In Bengaluru, the use of wastewater for vegetable cultivation has raised alarming concerns about the elevated levels of heavy metal contamination in commonly consumed crops. Research conducted by the Environment Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) has revealed that heavy metal contamination in these vegetables exceeds the permissible limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). This troubling discovery has far-reaching implications for the health and safety of Bengaluru’s residents, who source their vegetables from a variety of outlets, including Hopcoms, private retailers, and farmer networks.
The EMPRI research involved the analysis of 400 samples collected from 20 stores across Bengaluru. These samples represented 10 different vegetables, including brinjal, tomato, capsicum, bean, carrot, green chilly, onion, potato, spinach, and coriander. The findings were particularly alarming:
The EMPRI research involved the analysis of 400 samples collected from 20 stores across Bengaluru. These samples represented 10 different vegetables, including brinjal, tomato, capsicum, bean, carrot, green chilly, onion, potato, spinach, and coriander. The findings were particularly alarming:
Iron Levels: The permissible limit for iron, set at 425.5 mg/kg, was exceeded in various vegetables. For example, beans from well-known organic shops contained a concentration of 810.20 mg/kg, coriander had 945.70 mg/kg, and spinach registered 554.58 mg/kg. Even vegetables from Hopcoms, such as onions, had high iron levels at 592.18 mg/kg.
Cadmium Levels: The FAO’s maximum limit for cadmium is just 0.2 mg/kg, yet many vegetables exceeded this threshold. Notably, brinjal purchased from a supermarket in BTM Layout had a shocking cadmium content of 52.30 mg/kg. Coriander, spinach, and carrot also had dangerously high cadmium levels, registering at 53.30 mg/kg, 53.50 mg/kg, and 54.60 mg/kg, respectively.
Cadmium Levels: The FAO’s maximum limit for cadmium is just 0.2 mg/kg, yet many vegetables exceeded this threshold. Notably, brinjal purchased from a supermarket in BTM Layout had a shocking cadmium content of 52.30 mg/kg. Coriander, spinach, and carrot also had dangerously high cadmium levels, registering at 53.30 mg/kg, 53.50 mg/kg, and 54.60 mg/kg, respectively.
This research highlights the urgent need for immediate action to address heavy metal contamination in Bengaluru’s vegetables. It is essential to implement source tracing, establish specific limits for heavy metals, and conduct comprehensive health studies to discourage the use of wastewater in farming, particularly for leafy greens, where heavy metal accumulation poses a significant risk to public health.
The safety of Bengaluru’s food supply is at stake, and effective measures must be taken to ensure the well-being of the city’s residents. Public awareness, regulatory interventions, and sustainable agricultural practices are crucial steps towards mitigating this pressing issue and securing a healthier and safer food supply chain for the city.
The safety of Bengaluru’s food supply is at stake, and effective measures must be taken to ensure the well-being of the city’s residents. Public awareness, regulatory interventions, and sustainable agricultural practices are crucial steps towards mitigating this pressing issue and securing a healthier and safer food supply chain for the city.
