are not appropriate for agriculture, especially when the river water is used for irrigation, because the significant metal contamination in soils causes several health problems.