Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Selma MYSLIHAKA, Aida BANI, Teuta BUSHI, Dorina XHULAJ, Eugen SKURA, Irena DUKA
The consumption of vegetables and fruits is a major pathway for human exposure to heavy metals, especially when these elements accumulate in edible plant parts. This study assessed the accumulation of nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in soils and food crops cultivated near a former metallurgical plant in Elbasan, Albania. The analyzed crops included onion, salad, potato, pepper, and strawberry. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated to evaluate the capacity of each crop to uptake heavy metals from soil. Available metal concentrations in soil were determined using the Mehlich-1 extraction method and quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cr concentrations in potatoes, and Fe levels in pepper, were within WHO safety limits. However, Fe levels in onion, salad, and strawberry, Ni in all edible crops, and Cr in onion, salad, strawberry, and pepper exceeded recommended thresholds. The calculated BCFs confirmed notable metal accumulation, particularly for Ni and Cr. These findings highlight the need for regular monitoring of heavy metal levels in both soil and crops to safeguard food safety and public health.
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