Investigation of Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Arsenic) in Greenhouse Products in Qom

Background & Aims: Considering the importance of agricultural products in the household food basket, and also due to the lack of necessary studies in this regard in Qom province, the present research aimed to assess the concentration of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and arsenic) in greenhouse products cultivated in Qom. Materials and Methods: In this study, out of ۱۲۰ active greenhouse cultivation units, ۱۲ centers were randomly selected and ۵ greenhouse products, including cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, lettuce, and cabbage were evaluated by observing the principles of sampling and completing the necessary forms. In order to measure the concentration of heavy metals in the collected samples, acid digestion method and atomic absorption spectrometer were used. Results: The results of the study demonstrated that the mean concentrations of lead, cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic in all samples were ۰.۲۵, ۰.۲۳, ۰.۲۲, ۰.۲, and ۰.۶۱, respectively. According to the maximum values set by Iranian National Standard Institute for lead and cadmium, the values measured in the samples of greenhouse products were reported to be higher than the national standard. Nonetheless, compared to the limits specified by WHO/FAO, the values measured in the samples of greenhouse products in Qom are lower than WHO/FAO standards. Conclusion: Given the critical importance of continuous monitoring of heavy metal residues in greenhouse products, it is necessary to control the status of heavy metals in products, as well as water and soil used in greenhouse cultivation units.

کلیدواژه ها:

Environment and public health ، Greenhouse effect ، Heavy ، Iran ، Metals ، Risk ، Qom