Uptake of Trace Elements and PAHs by Fruit and Vegetables from Contaminated Soils

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate the uptake of seven trace elements and five PAHs in crop plants in order to establish advice regarding consumption of fruit and vegetables grown in soils contaminated by trace elements and PAHs. In a field experiment, vegetables were grown in two contaminated soils and in a reference soil, whereas fruits were collected from uncontaminated and contaminated private gardens. The results showed elevated levels of several trace elements and PAHs in the vegetables from contaminated soil. Bioconcentration factors (BCF values), based on dry weight, were below 1, except for those of Cd in lettuce and carrot with peel from uncontaminated soil. In most cases, BCF values were decreasing with increasing concentrations in soil. From the heavily contaminated soil, BCF values for Pb in lettuce, potato, and carrot with peel were 0.001, 0.002, and 0.05, respectively, and those for benzo[a]pyrene were 0.004, 0.002, and 0.002, respectively. For most metals in most vegetables, linear regression showed good correlation between soil and crop concentrations. For PAHs, such good correlation was generally not found. The contents of contaminants in fruits were generally low and no correlation with the level of contamination in the soils was found.

Accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in lettuce grown in the soils contaminated with long-term wastewater irrigation

“…In addition, LMW-PAHs are more mobile in the soil and more likely to adsorb onto the root surface and easily transfer further into the root interior [25]. Our data indicated that PAH concentrations in lettuce grown on contaminated-soils were markedly high and generally similar to those values reported in the literatures [7,22]. However, PAH concentrations of this study were higher than the LMW and HMW PAH concentrations in lettuce grown on industrial contaminated soils [25].…”

Introducing urban food forestry: a multifunctional approach to increase food security and provide ecosystem services

“…While beyond the scope of this paper, other traits and functions that might be locally important in species selection include shade and soil tolerance, including tolerance of heavy metals and other pollutants (Samsøe-Petersen et al 2002), invasive potential, cultural relevance, nitrogen fixation, nutrient density, market value, and wildlife value. Further research could make use of more extensive plant databases, including those developed by Plants for a Future (http://pfaf.org), Jacke and Toensmeier (2005:495-562), and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (2010).…”

Concentration of Potentially Toxic Elements in Various Berries Grown in Allotment Gardens of Rīga City, Latvia

“…Samples were stored in closed disposable plastic bags in a dry and dark place until analysis. Sample preparation and analytical procedures were conducted as described elsewhere (Samsoe-Petersen et al, 2002;Aras and Ataman, 2006;Ekholm et al, 2007;Vincevica-Gaile, 2014). …”

“…Anthropogenic activities can lead to an increased risk of allotment garden contamination, mainly by potentially toxic metals and metalloids such as As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, etc., as well as by organic chemicals. Subsequent contamination in the food chain may affect animals or humans consuming vegetables and fruits that are grown in allotment gardens located in appropriate territories (Samsoe-Petersen et al, 2002;Goldhaber, 2003;Eggen et al, 2011;Wunderlich et al, 2011).…”