This thesis quantifies Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe in seven commonly consumed vegetables sourced from markets near ship-breaking yards in Sitakundo, Chattogram. Using validated Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) (digestion, LOD/LOQ verification, QA/QC blanks/duplicates), concentrations are benchmarked against FAO/WHO (and national) limits and translated into exposure metrics—Average Daily Intake (ADI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI)—with PCA to profile multi-metal patterns. Results show recurrent exceedances for Pb and Cr (Zn/Fe within limits), with site- and crop-specific HI ≥1 indicating non-cancer risk. The study delivers a reproducible monitoring workflow and targeted recommendations for surveillance, source control, and consumer guidance. 

Sites were selected to capture exposure gradients around the Sitakunda ship-breaking zone, Chattogram. Vegetable markets and nearby cultivation plots were chosen downwind and downstream of dismantling yards, drainage canals, and scrap storage areas, where metal fallout and leachate are plausible. A distant upwind reference site with comparable agro-ecology was included to isolate industrial influence. Accessibility, safety, vendor consent, and representativeness across leafy, fruiting, and root vegetables guided final selection criteria.

Vegetable samples were collected from markets and nearby plots using a stratified approach to capture site variability. For each species, triplicate composites (≈1 kg) were assembled from 8–10 vendors/plots. Edible portions were excised with rinsed stainless-steel tools, placed in acid-washed polyethylene bags, and labeled with date, GPS, and source. Field blanks and duplicates accompanied every tenth sample. Specimens were transported on ice to the laboratory within 6 h under chain-of-custody.