Heavy metal content and edible safety evaluation of vegetables in Bengbu

The concentrations of heavy metals in vegetables collected from Bengbu were measured.The method of single factor pollution index, comprehensive pollution index and target hazard quotient were used to assess pollution levels and food safety of heavy metals in vegetables.The results showed that the average of Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Hg element's concentrations in vegetables were 0.1081, 0.0252, 0.0812, 0.0253 and 0.0011mg·kg-1, respectively, which were lower than the Hygiene standards of vegetables, except Pb element.The single factor pollution index assessment showed that the water convolvulus Pb for light pollution.However, other elements could be regarded as clean levels.The comprehensive pollution index method evaluation, according to the results of pepper, eggplant, long beans, cucumbers, towel gourd and Shanghai green as the safe level. Water convolvulus was warning line level.Vegetables heavy metal company in average from big to small of heavy metals in the order:Cr, Pb, Cd, As, Hg.Adults and children's health risk index was less than 1, the danger of heavey mental on people was not obvious. The compound health risk index from high to low in turn was:Shanghai green, water spinach, pepper, eggplant, long beans, towel gourd, cucumbers, and the children were at the risk of eating Shanghai green and water spinach. For adults, the Shanghai green was also unhealthy, however there were no more danger in eating other vegetables.For children, danger caused by the intake of heavy metals from eating local vegetables was higher than adults.All in all, it's not a advisable way for children to eat local vegetables and adults should choose them carefully.