Sembratowicz et al. 2010 — Lead and cadmium in domestic fruits from Lublin allotments, Poland
Fruit samples (n=108) from allotment gardens in both Lublin city center and its rural surroundings were analyzed for lead and cadmium by non-flame AAS (Varian Spectra AA 880Z with deuterium background correction) following dry mineralization at 450°C. Lead levels exceeded the EU permissible limit (0.1–0.2 mg/kg f.w. depending on fruit type per EU Regulation 1881/2006) in the majority of fruit samples, while cadmium exceeded its limit (0.05 mg/kg f.w.) only in white grape samples regardless of harvest site. Strawberries and raspberries showed particularly elevated lead concentrations, consistent with the known higher metal accumulation capacity of soft/berry fruits.
Key numbers
Lead concentrations (mg/kg fresh weight):
| Fruit | Site | n | Range | Mean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Lublin surroundings | 10 | 0.008–0.21 | 0.09 |
| Apple | Lublin center | 10 | 0.01–0.20 | 0.08 |
| Plum | Lublin surroundings | 10 | 0.06–0.17 | 0.13 |
| Plum | Lublin center | 10 | 0.04–0.27 | 0.13 |
| Strawberry | Lublin surroundings | 12 | 0.05–0.44 | 0.23 |
| Strawberry | Lublin center | 12 | 0.12–0.37 | 0.31 |
| Raspberry | Lublin surroundings | 12 | 0.12–0.39 | 0.27 |
| Raspberry | Lublin center | 12 | 0.08–0.12 | 0.09 |
| White grape | Lublin surroundings | 10 | 0.06–0.09 | 0.06 |
| White grape | Lublin center | 10 | 0.07–0.15 | 0.09 |
Cadmium concentrations (mg/kg fresh weight): below LOQ or very low for most fruits except white grape (Lublin surroundings mean 0.19; Lublin center mean 0.22 mg/kg f.w.), both substantially exceeding the EU 0.05 mg/kg limit.
Corresponding dry-weight values also reported (Table 3 in source).
Exceedance rate: Pb exceeded EU limits in the majority of samples (50–75% depending on species); Cd exceeded EU limits in 100% of white grape samples.
Methods (brief)
Dry mineralization at 450°C in muffle furnace; dissolution in 6N HCl. Non-flame AAS (GFAAS) on Varian Spectra AA 880Z with deuterium background correction per PN-EN 14082. LOD: 50 µg/L for Pb, 5 µg/L for Cd. Certified reference material: oriental tobacco CRM CTTA-OTL-1. Fruits washed with deionized water, inedible parts removed, dried at 60°C then 103°C, ground. Duplicate determinations.
Implications
Certification: Pb in Polish soft/berry fruits commonly exceeds EU 1881/2006 limits at allotment gardens, including both urban and rural sites. Cadmium exceedance was fruit-specific (white grapes). These are not retail market survey values but allotment data; contamination levels are influenced by location proximity to traffic and industry.
Courses: Illustrates that soft berry fruits (strawberries, raspberries) accumulate more lead than tree fruits or grapes; also demonstrates urban vs. rural contamination gradient for Pb but not consistently for Cd.
App: Pb concentrations in Polish allotment strawberries (mean 0.23–0.31 mg/kg f.w.) and raspberries substantially exceed EU MLs. These values are location-specific and likely higher than retail market averages; use with caution for general contamination profiling.