Assessment of Selected Trace Elements in Fruits and Vegetables Cultivated Around Mojo, Meki and Zeway Irrigation Farms, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to analyze the heavy metals in selected fruit and vegetables produced in irrigation farms around Mojo, Meki and Zeway area, Ethiopia. The total 8 samples viz. , 4 vegetables and 4 fruits were collected which are commonly produced in the areas. These were digested using dry ashing method assisted with concentrated nitric acid and the ash dissolved with 3N hydrochloric acid and analyzed with the aid of Parkin - Elmer Atomic Absorption Spectrometer to determine the level of heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt and Nickel). The results obtained were compared with their permissible levels set by the FAO and WHO and were found to be within safe limits for all analyzed heavy metals.