IMPACT OF WASTEWATER IRRIGATION ON HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN VEGETABLES, WITH PRIMARY FOCUS ON Pb AND Cd

TEMELKOVSKA RISTEVSKA, Katerina and BLAZHEVSKA, Tatjana and PAVLOVSKA, Gorica and JANKULOSKA, Vezirka and VELKOVSKI, Valentina and GRUEVSKA, Nevena and JANKULOSKA GACOSKA, Kristina (2026) IMPACT OF WASTEWATER IRRIGATION ON HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN VEGETABLES, WITH PRIMARY FOCUS ON Pb AND Cd. In: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “FROM RESEARCH TO APPLICATION”, 20 May, 2026.

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Abstract

This review paper evaluated the impact of wastewater irrigation on heavy metal accumulation in vegetables, focusing specifically on lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). Rising water exploitation poses a severe risk to the environment. Heavy metal contamination, primarily driven by industrial activities such as textile manufacturing, mining, and metal processing, remains a major global concern. The application of wastewater for irrigation can significantly elevate heavy metal concentrations in both soil and crops. In many regions worldwide, vegetables that constitute a vital part of the human diet are being irrigated with untreated wastewater. Findings indicated that leafy greens, such as spinach and lettuce, along with root vegetables, exhibited high bioconcentration and transfer factors (TF > 1). Furthermore, Pb and Cd levels in wastewater-irrigated vegetables frequently exceed the Maximum Levels (MLs) set by the Codex Alimentarius 2023. This study also assessed modern treatment technologies, concluding that membrane filtration and ion exchange methods are essential for mitigating these risks. Ultimately, it was established that rigorous monitoring and efficient purification processes are critical for ensuring food safety and environmental protection.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Engineering Sciences
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited: 21 Sep 2026 09:20
Last Modified: 21 Sep 2026 12:14
URI: http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2417

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