Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Contents of Tomatoes and Beans Grown in the Vicinity of Highway of Tokat, Turkey

Abstract

Lead and cadmium pollution is a major environmental problem, especially around the highways with high traffic density. When plants grow near highways, they can absorb or accumulate high levels of Pb and Cd in their tisues. This study was conducted to determine Pb and Cd contents in soil and in vegetables grown in the vicinity of highways. Concentrations of Pb and Cd were determined using ICP in tomato and bean (fruit and leaves), which are predominant crops in the region, as well as in soil. Average concentrations of Pb and Cd in tomato, bean and soil were 0.54 and 0.21 mg kg^-1, 0.45 and 0.13 mg kg^-1 and 5.69 and 0.41 mg kg^-1 respectively. Pb and Cd concentrations were highest in soil followed by leaves and fruits. There was no clear correlation between the level of metals and distance from highway. It might be speculated that wind direction affects the distribution and accumulation of Pb and Cd throughout the research area.