A Study on the Contamination of Heavy Metals in Arakeerai (Amaranthus dubius) Cultivated in Different Sites of Coimbatore in India

Green leafy vegetables form a part of everybodys diet specially the vulnerable group which includes children, adolescents, pregnant, nursing and aged people where in their requirements for vitamins and minerals are higher. Contamination of heavy metal in greens due to agricultural practices, environmental changes pollution and use of pesticides result in the contamination posing serious health issues. The heavy metal contamination of Arakeerai (Amaranthus dubius) cultivated from three different sites of Coimbatore (agricultural field, near contaminated water beds and organic farm) was tested for Chromium, Zinc and lead contamination using standard procedure. Result revealed a contamination of chromium and zinc irrespective of the site of cultivation. Presence of lead was found to be below the deductible levels