Contents of heavy metals, nitrate (V) , and nitrate (III) in fruits of elderberry and black chokeberry depending on harvest site and vegetation period
Ognik, K.; Rusinek, E.; Sembratowicz, I.; Truchliński, J.
Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny 57(3): 235-241
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-7715 PMID: 17193743 Document Number: 603587
Lead, cadmium, nitrate V and nitrate III contents were determined in elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits harvested in Lublin, Poland. Samples were taken from areas that were potentially exposed and not exposed to pollution. Fruits harvested from areas exposed to pollution and analysed in 2003 and 2004 were characterized by higher lead concentrations (0.043-0.098 and 0.048-0.081 mg/kg fresh mass, respectively) than those collected from potentially unpolluted areas. Levels of tested metals in fruits harvested from both areas in 2004 were fairly similar to those from 2003. However, cadmium content in all collected fruits from both areas (in both vegetation periods) appeared to be high and much exceeded its permissible value (0.03 mg/kg fresh mass). Levels of nitrate V was low and similar in fruits harvested in both seasons from both areas not exceeding 3.4 mg/kg fresh mass. Nitrate III content was also low and oscillated within the range 0.68-0.89 mg/kg fresh mass.