Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Desert-Grown Vegetables and Associated Human Health Risks

Vegetable heavy metal accumulation raises serious public health concerns. Three rain-fed desert vegetables Tinda, Guar, and Chibar collected from the Tharparkar district in Sindh, Pakistan, were analyzed for Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) with a hydride generation accessory. Cu (12.4–13.8 mg/kg), Ni (1.80–3.40 mg/kg), Zn (63.2–74.8 mg/kg), and Pb (0.011–0.07 mg/kg) were found to be below FAO/WHO and EU permissible levels. Only in Wild Cucumis did Cd levels surpass the EU maximum (0.32 mg/kg). The elevated levels of arsenic (0.68 to 1.03 mg/kg) in Tharparkar soils are consistent with geogenic arsenic enrichment. Based on Hazard Quotient analysis, Cu and As HQ values exceed unity, indicating a chronic non-carcinogenic risk. Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cd HQ values remained below unity, suggesting safe dietary intake. Systematic monitoring of As and Cd in Tharparkar vegetables is strongly recommended.