The present study has generated data on heavy metal pollution
in and around an Indian city and associated risk assessment for
consumer’s exposure to the heavy metals.
The proposed hypothesis
that the transportation and marketing of vegetables in contaminated
environment may elevate the levels of heavy metals in
vegetables through surface deposition has been proved through
this study. The consumption of vegetables directly from production
areas might be less hazardous to human health in comparison to
those from polluted open market areas. Heavy metals have a toxic
impact, but detrimental impacts become apparent only when longterm
consumption of contaminated vegetables occurs. It is therefore
suggested that regular monitoring of heavy metals in vegetables
and other food items should be performed in order to prevent
excessive buildup of these heavy metals in the human food chain.
Appropriate precautions should also be taken at the time of transportation
and marketing of vegetables.