Studying the extent of contamination of potato tubers with Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc

Abstract

The study was conducted on the extent of contamination of potato tubers with some metals (cadmium, lead, and zinc) in the Qarabulli region. Samples were collected and transported to the analysis laboratory for testing and detection of the aforementioned heavy metals. They were digested with the chemical reagents mentioned in the practical part. The results showed an increase in zinc, reaching 39.29 mg/kg in the fourth station in eastern Qarabulli, and the lowest value was 25.49 mg/kg in the third sample in the same location. Similarly, an increase in lead was recorded, reaching 8.63 mg/kg in the first sample in Zatarneh, and the lowest value was 1.08 mg/kg in the third sample in eastern Qarabulli. Cadmium also reached 0.20 mg/kg in the first sample in Zatarneh. These values ​​were compared with the specifications of the Libyan National Center and the World Health Organization, and statistical analysis showed an increase in these heavy metals and the presence of contamination of potato tubers in the farms from which they were collected.