By Mariana Lira

Faculty Mentor: Melanie Szulczewski

Abstract

Heavy metals analysis has become increasingly important in environmental science, food safety and public health. Exposure to heavy metals poses health risks due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic effects . Elements such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium and mercury can accumulate in fruits and vegetables through multiple environmental pathways, such as polluted irrigation water, atmospheric deposition, fertilizers, biosolids or pesticides containing these trace elements. The presence of these metals in produce can vary due to local land use, contamination, soil chemistry, and growing methods and practices. A portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometer can be used to conduct rapid and non-destructive quantification of elemental concentrations in solid and liquid matrices, including those of food products . This study is a preliminary assessment of heavy metal and nutrient concentration in fresh organic and non-organic produce from diverse sources using the x-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The vegetables analyzed were lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes, all of which were obtained from supermarkets and a local food cooperative in Fredericksburg, Virginia.