Abstract: In order to know the heavy metal concentration in the vegetables in heavy metal mine area, and to assess the plantability of various kinds of edible vegetables, sampling was made of eleven edible vegetables and the relevant soils in Lechang lead-zinc mine area in Guangdong. Their concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the eleven edible vegetables were clustered by clustering analysis method. The results indicate that both Pb and Cd concentrations in all these vegetables exceed those specified in the related national standard while Cu and Zn concentrations are basically within the standard limits. Potato, pea and broccoli can be continuously planted locally, and however, care should be taken in taking their edible parts.

Key words: Metal mine, Food safety, Vegetable, Heavy metal, Plantability