Experimental Assessment of Micronutrients in Leafy Vegetable Irrigation Water and Their Impact on Consumer Safety: A Case Study of the Kenana Area
1 Department Of plant Nutrition, University of White Nile, kosti –Sudan.
2 White Nile Center Scientific Research (WNCSR), kosti –Sudan.
3 Department of Chemistry, University of Imam Mahdi kosti –Sudan.
* Corresponding Author
Research Article
World Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2026, 09(01), 099–103.
Article DOI: 10.53346/wjcps.2026.9.1.0031
Publication history:
Received on 22 August 2026; revised on 25 September 2026; accepted on 29 September 2026
Abstract:
This study aimed to experimentally evaluate the levels of micronutrients (Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Boron) in irrigation water used for leafy vegetable cultivation in Kenana area, and to determine their accumulation in plant tissues and their impact on consumer safety. Water samples were collected from five different sites in the main and secondary irrigation canals of the Kenana Sugar Project, along with samples of three types of leafy vegetables (Molokhia, Arugula,
Lettuce) irrigated with the same water. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) to estimate element concentrations. The results showed that the concentration of most micronutrients in irrigation water was within the permissible limits according to FAO standards, with a relative increase in iron and manganese concentrations at some sites. The results also revealed a significant accumulation of these elements in leafy vegetables, where Molokhia recorded the highest accumulation of iron and manganese, while Arugula recorded the highest zinc level. Although concentrations in vegetables were mostly within safe limits, continuous consumption may pose a cumulative health risk in the
long term. The study recommends regular monitoring of irrigation water quality, rationalizing the use of fertilizers containing micronutrients, and raising awareness among farmers and consumers about the risks of bioaccumulation. Drainage reuse water in KSS poses moderate consumer risk for Cd and Pb accumulation in leafy vegetables, especially parsley and rocket consumed raw.
Regular monitoring and prohibition of raw vegetable cultivation in DR canals recommended. MC water safe.
Lettuce) irrigated with the same water. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) to estimate element concentrations. The results showed that the concentration of most micronutrients in irrigation water was within the permissible limits according to FAO standards, with a relative increase in iron and manganese concentrations at some sites. The results also revealed a significant accumulation of these elements in leafy vegetables, where Molokhia recorded the highest accumulation of iron and manganese, while Arugula recorded the highest zinc level. Although concentrations in vegetables were mostly within safe limits, continuous consumption may pose a cumulative health risk in the
long term. The study recommends regular monitoring of irrigation water quality, rationalizing the use of fertilizers containing micronutrients, and raising awareness among farmers and consumers about the risks of bioaccumulation. Drainage reuse water in KSS poses moderate consumer risk for Cd and Pb accumulation in leafy vegetables, especially parsley and rocket consumed raw.
Regular monitoring and prohibition of raw vegetable cultivation in DR canals recommended. MC water safe.
Keywords:
Micronutrients, Irrigation Water, Leafy Vegetables, Kenana, Consumer Safety, Heavy Metals
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