Cadmium contamination of vegetables commonly sold in vegetable markets in Khartoum State, Sudan

الملخص EN

The contamination of vegetables by cadmium is a major chemical hazard to human public health.

the fumes emitted from the exhaust pipes of vehicles operated by gasoline are considered a major source of heavy metals polluting the atmosphere.

this study focus on the determination of cadmium level in some vegetable varieties commonly sold in vegetables markets in Khartoum state, Sudan.

the following samples, Okra, Jews, mallow, Snake cucumber, tomatoes, purslane, eggplant, potatoes and water crest were collected from three locations in Khartoum state.

samples were cut, air-dried at room temperature and consequently powdered.

samples were analyzed for cadmium content using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AASP).

results revealed that, cadmium concentration was very high for all tested vegetables and exceeded the recommendation (0.1mg/kg) of the CODEX (2010), FDA (2006), EU, FSANZ (2011).

the highest cadmium values (4.90 ±0.14 mg /kg) were recorded in tomatoes sold at Omdurman, then (3.07 0±.12mg/kg) in Jew's mallow (leafy vegetable) in Nile street, followed by (2.450±.17mg/kg) in water cress and (2.30 ±0.18 mg/kg) in purslane found at Omdurman.

although, the lowest cadmium concentration (0.03 ±0.09mg/kg) was detected in cucumber, but exceeded the standard level (0.1mg/kg).

this study concluded that, the levels of cadmium concentration in vegetable commonly sold in Khartoum State are high which imposes adverse risk to public health.