Determination of lead in guava (Psidium guajava) planted near Sagian Wala Bypass, Lahore

The present study deals with the determination of lead (Pb) in Guava Planted along Sagian Wala Bypass, Lahore. Samples of guava were collected from different sites of Sigan Wala Bypass. The samples were subjected to wet digestion procedure. The concentrations of Pb in 20 composite samples were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of this survey showed that the average concentrations detected were ranged from 6.57 to 13.10 mg/kg. Concentration of Pb in all samples was found to be higher than the permissible limit approved by FAO/WHO (0.3 mg/Kg). The high content of Pb in Guava may pose a health hazard to consumers.The results indicate that there is considerable risk of lead poisoning from consumption of the guava from these sites. Keywords: Heavy metals; Contaminants; Atomic absorption spectroscopy http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60021