Heavy metal determination in selected Malaysian in grown leafy vegetables / Norihayani Ismail

This study investigated the levels of six different heavy metals (Zn, Cu) which are essential and toxic metal ( Cd, Cr , Pb, As ) in three types of Malaysian grown l e a f y vegetables including leaves and stems of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), mustard green (Brassica juncea) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Heavy metals were extracted from vegetables using dry ashing method. I C P -OES was used to evaluate the levels of these metals in the vegetables. The results showed the following ranges (mg/kg): 0.053- 0.058, 0.101-2.125, 27.786-83.306, 4.391-8.486 for cadmium, chromium, zinc and copper respectively. The highest mean concentration of Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd were detected in leaves of mustard greens, stems of water spinach, stems of mustard green and leaves of spinach. Heavy metals were the highest in leaves of mustard green compared to other type of vegetables. The study showed that heavy metals content in various parts of vegetables studied were still below the permissible levels b y Malaysian Food Act 1983 (Act 281) & Regulations. Overall, this study indicates Malaysian grown leafy vegetables especially water spinach, spinach and mustard green obtained from Selayang market was safe to be consumed in terms of heavy metals.