Accumulations of heavy metals in crop plants are a great concern due to the probability of food contamination through the soil root interface. In the present study the levels of some selected heavy metals Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in tomato and irrigation water sampled from selected Woredas of Gurage Zone Southern Region, Ethiopia were analyzed. The contents of minerals in the digests were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS). The following concentrations (mg/kg) were found in tomato: Zn (6.5 - 29.38), Cu (ND-7.02), Mn (14.83-46.77), Cr (3.5-16.33), Ni (ND-6.43), Pb and Cd were ND (below method detection) in all Woreda samples. The levels of heavy metals in tomato samples determined in this study were put in the following order: Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu. All heavy metals were not detected (below method detection limit) in water samples.. The concentrations of heavy metals in tomatoes were found below the permissible limit prescribed by different standards. However, the amount of Cr determined in tomato was found above allowable limit recommended by WHO.

Keywords: Physicochemical parameters; Heavy metals; Tomato; Irrigation water