Pulze et al. 2025 — Volcanic eruptions and heavy metal contamination in the food chain
This review examines how volcanic activity — primarily ash deposition and soil enrichment from lava weathering — elevates heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils and subsequently in food crops, with Italy’s Mount Etna as the primary case study. Volcanic soils near Etna are naturally enriched in Ni, Cd, and V relative to non-volcanic agricultural soils. The review documents transfer of these metals into crops (vegetables, fruits, wine grapes) grown in the surrounding agricultural zone, and discusses compliance implications under EU Regulation 2023/915 (maximum levels for certain contaminants in food). The paper notes that naturally elevated metal concentrations from geological sources complicate regulatory compliance for Etna-area producers, particularly for Ni in leafy vegetables and Cd in some crop types.
Key numbers
Mount Etna soil enrichment in Ni, Cd, and V documented; specific soil concentrations and food transfer factors cited from the literature. EU Regulation 2023/915 maximum levels used as the compliance benchmark. Wine from volcanic soils (Etna DOC region) is specifically addressed. The review notes that Ni in leafy vegetables and Cd in some root and leafy crops can approach or exceed EU maximum levels in high-deposition zones.
Methods (brief)
Narrative review of published studies on volcanic ash chemistry, soil heavy metal accumulation, and food crop transfer coefficients. EU regulatory compliance analysis. No new primary measurements. Italian Journal of Food Safety, CC BY-NC.
Implications
Certification: Volcanic soil origin is a documented driver of elevated Ni and Cd in EU-origin produce; relevant to HMT&C sourcing assessments for products using Italian or other volcanically active agricultural zone ingredients (tomatoes, wine, leafy vegetables). Courses: Illustrates how geological background contributes to heavy metal contamination alongside anthropogenic sources; important for supply-chain risk context. App: Geographic provenance (volcanic soil regions) should be flagged as a modifier of Ni and Cd risk for produce ingredients; the app’s contamination profiles for affected ingredients should note volcanic-origin as a higher-Ni/Cd scenario.