evaluation of microbial contamination and toxic metals content of parsley (petroselinum crispum) obtained in kuh boneh region (lahijan city, north of iran)

In this study, microbial contamination included the total microbial count and coliform, as well as the content of toxic metals such as arsenic (as), cadmium (cd), lead (pb), and mercury (hg) in parsley (petroselinum crispum) prepared from local farms in kuh boneh region (lahijan city, north of iran) was investigated. the content of toxic metals was evaluated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the results showed that content of these metals is lower than the standard level. however, the results of microbial investigation revealed that the samples are contaminated. in fact, the number of colonies was very high and according to the standards, these samples are harmful to health.