ESTIMATION OF HEAVY METALS IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES GROWN NEARBY AREAS OF INTEGRAL UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW INDIANASIR SIDDIQI, NASEEM AHMAD AND MAJEB ALOTAIBIAbstract The purpose of this research was to use the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) technique to identify heavy metals in various vegetables. Six different fruits and vegetable samples, including lady finger, Cauliflower, cabbage, Guava, papaya, and Palak, are frequently seen in the nearby villages of Integral University. Heavy metals which were determined are Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe) cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Results indicated that the variety of vegetables and fruits tested had limits of heavy metals in a limited range compared to standards, the permissible levels established by the FAO and WHO, and heavy metal levels were found to be within safe limits, which is an indication that the vegetables around the local market of the university are safe for consumption without any risk of environmental toxicants. However, some samples of guava have a quantity of heavy metals more than the permissible limit, which is unfit for consumption. Because heavy metals, are unbreakable and most of them are hazardous to living things when acceptable concentration limits are exceeded. Due to poor immune systems, the most vulnerable populations to heavy metal pollution are young children and elderly people. |