Determination of Heavy Metal (Cr, Co, and Ni) Accumulation in Selected Vegetables Depending on Traffic Density

Abstract

In recent years, air pollution has increased with rapid urbanization, industrial activities, and traffic density, especially in developing countries. The consumption of the vegetables grown in city centers with high levels of traffic-related pollution poses a major risk to human health due to the heavy metals contained by these plants. Heavy metals have toxic and carcinogenic effects on the human body even when consumed in low concentrations. The aim of this study is to determine the change in the accumulation of Cr, Co, and Ni elements in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) vegetables grown in heavy, light, and almost no traffic areas in Ankara province based on plant species, plant organs, and washing condition. The change of Co, Cr, Ni concentrations based on traffic density showed differences depending on the factors studied. It was remarkable that the Cr and Co concentrations in the washed fruits increased depending on the traffic density in general. This increase means that Cr and Co penetrate into the fruits. These results indicate how harmful the consumption of products grown near areas with heavy traffic and industrial facilities can be since heavy metals are found in high levels in these areas.