Accumulation of xenobiotics in vegetables and its impact on health

The present study was focused to assess the levels of different heavy metals (xenobiotics) like Pb, Cd, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn and Fe in vegetables irrigated with waste water (sewage). The results indicated a sustainable build up of heavy metals in vegetables irrigated with sewage. The maximum accumulation of inc in sewage irrigated vegetable noticed is Radish root (81.4 ± 2.08 µg/g). Similarly copper in radish root (29.9 ± 1.28 µg/g ), Manganese in radish root (181.1± 1.84 µg/g), Nickel in radish root (15.8 ± 1.57 µg/g), Lead in radish root (46.40 ± 0.77 µg/g), Cadmium in radish root (11.41 ± 1.41 µg/g) and Iron in coriander root (661.0 ± 2.03 µg/g). The accumulation of heavy metals in sewage irrigated soil and vegetables has caused increasing concern. The use of sewage is a common practice in majority of urbans and periurbans An investigation made on the impact of sewage for irrigation on the soil and potentiality of vegetables for the accumulation of heavy metals from the soil. The vegetables have a potentiality for the accumulation of heavy metals from the soil and thus, cleans up the environment, however, the consumption of contaminated heavy metals present in the vegetables has positive impact on the health of man. Regular monitoring of levels of these metals from the sewage, in vegetables and in other food materials is essential to present excessive buildup of these xenobiotics in the food chain.