Determination of Heavy Metal (Cd, Pb, Cr and Cu) Content in Selected Fruits and Vegetables Grown in CKDu Affected Puhudiwula, Mahadiwul Wewa and Unagas Wewa in Medawachchiya, Sri Lanka

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a burning health issue in the North Central province of Sri Lanka. Heavy metal contamination of food is presumed to be one of the causative factors. Hence, heavy metal level detection in fruits and vegetables grown in CKDu prevalent area was targeted.

Heavy metal (Cu, Cr, Pb and Cd) content of Mango, papaya, and some leafy and fruity vegetables grown in high CKDu risk Puhudiwula, Mahadiwul Wewa and low CKDu risk Unagas Wewa in Medawachchiya were detected by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Information about CKDu patients in the area was also collected.

A High level of Cd was observed in the samples at Mahadivul Wewa and Puhudivula as compared with samples at Unagas Wewa was well correlated with the number of patients noted. The contamination level of Pb and Cr was also relatively low in comparison with Cd. Hence, the present work revealed that exposure to elevated Cd levels through dietary food could be a risk factor accounts for a higher number of CKDu patients in these areas.