Predicting Cadmium Concentrations in Wheat and Barley Grain Using Soil Properties

Abstract

The entry of Cd into the food chain is of concern as it can cause chronic health problems. To investigate the relationship between soil properties and the concentration of Cd in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and harley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain, we analyzed 162 wheat and 215 barley grain samples collected from paired soil and crop surveys in Britain, and wheat and barley samples from two long-term sewage sludge experiments. Cadmium concentrations were much lower in barley grain than in wheat grain under comparable soil conditions. Multiple regression analysis showed that soil total Cd and pH were the significant factors influencing grain Cd concentrations. Significant cultivar differences in Cd uptake were observed for both wheat and barley. Wheat grain Cd concentrations could be predicted reasonably well from soil total Cd and pH using the following model: log(grain Cd) = a + b log(soil Cd) - c(soil pH), with 53% of the variance being accounted for. The coefficients obtained from the data sets of the paired soil and crop surveys and from long-term sewage sludge experiments were similar, suggesting similar controlling factors of Cd bioavailability in sludge-amended or unamended soils. For barley, the model was less satisfactory for predicting grain Cd concentration (22% of variance accounted for). The model can be used to predict the likelihood of wheat grain Cd exceeding the new European Union (EU) foodstuff regulations on the maximum permissible concentration of Cd under different soil conditions, particularly in relation to the existing Directive and the proposed new Directive on land applications of sewage sludge.

Cadmium and lead in vegetable and fruit produce selected from specific regional areas of the UK

“…As this survey was done across a wide range of different locations it is expected that the soil properties, which affect the availability and uptake of metals from soils, will be different at different sites. Soil pH has been identified as an important factor in cadmium accumulation in plants (Adams et al, 2004;Zheng et al, 2011;Zhao et al, 2010;Ding et al, 2013Liu et al, 2015. For example, Liu et al (2015) demonstrated that wheat varieties accumulated more cadmium in acidic soils compared to alkaline soils.…”

Characterizing the solid–solution partitioning coefficient and plant uptake factor of As, Cd, and Pb in California croplands

“…There have been attempts to correlate the plant uptake with chemically identifiable fractions of trace element in soil (Singh and Kristen, 1998;McBride, 2002McBride, , 2003Adams et al, 2004;Huang et al, 2004;Kuo et al, 2004). The outcomes however were not conclusive as much of the correlations were not generalized.…”

“…Plant uptake of trace elements is a dynamic process and is influenced by soil and season related factors (McBride, 2002;Adams et al, 2004;Huang et al, 2004;Kuo et al, 2004;Koo et al, 2006). Foods coming from various sources are intermingled in the market places and in food acquisition the consumers typically have no knowledge of their origin.…”

Mineral deposition in tissues of cattle fed with different phosphates and relationships phosphorus: fluorine

“…Contaminants in soil and food has generated discussions, due to the toxic effects in animal and human healths. For example, lung edemas, anemia and hypertension are symptoms associated to metal intoxications (ADAMS et al, 2004). The problems originated by the mineral excessive ingestion are proeminents as function of the high levels of metals in the diet as well as the time interval of utilization of this diet.…”