Heavy metals concentration in conventionally and organically grown vegetables

Consumers' awareness and concerns regarding health and environmental issues associated with intensive and highly industrialised agriculture is the main cause of the constantly growing interest in organic farming. Most consumers believe that organically grown vegetables are healthier, more nutritious and of better quality. In the current study, samples of commonly used vegetable and soil were collected from organic and conventional farms. Using Atomic absorption spectroscopy, the plant samples were analysed and tested for concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). A chemical analysis of collected samples showed that there are significant differences between vegetables cultivated in the two growing systems. Generally, conventionally grown vegetables tend to contain higher concentrations of some elements; however the results are not conclusive. It was also found that celery and parsley leaves have a tendency to assimilate more heavy metals compared to other vegetables.