Filip Manuela

Comparative analysis of digestion methods for quantifying heavy metals in plum orchards

Mariana Rusu, Irina-Gabriela Cara, Manuela Filip, Denis Țopa, Gerard Jităreanu

ABSTRACT. Increasing interest in healthy food among the population raises concerns about heavy metals in fruit and their impact on public health. To assess this issue, this study presents a comparative analysis of digestion methods for quantifying heavy metals in plum orchards managed under conventional and ecological practices in the “Adamachi” Farm district of Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS). We evaluated and optimised two wet digestion methods – in an open system and microwave-assisted – to determine the concentrations of heavy metals, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), which pose environmental and health risks. The metal concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, according to standard methods. Microwave-assisted digestion was more efficient and faster than the conventional method (in an open system). The ecologically managed orchards showed a lower heavy metal content overall, with the exception of Cu levels, due to the Cu-based treatments. By determining the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) for both children and adults, the potential health risks from heavy metals were determined. There were no related associated risks to human health (THQ and HI < 1), and the accumulated metals in plum fruit samples showed that the EDI values followed the descending order of Cu > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd. The analysis revealed non-significant differences for most data obtained after processing using the two methods. These results highlight the importance of selecting the optimal digestion methods for heavy metal analysis in plums and sustainable agricultural practices to safeguard the environment and consumer health from heavy metal contamination.

Keywords: health risk; heavy metals; plum orchard; wet digestion.

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Transfer Of Heavy Metals in Soil In-Plum Cultivation: a Field Study in Adamachi Iasi, Romania

Mariana Rusu, Irina Gabriela Cara, Manuela Filip, Anca-Elena Calistru, Denis Țopa, Gerard Jităreanu

ABSTRACT. Currently, global environmental concerns about heavy metal pollution are driven by rapid urbanization and industrial development. Therefore, a field study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Co, Zn, Ni and Cu) in orchard soils and its transfer to two plum varieties (Stanley and Anna Späth) at Adamachi Farm – Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS). In addition, heavy metal transfer (MTF), daily metals intake (DIM) and the index of health risk (HRI) were evaluated. The concentration of Pb, Co, Zn, Ni and Cu in soil and plum leaves samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry after acid digestion with a mixture of HNO3 (65%), HCl (37%) and HClO4 (60%). Metal concentration patterns occurred as follows 130.65>76.6>30.36> 21.69>13.26 mg/kg for Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb and Co in soil samples and 20.16>10.00> 2.10>1.68 mg/kg for Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb in plum leaves, while Co residue was not detected. The maximum heavy metal concentrations were found at the soil surface (0 – 30 cm depth) due to soil organo-mineral content and antifungal treatments. The health risk index predicted (HRI) for adults as well as children was in the sequence Pb > Cu > Ni > Zn, suggesting no health risk with values that did not exceed the safe limit (1). Therefore, it is essential to manage the causes and sources of heavy metal transfer prudently and effectively in order to prevent environmental contamination.

Keywords: concentrations; heavy metals; leaves; plum orchard; soil.

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