DETERMINATION OF CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION IN LEAFY VEGETABLES (PARSLEY, SPINACH, LETTUCE) AND FRUIT VEGETABLES (PEPPERS, EGGPLANT AND CUCUMBER) FROM AREAS NEAR A SMELTER FACTORIES
DETERMINATION OF CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION IN LEAFY VEGETABLES (PARSLEY, SPINACH, LETTUCE) AND FRUIT VEGETABLES (PEPPERS, EGGPLANT AND CUCUMBER) FROM AREAS NEAR A SMELTER FACTORIES

Summary/Abstract: In recent decades, crop safety has been a significant issue in the production of plant-based food products. Heavy metals and metalloids are natural components of the earth's crust, but their presence in soil is increasing due to industrial activities, improper waste disposal, and the use of polluted water sources for irrigation. This contamination can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals in plants, which poses a risk to human health and the environment. The aim of this study is to determine the concentration of chromium (Cr) in leafy vegetables (parsley, spinach and lettuce) and fruit vegetables (peppers, eggplant and cucumber) grown in three different regions in Kosovo (Zvecan, Frasher and Polski) that are at different distances from a lead and zinc smelter factories. The analyses were carried out using microwave digestion and ICP-MS methods, following an accredited protocol for the determination of metal contaminants. The samples were dried, % dry matter and % water were determined for all samples. ICP analyses were performed on dry samples. The concentration of Cr is expressed in dry and fresh form of the samples. The results showed that the Cr content in leafy vegetables, wet weight ranged from 1.46 mg/kg to 6.99 mg/kg, while in fruit vegetables from 0.99 mg/kg to 2.66 mg/kg. The Cr concentrations in vegetables from settlements closer to the smelter factories (Zvecan and Polski) were higher compared to those from the farthest location from the smelter, Polski. The analysis showed that most of the leafy vegetable samples exceeded the permissible limit for Cr according to the World Health Organization. All leafy vegetable samples, except spinach and lettuce from the farthest Polish region, have Cr above the permissible limits. Of the fruit vegetables, only the peppers from Frasher had Cr above the permissible limit. Statistical analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the concentration of Cr in vegetables from different settlements. This means that different vegetables from the same area have the same trend of increasing and decreasing Cr concentration, i.e. in the areas closer to the smelter all vegetables have higher Cr concentrations, and in the area further from the smelter all vegetables have lower Cr concentrations.Due to the high concentrations of Cr in vegetables near the smelter factories, regular monitoring and taking steps related to decontamination of these areas are necessary. This research confirms the high concentrations of heavy metals in locally grown fruits vegetables and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of the level of contamination to ensure the safety and health of consumers.

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