ORIGINAL PAPER
Accumulation of trace metals in vegetables from allotment gardens in the city of Wrocław, SW Poland
1
Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Institute of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Environmental Protection, ul. Grunwaldzka 53, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
2
Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Plant Protection, pl. Grunwaldzki 24A, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland
Submission date: 2025-04-18
Final revision date: 2025-08-26
Acceptance date: 2025-08-27
Online publication date: 2025-08-27
Publication date: 2025-08-27
Corresponding author
Dariusz Gruszka
Instytut Nauk o Glebie, Żywienia Roślin i Ochrony Środowiska, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu, Polska
Instytut Nauk o Glebie, Żywienia Roślin i Ochrony Środowiska, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu, Polska
Soil Sci. Ann., 2025, 76(4)209948
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The study focuses on estimating the soil–vegetable relationship (beetroot, carrot, lettuce) for trace metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in allotment gardens within the city of Wrocław (Poland). Indicators related to the bioaccumulation factors in plant roots (BAFr), shoots (BAFs), as well as the translocation factor (TF) of the shoot/root have been evaluated. A total of 45 soil samples (0–25 cm depth), along with vegetable samples (both roots and leaves), were collected from seven allotment garden complexes placed in areas with historical industrial activity. Zinc (Zn) concentration levels in soil exceeded the permissible levels of 1000 mg kg-1 in two allotment garden complexes in Wrocław, ranging from 1138 to 1384 mg kg-1. For cadmium, the soil concentration exceeded the permissible limit of 5 mg kg-1 only in one allotment garden complex, reaching 6.3 mg kg-1. In the case of Cu and Pb, no contamination above permissible limits was found. For the vegetables, the bioaccumulation factors (BAF) in the roots and shoots varied significantly depending on the sites, plant species, and metal. The highest values were recorded in samples from areas with high soil contamination. The highest translocation factor (TF) values were observed for Zn in beetroot leaves, ranging from 0.43 to 5.15 depending on the allotment garden. These findings emphasize the potential health risks related to consuming vegetables grown in urban and post-industrial allotment gardens due to uptake of hazardous trace metals, especially cadmium (Cd). The study emphasizes the importance of carefully monitoring and managing urban gardening sites to ensure food safety.
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