Heavy Metal Levels in Selected Leafy Vegetables Obtained from Local Market of Dharmjaigarh, Chhattisgarh, India

The heavy metal levels as micronutrients like Iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) were determined using Digital spectrometer in three different samples of leafy vegetables, purchased from Dharmjaygarh market in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. The maximum concentration of Fe, Cu and Zn were found 22.14 mg/kg, 0.72 mg/kg and 6.3 mg/kg in Palak Bhaji, Lal Bhaji and Palak Bhaji respectively. The minimum concentration of Fe, Cu and Zn were found 6.23 mg/kg, 0.21 mg/kg and 1.52 mg/kg. The relative abundance of metals in leafy vegetables followed the sequence Cu (0.52 mg/kg) < Zn (4.33 mg/kg) < Fe (15.58 mg/kg). The levels of Fe, Cu and Zn were below the FAO/WHO recommended limits for metals in vegetables. Low concentrations of Cu, Fe and Zn in all the samples are indications that these plants contribute no toxic effects of metals. The results showed that, these vegetables are the main sources of essential trace elements. The daily human intakes of metals have also been calculated which were observed below recommended values by the FAO/WHO.