Physico-chemical attributes and heavy metal content of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) cultivated in different regions of Pakistan.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the physico-chemical attributes and heavy metal content of 4 popular mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties viz., Dusahri, Chaunsa, Ratol and Langra grown in Multan (MUL), Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) and Mir Pur Khas (MPK), three major districts of Pakistan. Ash content, total soluble solid (TSS), pH and titratable acidity significantly (p<0.0.5) varied among these varieties. Langra, collected from MUL showed the highest ash % with relatively lower pH and TSS. The results indicated a substantial build-up of macro (Na, K, Ca, P) and micro (Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Pb) elements in the selected mango varieties. Mango varieties collected from MUL showed a higher concentration of these metals as compared to other regions which may be attributed to irrigation from industrial effluents and sewage water. This study concludes that the levels of heavy metals in tested Pakistani mango varieties are higher than the safe limits laid down by World Health Organization (WHO) and need regular monitoring both at the farm and the table.