Heavy metal contamination in Pisum sativum var. Azad P-1 grown in Sanganerarea, Rajasthan (India)

Dietary exposure to heavy metals, namely lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), has been identified as a risk to human health through the consumption of vegetable crops. This study investigates the source and magnitude of heavy metal contamination in soil and okra growing in Sanganer area. Here the main source of heavy metals is the irrigation water along with some atmospheric deposits. Various plant parts of Pisum sativum var. Azad P-1 were analysed at pre, peak and post flowering stages for Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr content. Average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cr and Pb in pea fruit were found to be 12.119 +/- 0.605 mg/g, 8.989 +/- 0.449 mg/g, 7.456 +/- 0.387 mg/g and 2.387 +/- 0.133 mg/g respectively.