Heavy Metals in Some Vegetables, Soil and Water in Industrial and Non-Industrial Zones of Central Region of Iran

The presence of heavy metals in water, soil, and agricultural products is considered a significant threat to human health. This study aimed to evaluate different heavy metals such as Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) and Cobalt (Co), in some vegetable varieties like cucumber, tomato and eggplant and also in the soil and water resources, in greenhouses around the mega industrial zones vicinity (1-10 Km) and comparing it with a greenhouse located in suburb of Isfahan, Iran. Measurement of heavy metals was carried out using ICP-OES in replicate. Concentrations of heavy metals in soil varied by region and generally following the descending pattern: Co > Pb > As > Hg > Zn > Cd. Heavy metals transfer factor were in the order of Cd > Hg > Zn > Pb > Co > As. According to the results, the mega industrial zones of Isfahan province showed a hazardous situation, and notably, heavy metal levels in the suburban region of Isfahan exceeded the health risk index (HRI). Based on the findings, it is recommended that producers adopt regular monitoring of irrigation and soil quality, apply phytoremediation and organic soil amendments to reduce heavy metal uptake, and select low-accumulating crop varieties in order to minimize health risks and ensure sustainable greenhouse production near industrial zones.