Measurement and comparison of heavy metals concentration in vegetables used in Mashhad

In This study some vegetables' [mint, leek, radish and scallion] cadmium and lead metals level was investigated in two areas [west, east] of Mashhad from May to October 2011. The amount of heavy metals was determined by graphite atomic absorption after acidic digestion of the samples and the data were analyzed. The results indicated that maximum and minimum level of lead concentration was found in two areas: scallion of east [42.13mg/kg] and radish of west [17.76 mg/kg] respectively which were Leek [0.89 mg/kg] and scallion [0.22] of east for cadmium. The survey of heavy metals is needed to assess health hazards, food safety, and security