Risk Assessment of Nitrate and Heavy Metals Consumption through Selected Greenhouse Crops on Human Health

Background: The purpose of this research is to investigate the concentration of heavy metals and nitrate in the fruit of pepper, eggplant, cucumber, and tomato cultivated in greenhouses in Kermanshah County. Methods: After sample preparation and extraction, the concentration of heavy metals with an atomic absorption and nitrate (No۳-) concentration were determined by a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of ۴۱۰ nm. Subsequently, Human health risks were assessed using the Health Assessment Index of non-cancer diseases. Results: Pepper exhibited elevated concentrations of nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd), while eggplant displayed higher levels of Ni, lead (Pb), and Cd. Cucumbers demonstrated an increased concentration of Cd, and tomatoes exhibited higher copper (Cu) and Cd levels, surpassing the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). A significant difference was observed between the studied vegetables and the concentration of heavy metals and nitrate. The highest daily intake rate and risk index of heavy metals and No۳- were observed in eggplant and tomato. Conclusion: The risk index of heavy metals was found to be below ۰.۱. However, the risk index for No۳- exceeded ۱. Therefore, it is recommended to study the potential sources of heavy metals contamination in the soil, water, and dust of the county to better understand the possible routes of food contamination.

کلیدواژه ها:

Daily intake rate ، Greenhouse vegetables ، Hazard index ، No۳- accumulation ، Non-carcinogenic