Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Vegetables from Industrial Areas of Haryana

This study examines the presence of heavy metal pollution in 111 vegetable samples that were collected in the winter from industrial regions in Haryana, India. The samples mean heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg-1 dry weight) were determined to be as follows Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, was 158.01, 0.23, 0.04, 3.70, 7.82, 297.87, 39.81, 1.78, 0.52, and 32.21 respectively. Two main metal clusters (Al-Fe-Pb and Zn-Cu) were identified by statistical analysis, indicating shared contamination sources. The FAO/WHO-established acceptable limits for heavy metals were surpassed by the majority of vegetables, presenting serious health hazards. For every species of vegetable, the total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) was higher than 1, suggesting a possible non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers. The highest metal pollution index (MPI) was found in leafy vegetables, indicating a higher propensity for metal accumulation. The results highlight how urgently monitoring and mitigating measures are needed to lower the exposure to heavy metals from eating vegetables in industrial areas.