Breaking the myth of healthy food production in rural areas: cases studied in Vojvodina Province (Serbia).

The aim of the present study was to analyze the chemical composition of parsley, parsnip, carrot, and celeriac cultivated at different localities (urban, or suburban/village). The concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, chromium) and essential elements (potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus) in edible plant parts were determined. Human health risks associated with chronic consumption of potentially contaminated vegetables were assessed through the use of hazard quotients. The concentrations of heavy metals and essential elements in the edible parts of the tested plants varied among plant species, cultivation locality and plant organ (leaf/root). Carrots showed the lowest levels of cadmium, nickel, and chromium accumulation, while the highest concentrations were measured for parsley leaves, with respect to average values. Metal pollution index values obtained for cities were lower than those obtained for some villages and a suburban settlement. The hazard quotient revealed the highest values for cadmium. Positive Pearson's correlation between chromium and nickel was found in many cases. Principal component analysis indicated differences in plants ability to accumulate certain nutrients and pollutants, while sample diversification was closely related to growth site properties. We sincerely hope that the present study will inspire similar investigations in other developing countries, as well as in the Western Balkans region, to obtain broader insight into vegetable food safety and local human health risk. Considering that food quality and safety are major concerns, our results should inform the relevant government authorities and provide a foundation for implementation of a system of controls over cultivation processes and vegetable quality in Serbia.