Physiological Analysis and Contamination of Heavy Metal Contents in Vegetables and Fruits Irrigated with Wastewater

The following research work has been undertaken to examine the presence of heavy metals i.e., lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co) in some selected vegetables and fruits supplied in the local market. The process used to determine heavy metals is Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Iron concentration in spinach, tomato, cauliflower and lady finger showed higher ranges which were exceeding the permissible limits. Cauliflower and spinach were within the limits specified. The pH value, ascorbic concentration and moisture content significantly decreased after oven drying of vegetables and fruits. However, the Total Soluble Solids (TSS) and ash content significantly increased after oven drying as compared with fresh vegetables and fruits. The present research data revealed that the fresh and oven dried vegetables such as Spinach, Cauliflower, Lady finger and Tomato contains 0.13-1.50%, 0.25-2.32%, 0.26-2.52% and 0.19-3.13% Titratable acidity respectively. Similarly, fresh and oven dried Guava Titratable acidity was highest 0.27 and 1.92 as compared with Water melon and Mango. The reduction in acidity may be due to catabolic activities in fruit cells and increased in pH. The pH value of vegetables and fruits dropped after oven drying. Similarly, ascorbic concentration and moisture content significantly decreased after oven drying as compared to fresh vegetables and fruits. However, the Total Soluble solids (TSS) and ash content significantly increased after oven drying as compared with fresh vegetables and fruits. Overall, from the following study we can conclude that vegetables and fruits were found to be contaminated by heavy toxic metals. Regular monitoring is required because these toxic metals will damage human body as well disturb our food chain. The main objective to conduct this study is to monitor the heavy metal toxicity and provide some recommendation, which in future will assure food safety and human health.