Paper Title
Heavy Metal Residues in Coconut and Soil From Coconut Orchardin Ratchaburi, Thailand
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate heavy metal residues in coconut and soil from coconut orchard. Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were determined in coconut and soil from coconut orchard. The result showed that Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Zn were found in coconut meat and coconut juice. Cu was also found in coconut meat but was not found in coconut juice. For soil, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were detected. Interestingly, 29.03%, of coconut meat samples were found to have higher metal concentration than the allowable limit set by WHOfor Fe in food. Moreover, in coconut juice samples, the concentration of Cr, Pb and Cd found 25.80%, 96.77% and 100% of coconut juice samples, respectively which were higher than the permissible limit recommended by WHO and Thailand. The heavy metal residues in coconut and soil might derive from pesticides and chemical fertilizer. Therefore, organic farming can be the best alternative agriculture system for agriculturist to reduce harmful contaminant in agricultural product and environment which safe for consumer.
Index Terms - Heavy metal residues, Coconut meat, Coconut juice, Coconut Orchard