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Arsenic speciation in fruit and vegetables grown in the UK

Project Code: FS241003

29/06/2012

University of Aberdeen
Meharg, A

During growth, fruit and vegetables take up metal contaminants from the surrounding soil area. The metal contaminants may include; arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc.

The aim of this project was firstly to establish the levels of total and inorganic arsenic in UK grown fruits and vegetables. Secondly, the levels of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc were investigated and finally the gradation or distribution of all these metals in selected fruits and vegetables, was measured from ‘skin to core’ using a relatively new laser ablation technique.

The project set out to:

Establish the levels of total and inorganic arsenic in UK grown fruits and vegetables
Investigate the levels of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in UK grown fruits and vegetables
Measure the gradation or distribution of all these metals in selected fruits and vegetables, from ‘skin to core’ using laser ablation mass spectrometry.

The results from this research study have been sent to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for collation with data from other Member States

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