Preliminary investigation of transfer of metals from soil to vegetables: Case study of Spinacia oleracea L.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to measure concentrations of Cu, Ni and Zn in Spinacia oleracea cultivated at a site near the copper and nickel mine in Selebi Phikwe. The mean concentrations (in dry matter-basis) of Cu, Zn and Ni in the whole plant system were 7.30 ± 2.51, 6.02 ± 2.16 and 0.03 ± 0.02, mg/kg, respectively. Enrichment factors (EF) of Cu, Ni and Zn were far below the EF value of 1.5 suggesting that the soils at the study site were either good in retention of metals and/or there was minimal translocation of metals in the plants. The authors recommend a multiple exposure effect of heavy metal monitoring to be conducted regularly at the study site.

Key words: Dietary toxicity, estimated dietary intake, Spinacia oleracea, target hazard quotient.