Heliyon (Jul 2020)

Contamination of staple crops by heavy metals in Sibaté, Colombia

  • María F. Lizarazo,
  • César D. Herrera,
  • Crispín A. Celis,
  • Luis M. Pombo,
  • Aníbal A. Teherán,
  • Luis G. Piñeros,
  • Sandra P. Forero,
  • Javier R. Velandia,
  • Fabio E. Díaz,
  • William A. Andrade,
  • Oscar E. Rodríguez

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 7
p. e04212

Abstract

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Heavy metal contamination in water resources, soil, and food sources is an issue that compromises food safety in Sibaté, Colombia. In the present study concentration of heavy metals [HMs], such as Cu, As, Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, Cd and Ni, present in vegetables included in the typical Colombian diet were measured. The study was conducted as follows: samples of parsley, artichoke and carrots produced in a location near the Muña dam were collected, where the Bogotá River water is treated for use as a water resource. To determine food safety, national and international [HMs] established limits were compared with quantified [HMs] in samples of different vegetable parts and of the surrounding soil. Fresh samples were separated in their respective parts for cold acid digestion with HCl and HNO3 (1:1) for 15 days. Heavy metal mean ± standard error (SE) were as follows (mg/kg) As 2.36 ± 0.185, Cd 0.16 ± 0.009, Co 0.43 ± 0.019, Cr 12.1 ± 0.453, Cu 13.1 ± 1.68, Ni 0.00, Pb 7.07 ± 0.482 and Zn 3.976 ± 0.332. Cd, Cr, As, Co and Ni showed high transfer factor in Cynara scolymus. Moreover, high Pb, Cu and Zn transfer factor were present in Petroselinum crispum. Except for Daucus carota roots, there was a high metal transfer specifically in Petroselinum crispum leaves and other different plant parts, with high transfer factor for Cr, As, Co, Pb, Cu and Zn.

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