Control of heavy metal content in different types of vegetables produced in the area of Zenica

In this study, concentrations of lead Pb, cadmium Cd and arsenic As were tested in 177 samples of fresh vegetables produced in the area of Zenica. This locality is exposed to the strong influence of high emissions of various pollutants primarily originating from metallurgical and thermal power plants, but also from local heating plants. The accumulation of heavy metals is followed by the types of vegetables: tuber and root, bulb, leaf, fruiting and legume from the group of fruiting vegetables. Preparation of samples was done with microwave di-gestion. The concentration of the selected metals in solutions after digestion was determined on Induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The percentage participation of contents Pb, Cd and As, either higher or lower than the maximum allowable amount prescribed by the applicable law, was calculated in all 177 samples. The results showed that different groups of vegetables have different ability to adopt and accumulate heavy met-als. The largest number of samples containing Pb content above the maximum level (ML) was in the group of leaf vegetables, then in the roots and finally in bulb groups. Cd was at the very limit with the maximum level in the parsley sample, while all other tested samples were in compliance with the applicable regulations. Two of the tested samples of the parsley leaves group had an increased content of As according to the legal regulations