RESUMO
The levels of Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cd were determined in fresh vegetables obtained from central storerooms of the WSO in Katowice which were intended for market in that Province. Vegetable samples were taken from the stores twice in the months from September to March in the years 1986-1987. At the same time similar analyses were done of raw milk and milk for consumption from the market and from certain dairy cooperatives in the Province. Besides the above metals, in the samples dry mass, ash, protein (by Kjeldahl method), calorie values (by burning in calorimetric bomb ZKL-4) were determined. The study included these mineral components which are necessary in human physiological requirements, and those which can be toxic if consumed in excess, and also those which cumulate selectively in plants and in animal and human organisms. The mutual relationships were evaluated of these components in the analysed food products based on calculated correlation coefficients. After the chemical analysis of these products it was found that the levels of Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cd and Pb varied depending on the product and site of origin of the sample. The levels of heavy metals, such as Cd and Pb, were exceeding the acceptable values in the edible parts of vegetables grown in the Province of Katowice and intended for the market in that Province. The lowest levels of toxic metals and the highest content of mineral components indispensable for physiological functions were found in the vegetables brought from the neighbouring Province of Kielce.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
