STUDY OF HEAVY METALS IN MANGO(MANGIFERA INDICA L) IN PERLIS, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most popular fruit of the tropics. Malaysia produces mango mainly for the local market and only exports small quantity of fruits. Therefore, the presence of any heavy metals higher than the allowable limit considered a source of concern. Fourheavy metals, namely, Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Chromium(Cr) were assessed in three separate locations of mango plantations at two soil depths. This study included most rice cultivation lands in Perlis northern Malaysia during wet season in 2014. Results showed that Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr not exceeds the allowable limit in all studied sites. Where were the ratio in site 2 is higher than that of other sites (0.98 and 0.96 mg. kg-1 soil ), (0.42 and 0.36 m.kg−1 soil), (2.89 and 2.34 m.kg−1 soil) and (2.38 and 1.53 m.kg−1 soil)for Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr in the (0–15 and 15–30 cm) soil depths, respectively. Results showed that the values of heavy metals vary according to soil depth