engleski

Bioaccumulation of metals from the environment as a factor of food safety

The results of numerous studies have shown the constant presence of heavy metals in the environment. Metals are present in the air, water and soil due to natural processes, but mostly as a result of human activities such as industrial and agricultural processes. Fruits and vegetables accumulate soil metals during growth while different animal species bioaccumulate metals either from their environment or through food. Since metals are not biodegradable they can accumulate towards the top of the food chain presenting a risk to human health. This paper presents lead, cadmium and mercury concentrations in food sampled in the area of Split and Dalmatia County in the period 2001 - 2013. The study includes food that is most prevalent in the daily diet such as fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, meat, fish and their products. Concentrations above LOD were determined in 83% of analyzed samples for lead, 78% of analyzed samples for cadmium and 61% of analyzed samples for mercury. In certain food groups more than 30% of samples contained 75% of the maximum allowed concentration. Therefore simultaneously with measures for reducing emissions of heavy metals into the environment, it is necessary to conduct constant monitoring of the presence of heavy metals in food which is an important route of human exposure to metals.

metal pollution ; bioaccumulation ; environment ; food

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