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Delhi Veggies Tainted: Lead Levels Spike on Yamuna Floodplains
4 Aug
Summary
- Lead levels in Delhi vegetables exceed safety limits by up to four times.
- Spinach and brinjal pose health concerns due to elevated lead accumulation.
- Industrial waste and sewage contaminate Yamuna floodplain soil and vegetables.
A recent study highlights alarming lead contamination in vegetables cultivated on Delhi's Yamuna floodplains. Lead levels found in seven common vegetables, including cabbage, radish, and spinach, ranged from 2.55 mg/kg to 10.27 mg/kg, surpassing the FSSAI's permissible limit of 2.5 mg/kg. Researchers from CSIR and CSIR-NEERI conducted the analysis.
The study identified spinach and brinjal as particular concerns, with Health Risk Index values exceeding the safety threshold. This suggests that regular consumption of these vegetables could pose health risks. The contamination is attributed to industrial wastewater, sewage discharged into the Yamuna, and agrochemical use.
Soil analysis also revealed cadmium exceeding limits at all four sampled locations and chromium at one. The confluence of industrial and domestic wastewater significantly impacts soil and vegetable quality in areas closer to the river. Authorities are urged to implement regular monitoring of heavy metals in floodplain soil and produce.
