SLSU Researcher Uncovers the Hidden Risks in Water Kangkong: A Study on Heavy Metal Contamination

A breakthrough study dwelling on an important aspect of food safety was presented by Dr. Ian A. Navarrete from the Department of Environmental Science of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), in co-authoring the crucial research conducted on heavy metals' effect on water kangkong, a leafy green that forms a big part of most Filipinos' daily diets. Lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), and chromium (Cr³⁺) are silently contaminating this common crop. In experiments, significant attention was found on harmful effects of these metals that cause damage to mineral nutrition uptake by plants when present in the form of its deficiency in essential forms in the case of such forms as potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺) in internal tissues of leaves and the stem. The findings hold such significance because this kind of danger of inadequacy of nutrients to the health safety of humans in edible parts of kangkong poses a great risk to life. The research gives a glimmer of hope that nutrient supplementation, especially with NPK fertilizers, may improve the tolerance of the plant to these heavy metals. This approach not only mitigates the accumulation of toxic metals but also ensures the retention of vital nutrients, thereby safeguarding the nutritional value of kangkong. Dr. Navarrete's work calls for developing sustainable agricultural practices to overcome the environmental challenges. Optimizing nutrient strategies would allow farmers to grow healthier crops even in contaminated environments, thereby ensuring food safety and security for communities. The Southern Leyte State University congratulates Dr. Navarrete and his co-researchers for their pioneering contributions to environmental science and agriculture. Their dedication to critical issues such as heavy metal contamination exemplifies the commitment of the university to research that directly benefits society. This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. How to cite: De Luna, M. S., Navarrete, I. A., Adornado, A. P., Tayo, L. L., Soriano, A. N., & Del Castillo Rubi, R. V. (2023). Influence of nutrient supplement in the single heavy metal (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr³⁺) uptake and mineral nutrients absorption by water kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica forsk). Applied Science and Engineering Progress, 16(2), Article 5871.
To read full content: https://doi.org/10.14416/j.asep.2022.06.001