Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in Spinacia oleracea L. and Coriandrum sativum L. Irrigated with Wastewater: Implications for Food Safety and Environmental Health

Vegetables are vital for human nutrition but can accumulate heavy metals, posing risks to public health and the environment, particularly in regions using wastewater for irrigation. This study, conducted in Gujranwala, Pakistan, evaluated heavy metal contamination in wastewater, soil, Spinacia oleracea L., and Coriandrum sativum L. using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Results revealed significant levels of lead (0.2255 mg/L), cobalt (0.0721 mg/L), chromium (0.1173 mg/L), and cadmium (0.0232 mg/L) in wastewater. Spinach and coriander samples exhibited heavy metal concentrations exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) limits, including chromium (11.313 mg/kg), lead (0.541 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.331 mg/kg). Soil samples also showed high cadmium levels. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable irrigation practices and land management to mitigate heavy metals bioaccumulation and safeguard food safety.