Determination of Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation in Two Green Leafy Vegetables by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

Two edible green leafy vegetables viz., Amaranthus (Amaranthus sp.) and Dill (Anethum graveolens) leaves collected randomly from three locations in Kolar district like Bethamangala, Bangarpet and K.G.F. are critically examined for heavy metal pollutants like Lead, Copper, Cadmium, Chromium and Zinc using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results revealed that, Amaranthus and Dill leaves contain lead, copper, cadmium, chromium and zinc in all the sampling stations. Amaranthus leaves recorded significantly high lead concentration (41.57 ppm to 48.89 ppm) crossed permissible limits in all the stations. Copper concentration varied considerably in Bethamangala (4.26 ppm), Bangarpet (12.22 ppm) and KGF (21.59 ppm). Cadmium concentration at Bethamangala (2.06 ppm), Bangarpet (2.78 ppm) and KGF (2.96 ppm) recorded above permissible level. Chromium was detected in all the stations and values are not exceeding the permissible limit. Zinc concentration is higher in K.G.F (62.01 ppm) and in other two stations it is below the safe limit. Dill leaves showed high lead content (22.51 ppm-32.20 ppm) in three stations crossed safe value limit recommended by FAO/WHO. Copper concentration in Bethamangala (3.29 ppm), Bangarpet (12.22 ppm) and KGF (18.52 ppm) are in permissible limit. Cadmium content in Bethamangala (0.92 ppm) and Bangarpet (1.44 ppm) are below detection level and in KGF (2.32 ppm) exceeding the permissible limit. Chromium was detected in all three stations and values are below detection level. Zinc concentration is high in K.G.F (63.04 ppm) and in remaining two stations it is below the safe limit.

Keywords: Heavy metals, leafy vegetables, amaranthus, dill, spectrophotometry.