Measurement of trace elements (Pb, Cd) in fruits and vegetables: Case of sidi bel abbes -western Algeria

Abstract

Pollution with metal and trace elements (MTE) has become a public health concern, the contamination of soil, air, water and living beings by heavy metals is partly due to multiple human activities. This study consists of a quantitative evaluation of heavy metals (Pb, Cd) in six random samples and without a standard deviation of fruits and vegetables (potato, tomato, zucchini, lettuce, apple, strawberry) from merchants and markets of the city of Sidi Bel Abbes. Algérie. In order to be able to determine the content of Pb and Cd in the plants mentioned above, atomic absorption was carried out which allowed us to appreciate the variations of the various trace elements from one plant to another. The results obtained show that the lead and cadmium contents in the samples vary respectively between a maximum value of 0.981mg / kg and .0182mg / kg and a minimum value of 0.003mg / kg and 0.009mg / kg. There is a difference in the lead contents for the six samples analyzed: Pb (potato)> Pb (strawberry)> Pb (zucchini)> Pb (tomato)> Pb standards. Lettuce and apple are within the regulated content. The presence of cadmium also varies from sample to sample: Cd (tomato)> Cd (zucchini)> Cd (potato)> Cd (strawberry). These variations are due to are due to a "compartmentalisation of heavy metals in the plant agriculture (spreading sludge from wastewater treatment plants, fertilizers and certain phytosanitary treatments for crops) and road transport.