Determination of the Selected Heavy Metal Content and Its Associated Health Risks in Selected Vegetables Marketed in Bahir Dar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction. Fresh vegetables are of a great value and the most common foods in human diet around world. They contain minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, antimetabolites, protein, carbohydrates, water. However, they major source heavy metals, which both essential toxic metals over wide range concentrations. The study sites serve as regional commercial center, where such cabbages, onions, carrots, potatoes, beetroots, lettuce, tomatoes were irrigated year round sold to consumers. aim was determine level cadmium, chromium, copper, lead estimate health risks associated with their daily intake marketed Bahir Dar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods. concentrations copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), (Pb) determined, estimated using (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), index (HI), cancer risk (TCR) for selected by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. A total 5 kg composite samples each type vegetable collected simple random sampling from an open market Ethiopia, subsamples (1.25 kg) digested via wet digestion method. Results. average Cr Cu all lower than maximum limit expected values. concentration (mg.kg?1) Pb beetroots exceeded safe 0.3 mg·kg?1 set FAO/WHO Cd (mg·kg?1) is higher limit, 0.2 mg·kg?1, dry weight. (HI) values (mg·kg?1 day?1) except carrots one. TCR Pb, Cd, US-EPA recommended threshold but carrot above moderate (>1 × 10?3) US-EPA. Conclusion. This indicated that town not use local community. consumption area may cause noncancerous cancerous risks. Therefore, regular monitoring these should be carried out prevent metal toxicity those