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Detection of Ni, Cd, and Cu in green leafy vegetables collected from different cultivation areas in and around Colombo District, Sri Lanka

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Abstract

Five types of green leafy vegetables [“Kankun” (Ipomoea aquatica), “Mukunuwenna” (Alternanthera sessilis), “Thampala” (Amaranthus viridis), “Nivithi” (Basella alba), and “Kohila leaves” (Lasia spinosa)] were randomly collected from six different locations (Wellampitiya, Kolonnawa, Kottawa, Piliyandala, Bandaragama, and Kahathuduwa) in and around Colombo District, Sri Lanka, and subjected to analysis of three heavy metals [nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu)] by atomic absorption spectrometry. Soils from green leafy vegetable cultivation lands and irrigated water were also tested. The average concentrations of heavy metals Ni, Cd, and Cu in soils were 51.5 ± 45.5, 1.4 ± 1.1, and 66.5 ± 59.5 mg kg−1, respectively. The highest Ni contamination was detected in the irrigated water samples from Wellampitiya (2.02 mg L−1) followed by Kolonnawa (1.02 mg L−1) and Kahathuduwa (0.25 mg L−1) areas. This has exceeded the WHO/FAO guideline (0.2 mg L−1). However, Cd and Cu contents in all tested irrigated water samples were well below the detection limits. Significant differences were observed in Ni, Cd, and Cu levels, between both production sites and green leafy vegetables analyzed (P < 0.05). The mean concentrations (mg kg−1, dry weight basis) of heavy metals in all green leafy vegetable samples collected from six areas varied as 0.23 ± 0.15 for Cd, 12.60 ± 9.01 for Cu, and 7.62 ± 8.41 for Ni. Maximum Ni, Cd, and Cu contaminations were found in the green leafy vegetables collected from Kolonnawa area. Among the green leafy vegetables analyzed, “Kohila leaves” have the highest tendency to accumulate Ni, Cd, and Cu from the environment.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka, for their financial support to conduct the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

    Thilini Kananke

  2. No. 23, 2nd Lane, Lower Dickson Road, Galle, Sri Lanka

    Thilini Kananke

  3. Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

    Jagath Wansapala

  4. Department of Livestock Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

    Anil Gunaratne

Authors
  1. Thilini Kananke
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  2. Jagath Wansapala
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  3. Anil Gunaratne
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Correspondence to Thilini Kananke.

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Research highlights

• Green leafy vegetables collected from Colombo area were tested for Ni, Cd, and Cu.

• Soils and irrigated water were also tested.

• Mean Ni and Cd levels in green leafy vegetables exceeded WHO/FAO safe limit.

• Highest accumulations of heavy metals were reported in Lasia spinosa.

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Kananke, T., Wansapala, J. & Gunaratne, A. Detection of Ni, Cd, and Cu in green leafy vegetables collected from different cultivation areas in and around Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Environ Monit Assess 188, 187 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5195-5

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