EMPRI study reveals prevalence of heavy metal contamination in vegetables
Study analyzed 400 samples of 10 commonly consumed vegetables
Use of wastewater for cultivation has led to increase in heavy metals
A recent study conducted by the Environment Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) has uncovered a concerning revelation about the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in vegetables throughout Bengaluru.
After analyzing 400 samples of 10 commonly consumed vegetables, it was observed that the use of wastewater for cultivation has led to a notable increase in the concentration of heavy metals beyond the acceptable thresholds set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Bengaluru, being a hub for a significant portion of the state’s populace, sources its vegetable supply from the agricultural networks in the peripheral regions of Bengaluru Urban, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru Rural.
Among the examined vegetable varieties such as brinjal, tomato, capsicum, bean, carrot, green chilly, onion, potato, spinach, and coriander, the presence of heavy metals was meticulously scrutinized. The results were particularly alarming, with most of the sampled vegetables, whether obtained from supermarkets or local retail outlets, surpassing the permissible limits of heavy metal content.
For instance, despite the maximum allowable limit for iron being 425.5 mg/kg, beans purchased from reputable organic shops exhibited a concentration of 810.20 mg/kg, coriander 945.70 mg/kg, and spinach 554.58 mg/kg. Similarly, among the vegetables sourced from Hopcoms, the iron content in onions was determined to be 592.18 mg/kg.
Cadmium, another hazardous element known to induce liver and lung toxicity and compromise the immune system, is allowed at a maximum level of 0.2 mg/kg as per the FAO guidelines. However, the study revealed that brinjal from a supermarket in BTM Layout contained 52.30 mg/kg of cadmium, while coriander, spinach, and carrot recorded levels of 53.30 mg/kg, 53.50 mg/kg, and 54.60 mg/kg, respectively.
The study explicitly emphasized the perilous nature of the situation, stating that the edible portions of these vegetables are excessively accumulating heavy metals. Given the potential health risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated vegetables, the study strongly recommends a cessation of the practice of utilizing wastewater for agricultural purposes.
EMPRI study reveals prevalence of heavy metal contamination in vegetables
Study analyzed 400 samples of 10 commonly consumed vegetables
Use of wastewater for cultivation has led to increase in heavy metals
A recent study conducted by the Environment Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) has uncovered a concerning revelation about the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in vegetables throughout Bengaluru.
After analyzing 400 samples of 10 commonly consumed vegetables, it was observed that the use of wastewater for cultivation has led to a notable increase in the concentration of heavy metals beyond the acceptable thresholds set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Bengaluru, being a hub for a significant portion of the state’s populace, sources its vegetable supply from the agricultural networks in the peripheral regions of Bengaluru Urban, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru Rural.
Among the examined vegetable varieties such as brinjal, tomato, capsicum, bean, carrot, green chilly, onion, potato, spinach, and coriander, the presence of heavy metals was meticulously scrutinized. The results were particularly alarming, with most of the sampled vegetables, whether obtained from supermarkets or local retail outlets, surpassing the permissible limits of heavy metal content.
For instance, despite the maximum allowable limit for iron being 425.5 mg/kg, beans purchased from reputable organic shops exhibited a concentration of 810.20 mg/kg, coriander 945.70 mg/kg, and spinach 554.58 mg/kg. Similarly, among the vegetables sourced from Hopcoms, the iron content in onions was determined to be 592.18 mg/kg.
Cadmium, another hazardous element known to induce liver and lung toxicity and compromise the immune system, is allowed at a maximum level of 0.2 mg/kg as per the FAO guidelines. However, the study revealed that brinjal from a supermarket in BTM Layout contained 52.30 mg/kg of cadmium, while coriander, spinach, and carrot recorded levels of 53.30 mg/kg, 53.50 mg/kg, and 54.60 mg/kg, respectively.
The study explicitly emphasized the perilous nature of the situation, stating that the edible portions of these vegetables are excessively accumulating heavy metals. Given the potential health risks associated with the consumption of these contaminated vegetables, the study strongly recommends a cessation of the practice of utilizing wastewater for agricultural purposes.
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