Determination of nitrate and nitrite level in some local vegetables

Abstract

A study of nitrate and nitrite level in few different vegetables in Misrata city  was conducted. Many samples of different types of vegetables (Tomato, Eruca, Lettuce ...) were collected from randomly selected farms in three different areas in Misrata city (Sekaut, Al-zarouq, and Al-dafnia). The nitrate and nitrite contents in the samples were analyzed using DR/980 CLORIMETER. The nitrite concentrations were higher than 1mg/Kg in most test crops. These levels of nitrite are considered acceptable. The nitrite levels generally were below the allowable range. The nitrite content must be lower than 1mg/Kg. The nitrite content results of most vegetables in this study was higher than 1mg/Kg and lower 100 mg/Kg which was still in an acceptable range and propose no danger on human health except in some kzbara which was higher than 100 mg/Kg. It was reported that the nitrite levels start to be dangerous if it is higher than 100 mg/Kg.