The measurement of nitrate and nitrite content in carrots and onions sampled from central cities of Mazandaran State of Iran

Abstract

Vegetables are the major source of nitrates and nitrites in human diet. Because of the potential of health hazards resulting from high intake of nitrates and nitrites, the assessment of these components in vegetables was undertaken in this study. The concentration of nitrates and nitrites in carrots and onions sampled from three central cities of Mazandaran state (Iran) was determined in 12 samples of each vegetable collected from farmlands of four geographical regions in each city using the ISO Method (NO. 6635). The average content of nitrates and nitrites in all of the samples was less than standard threshold limits. Babol-sampled carrot had significantly higher nitrate content than two other cities. On the other hand, onions which were sampled from Sari showed significantly higher content of nitrate than two other cities. Based upon the maximum levels that were specified by European Commission Regulation, data showed that the investigated vegetables were safe for consumption.

Keywords:

• nitrite
• nitrate
• vegetables
• Mazandaran