Currently one of the main sources of atmospheric pollution identified in urban centers is derived from
both industrial and motor vehicle emissions. These pollutants can be adsorbed to particulate matter
which is present in the air or deposited in the soil and plants, eventually reaching the human food chain.
In this context, the present study aimed to determine the concentration of metals such as Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni
and Zn in two subspecies of Lactuca sativa L. and in the soil from were lettuce samples were collected. The
results for the soil samples analyzed show a possible contamination by Pb with concentration values as
high as 140 mg.kg1, which are above the Brazilian standards defined by Resolution CONAMA 420/2009
(Brazilian Environmental Council). However, the values found in the lettuce itself reveal that it is still
suitable for consumption