Prediction of potentially toxic elements in vegetable plants basing on soil properties: a case study in Wallonia (Belgium)

Vegetables grown on contaminated soils can have high levels of potentially toxic elements (PTE), which can lead to health risks for those who consume them. Such a situation is encountered in Wallonia (South Belgium) where former industrial activities have substantially increased PTE topsoil content. Vegetables like carrots and chards frequently exceed European quality standards (for Cd and Pb; EC 1881/2006). Therefore, predicting PTE concentrations in vegetables based on soil properties is useful to anticipate the risk of contamination of crops, as well as for specifying population exposure to... Mehr ...