Elemental analysis and health risk index assessment of leafy vegetables in Hanoi, Vietnam, were conducted using X-ray fluorescence. The identified elements were classified into three groups based on their concentrations: macronutrients (K, Ca, Mg, P, S) with high levels, mesonutrients (Cl, Si, Al), and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Br). Principal component analysis of the elemental concentrations grouped the vegetables into three clusters corresponding to their botanical families and distinctive accumulation patterns: Group 1 (Amaranthaceae and Basellaceae) with elevated macronutrient levels, Group 2 (Asteraceae) with preferential micronutrient accumulation, and Group 3 (Brassicaceae) with pronounced accumulation of both nutrients and heavy metals. A close relationship was observed between macronutrients and micronutrients, demonstrating their synergistic roles in regulating plant growth and physiological processes. The calculated health risk indices remained within safe limits (HI<1), indicating no potential health risks exist for consumers.
Bui et al. (Wed,) studied this question.