Assessment of the level of trace metals in commonly edible vegetables locally available in the markets of Karachi city [Pakistan]

A study was carried out to determine the concentrations of trace metals in common vegetables, which are locally available in the markets of Karachi for consumers. Samples of 18 varieties of vegetables, belonging to malvaceae, solanaceae, cucurbitaceae, crucifeareae, liliaceae, labiate, chenopodiaceae and zingaberaceae4amilies were procured from local markets of different areas of Karachi and analyzed for Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Cr by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The data is reputed at 99% (plus minus 2S) confidence level after triplicate measure. Maximum concentration of Fe was found to be 32.3 mug/g in spinach, Zn 8.6 mug/g in ladyfinger, Mn 5.6 mug/g in mint, Cu 3.3 mug/g in mustard and chromium 1.2 mug/g in coriander. The overall content of trace metals appeared to be within the limit laid down for safe human consumption.