|
Abstract:
|
Heavy metals contents in the solutions from acid digestion of Yemeni soils and vegetables were deter¬mined by differential pulsed anodic stripping voltammetry. The geometric mean for Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations for the soils (to a depth of 40 cm) were 0.56, 9.4, 35 and 58 mg kg"1 dry weight respec¬tively. These levels are closely related to the literature values for uncontaminated soils. Highest and low¬est concentrations of Cd were in watercress and cucumber (37.6 and 2.6|j.g kg"1, resp.); Pb in watercress and tomato (306.8 and 30.2^ig kg"1, resp.); Cu in Jew's marrow and cabbage (4734 and 521^g kg1, resp.); and Zn in Jew's marrow and tomato (5561 and 559^,g kg"1, resp.). These values do not pose a health risk for consumers, according to the levels proposed by FAO / WHO. |