Nitrate, arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations in leafy vegetables: expected average values for productive regions of Chile. Issue 3 (23rd February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corradini, Fabio; Correa, Arturo; Moyano, Maria Stella; Sepúlveda, Paulina; Quiroz, Carlos
• Is Part Of: Archives of agronomy and soil science. Volume 64:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 317
• Publication Date: 2018-02-23
• Subjects: Vegetable crops -- heavy metals -- nitrate -- contaminated soils; Horticulture -- Periodicals; Soils -- Periodicals; 630.5
• DOI: 10.1080/03650340.2017.1346790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0365-0340

Abstract

ABSTRACT: High arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and nitrate (NO3 − ) concentrations in soil pose a risk for the human population and compromise food safety. The goal of this study was to obtain preliminary approximations for the expected mean values of As, Cd, Pb, and N-NO3 in three leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, and chard) grown in the central farming regions of Chile. Representative samples (n = 148) of these crops were collected from the Coquimbo, Valparaíso, and Metropolitana Regions. Water extraction and an ion-selective electrode were used to determine NO3 − contents, while total As, Cd, and Pb contents were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The recorded values were 23.8%, 59.2%, and 97.9% below detection limits for As, Cd, and Pb, respectively. Furthermore, As and Cd intake by leafy vegetables reached 0.26 and 2.30% of the daily intake levels estimated by Chilean authorities. The daily NO3 − intake by leafy vegetables was 0.44 mg per kg of bodyweight per day (kgbw −1 day −1 ), or 12% of the WHO-recommended intake. No analyses were performed for Pb due to highly left-censored data. While the recorded NO3 −, As, and Cd concentrations in lettuce, spinach, and chard do not apparently pose a health risk, further detailed studies are suggested.