Dietary intake of pollutant aerosols via vegetables influenced by atmospheric deposition and wastewater irrigation

Pot culture experiments were conducted to study dietary intake of heavy metals via vegetables, spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) grown under the influence of atmospheric deposition and wastewater irrigation. The results indicated substantial accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables, which contribute significantly to dietary intake of total heavy metals ranging from 1.34 to 110.40 μg g−1 through leaves (spinach), 1.04 to 105.86 μg g−1 through root (radish) and 0.608 to 82.19 μg g−1 through fruits (tomato). Concentration of Cd, Ni and Pb in vegetables exceeded the safe limits of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954. Health risk index for Cd and Pb exceeded the safe limits set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The study indicated that the atmospheric depositions as well as wastewater irrigation have significantly elevated the levels of heavy metals in dietary vegetables presenting a significant threat for the health of users.

► Atmospheric deposition and wastewater irrigation substantially contaminate crops.
► Combination of atmospheric deposition and wastewater irrigation is more severe.
► Leafy vegetables are more prone to heavy metal toxicity.
► DIM, HRI, CF, AAF and PLI are the indices, which support our finding.
► Study has relevance from health perspectives in countries like India in future.