Seasonal Variation and Health Risk Assessment of Cd, Pb, and Nitrate in Vegetables and Fruits Available in North West of Iran

Introduction: Given the significant role of fruits and vegetables in the Iranian diet, this study aimed to evaluate the health risks linked to the heavy metals   in ۶+ fruits and vegetables, specifically cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as nitrate in household diets. Materials and Methods: A total of ۱۹۴۱ fresh samples were collected from East and West Azerbaijan province in Iran across three seasons. Then, the concentration of Cd, Pb, and nitrate were examined. Results: Analysis using SPSS software version ۲۰ found that all vegetable samples contained heavy metals and nitrates, with Cd levels within permissible limits. Pb concentrations varied by season: ۴۰.۴-۲۸۰.۳۳ ppb in spring, ۳۶.۷۷-۲۸۳.۶۷ ppb in summer, and ۶.۲۱-۲۳۶.۲۳ ppb in autumn. Pb levels exceeded the national standard organization of Iran (INSO) limit in several samples, including greenhouse cucumbers (۴۸.۴۸%) and conventional cucumbers (۶۲.۲۲%), onions (۴۸.۷۱%). Nitrate concentrations included ۴۵.۳۳-۳۳۹۰ ppb in spring, ۹.۶۶-۳۵۸۱ ppb in summer, and ۳۴.۲۸-۳۲۸۱.۹۴ ppb in autumn, with exceedances in samples such as spinach (۹۲%) and leafy vegetables (۱۰۰%). Despite these exceedances, the target hazard quotient (THQ) for Cd, Pb, and nitrates was below ۱, indicating no immediate health risks for the Iranian population. Conclusion: While the presence of Pb and nitrates in certain vegetable samples raises concerns regarding food safety and compliance with health standards, the overall assessment suggests that the levels of these contaminants do not currently pose a significant health risk. Continuous monitoring and adherence to safety standards are essential to ensure public health safety.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cadmium ، Lead ، Nitrate ، Risk Assessment ، North West of Iran.