A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON HEAVY METALS IN GREEN MUSTARD BRASSICA JUNCEA: A HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTChee Kong Yap, Zulhilmi Hassan, Zaieka Shamsudin, Rosimah Nulit1, Meenakshii Nallappan, Wan Hee Cheng, Shih Hao Tony Peng and Chee Wah YapAbstract Green mustard Brassica juncea were collected from Brinchang (Cameron Highland, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia collected in September 2016) and Sikamat (Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia collected in September 2013). Metal concentrations ranges (mg/kg dry weight) for the edible leaves of B. juncea were Cu (4.80-5.06), Fe (36.8-139), Ni (0.50-0.80), Pb (0.30-1.60) and Zn (25.7-32.4) from all both sampling sites. As for health risk assessment, the values of target hazard quotient for all metals in this study were below 1.00 in both adults and children. The current results have reflected no non-carcinogenic risks from all metals through the intake of green mustard. Still, heavy metal monitoring should be carried out periodically in this consumable popular vegetable. |