Abstract

• The present study investigated the elemental concentrations of agricultural soil and seasonal vegetables in Sin Gyaung Lay village of Pyin Oo Lwin township, Mandalay Region. The elemental concentrations of agricultural soil samples and vegetable samples were analyzed by using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (EDXRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The results obtained Mn ranged from 0.16 % to 0.52 %, Fe ranged from 18.60 % to 26.80 %, Ni ranged from 0.05 % to 0.08 %, Cu ranged from 0.03 % to 0.04 %, Zn ranged from 0.26 % to 0.34 %, As ranged from 0.01 % to 0.02 %, Pb ranged from 0.06 % to 0.13 % respectively in agricultural soil samples. The results obtained show that the concentration of Mn ranged from 0.04 % to 0.17 %, Fe ranged from 0.69 % to 0.97 %, Ni ranged from 0.05 % to 0.10 %, Cu ranged from 0.04 % to 0.07 %, Zn ranged from 0.16 % to 0.19 % were found in vegetable samples, while that Pb value 0.003 % was found in Yellow Mustard sample. According to the AAS analysis, the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in soil and vegetable samples were found to be within the WHO standards. However, the concentration of Mn slightly exceeded the WHO value in soil sample S-3. The transfer factor for Pb was consistently found to be 1 in all samples, while the transfer factors for Mn, Fe and Zn were less than 1. Additionally, the transfer factor values for Cu and Cd were greater than 1. The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate heavy metal contamination in food crops.