Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil and produce of Philadelphia community gardens

Urban and ex-urban residents have been increasingly utilizing community gardens to supplement their diets, foster relationships with neighbors learn new skills. Soils in urban-region gardens, however, can be detrimental human health if contaminated metals. In this study, the soils of 20 Philadelphia-region (and produce from 6 gardens) were analyzed for heavy metal content (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb) assess bioavailability, determine environmental demographic variables compare published safe limits. About 58% soil samples 86% above respective lead level. Metal concentrations garden differed between types, highest As, Co Cu found root leafy vegetables lowest fruiting vegetables. gardeners are exposed unsafe levels metals both consumed produce.