Evaluation on Nitrate Contamination of Main Vegetables in Suburbs of Nanjing

The nitrate contamination of main vegetables in Shuangzha Town of Suburb Nanjing were investigated and evaluated in accordance with standards converted from the maximum daily nitrate intake threshold issued by WHO/FAO. The results showed that Chinese cabbage ( Brassica pekinensis ) and pakchoi ( Brassica chinensis ) were heavily contaminated, spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ) was slightly contaminated and the nitrate contamination of radish ( Raphanus sativus ) was in between. It is strongly recommended that the nitrate contamination of vegetables be controlled and prevented.