Accumulation of Lead and Arsenic by Potato Grown on Lead–Arsenate-Contaminated Orchard Soils

ABSTRACT

There are concerns of potential food chain transfer of metals in crops grown on lead–arsenate-contaminated soils. The objective of this study was to investigate lead and arsenic uptake by four potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars grown on lead–arsenate-contaminated soils with lead and arsenic concentrations ranging from 350 to 961 and 43 to 290 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Yield was not reduced due to treatment. Potato tubers were washed thoroughly before peeling. Lead concentration in both peeled tubers and peel was below instrument detection limit. Arsenic concentration in peeled tubers grown on the lead–arsenate soils ranged from 0.24 to 1.44 mg kg⁻¹. Arsenic concentration was 60% higher in the peel than in the peeled tuber. The relatively high arsenic levels in the peel demonstrated that arsenic was taken up into the potato peel tissue. It is recommended that if potatoes are grown on these soils they should be peeled before consumption.

Abbreviations Pb, lead; As, arsenic; DW, dry weight; FW, fresh weight

KEYWORDS:

• Arsenic
• lead
• lead-arsenate
• orchard
• potato
• soil

Acknowledgments

The authors sincerely acknowledge Drs. Darryl Warncke, Wendell Norvell, and Frank Peryea for providing orchard soils, Dr., Kathleen Haynes for providing the potato cultivars, and Ms. Mebret Gesese for her technical assistance in conducting the study.