Analysis of Lead and Cadmium in Selected Leafy and Non-Leafy Edible Vegetables Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Abstract

Sixteen leafy and non-leafy edible vegetables were collected from the Northern Al-gour area, Jordan, and analyzed for Pb and Cd using atomic absorption spectrometry. In addition, soil samples were collected from areas adjacent to the sites from which the vegetables samples were collected and about 40 m from the road. Results indicated that the average Pb and Cd concentrations in the selected edible vegetables were found in the following order: Leaves > roots > fruits > seeds. Moreover, Pb and Cd levels in soil samples collected from the near main road were higher than those soil samples collected from the sites 40 meters far from the main road.

Keywords:

• analysis
• lead
• cadmium
• edible vegetables
• AAS

Acknowledgement

The support and facility of the Jordan University of Science and Technology are gratefully acknowledged. The authors would like to express thanks to Asma Ayoub for her technical assistance.