Concentrations and transportation of metal and organochlorine pollutants in vegetables and risk assessment of human exposure in rural, urban and industrial environments (Bouches-du-Rhône, France)

The bioaccumulation of metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, Zn, Al, Fe) and organochlorine compounds (PCDD-Fs PCBs) was assessed in soils vegetables 3 sites contrasted anthropogenic influence (rural industrial-urban areas). Cultivated industrial areas exhibited diffuse pollution pollutants (PCBs PCDD-Fs). pollutant levels encountered were always lower than the EU regulatory or recommended values. However, contents measured cultivated near industrialized significantly higher those observed rural areas. This notably case for NDL- DL-PCB, PCDD, PCDF. leaf pathway appeared as main absorption many contaminants. results suggested that population exposure to mainly caused by vegetable ingestion. In soils, toxicity Pb which can be added As PCDD-Fs soils. Therefore, proximity crops highly anthropised has led long-term air pollutants, leading an accumulation food chain thus a risk human health.