Table 2.
Recommended maximum levels and heavy metal concentrations for vegetables
| Standard | Cu | As | Cd | Pb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAO, 2011 | 40 | 0.05 (Inorganic) | 0.2 leafy; 0.05 others | 0.3 |
| EC, 2006 | 20 | NR | 0.2 leafy; 0.05 others | 0.3 |
| CMH, 2012 | NR | 0.5 (Total) | 0.2 leafy; 0.05 others | 0.3 leafy; 0.1 others |
| Contaminated area mean | 1.930 ± 0.494 | 0.123 ± 0.087 | 0.143 ± 0.079 | 0.145 ± 0.148 |
| Reference area mean | 1.087 ± 0.151 | 0.022 ± 0.022 | 0.020 ± 0.011 | 0.055 ± 0.029 |
Levels are presented in (mg/kg, fresh weight). Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.
Cu, copper; As, arsenic; Cd, cadmium; Pb, lead; FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization; EC, European Union Standards; CMH, Chinese Ministry of Health; NR, Not recommended.