Section VI: Managing the Environment

Title: Heavy metals and pesticides residue in commercial fresh vegetables in Sudan

Author(s): Mohamed S. Dafaelseed, Mohammed M. Eltayeb, Amro B. Hassan, Elfadil E. Babiker

Address: National Chemical Laboratories, Department of Food Safety and Quality Control, Khartoum, Sudan | Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North 13314, Shambat, Sudan | National Center for Research, Environment and Natural Resource Research Institute <(>ENRRI<)>, P.O. Box 6096, Khartoum, Sudan | Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Khartoum North 13314, Shambat, Sudan

Reference: Science,Technology and Sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa pp. 347 - 354

Abstract/Summary: For assessing daily environmental contamination, five types of fresh vegetables were collected from three different sites in Khartoum State, Sudan roadside farm, roadside market and open market and analysed for heavy metal content and pesticides residues before and after washing. Results showed that for all sites lead concentration was very high for all vegetables and exceeded the maximum level recommended by FAOWHO even after washing. Cadmium concentration for all vegetables greatly reduced after washing. However, for snakemelo the concentration reduced significantly but still above the recommended level. Nickel concentration for all vegetables in all sites below the recommended level. Results also showed that pesticides residue for all vegetables in all sites below the hazard concentration. With increase in vegetable consumption by the community the situation could worsen in the future, therefore, the level of toxic metals should be reduced to minimise the health risk.

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