Determination of heavy metals in water samples used to irrigation of vegetables grown on roadside.

Abstract

Heavy metals contribute significantly to pollution air, soil and water, interfering temporarily in the maintenance of terrestrial and aquatic biota, may cause a public health concern if ingested in high concentrations. Currently, the main problem of air pollution identified in urban centers, due to industrial emissions and motor vehicles. These pollutants are added to the particulate matter suspended in the air and are deposited in the soil, water and plants. Therefore, it becomes important to determine the concentration of heavy metals in various environmental matrices, mainly water, because this is one of the main routes of contaminant ingestion in man. Thus, to evaluate the quality of water used for irrigation of crops by the roadside, and the impact of the presence of vehicle pollutants, water samples were collected from wells near the BR-101 South at Km 70, Recife (PE). These samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry flame, following the methodology recommended by the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater for the determination of metals such as Cd, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Mn. The results show that the metals: Pb, Fe e Mn had values well above the recommended water for irrigation of vegetables, according to CONAMA (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente) n º 357, 2005 and may pose risks to public health.