The extent of trace metals pollution in fruit dates palm and associated soil of Zilfi Province, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

<jats:p>Fruits and vegetables are edible plant products that are good for health, some trace elements concentration (Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and V) which may be found as pollutants in fruit dates palm and agricultural soils at Zilfi Province were determined by using ICP-MS spectrophotometer. The concentrations in mg/kg of the elements under study in agricultural soil were found ranged as follows: Cu(5.8-16.6), Hg(1.4-3), Mn (55.9-506.9), Ni(3.6-48.1), Pb(7.2-184.4), V(82.6-136.5). Four samples (5,6.10 and 11) have been contaminated with lead when we compare these values with the maximum allowable limits for WHO for Pb(100mg/kg). The concentrations in mg/kg of the elements under study in date palm fruit were found, ranged as follows: Cu (1.8-5.3), Hg (0.17-1.4), Mn (2.4-12.6), Ni (0.75-7.6), Pb (1.2-24.7), and V (11.6-17.3). All date samples were found to be contaminated with Mn element except sample (5). The concentrations of Nickel and Lead in all date palm fruits samples show high contamination compared to WHO/FAO limits for these elements. There have been highly pollution of soil and dates grown in the Zilfi Province elements by lead, but the pollution by mercury is only found in dates samples.</jats:p>