Determination of Selected Heavy Metals in Food and Water Consumed by Households

Environmental pollution is a worldwide problem and heavy metals belong to the most important of all pollutants. Nowadays it became an alarming issue. The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposure to mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, and arsenic. These metals have extensive effects on human health which has reviewed by international bodies such as the WHO. Exposure to heavy metals is increasing in some parts of the world, specifically in less developed countries. In the present study, the assessment of selected heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and copper will be carried out in water and food consumed by households. Detection and estimation of heavy metals will be performed by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Here 96% of nitric acid has used to remove organic material by decomposing them into carbon dioxide and make the metals soluble. This research will investigate the exposure to heavy metals in the average diet as well as the level of contaminations in water and food in Bangladesh. This will provide information on the dietary study for taking necessary actions against potential sources of contamination. Research findings will provide the necessary evidence to mobilize support for implementing national policies that commit the Government to reduce heavy metal contamination of food and water