Mineral nutrient composition of vegetables, fruits and grains: The context of reports of apparent historical declines

Effects of foliar fungicide on yield, micronutrients, and cadmium in grains from historical and modern hard winter wheat genotypes

Plant breeding and disease management practices have increased the grain yield of hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted to the Great Plains of the United States during the last century. However, the effect of genetic gains for seed yield and the application of fungicide on the micronutrient and cadmium (Cd) concentration in wheat grains is still unclear. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of fungicide application on the productivity and nutritional quality of wheat cultivars representing 80 years of plant breeding efforts. Field experiments were conducted over two crop years (2017 and 2018) with eighteen hard winter wheat genotypes released between 1933 and 2013 in the presence or absence of fungicide application. For each growing season, the treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with the fungicide levels (treated and untreated) as the whole plot treatments and the genotypes as split-plot treatments in triplicate. The effects on seed yield, grain protein concentration (GPC), micronutrients, phytic acid, and Cd in grains were measured. While the yield of wheat was found to increase at annualized rates of 26.5 and 13.0 kg ha-1 yr-1 in the presence and absence of fungicide (P < 0.001), respectively, GPC (-190 and -180 mg kg-1 yr-1, P < 0.001), Fe (-35.0 and -44.0 μg kg-1 yr-1, P < 0.05), and Zn (-68.0 and -57.0 μg kg-1 yr-1, P < 0.01) significantly decreased during the period studied. In contrast to the other mineral elements, grain Cd significantly increased over time (0.4 μg kg-1 yr-1, P < 0.01) in the absence of fungicide. The results from this study are of great concern, as many mineral elements essential for human nutrition have decreased over time while the toxic heavy metal, Cd, has increased, indicating modern wheats are becoming a better vector of dietary Cd.

A systematic scoping review of environmental, food security and health impacts of food system plastics

Plastic pollution arising from food systems is driving policies for reduction, removal, reuse and recycling, but literature on plastic uses and outcomes across subsectors is fragmented. We use a systematic scoping review to describe the extent, range and nature of published evidence since 2000 on seven major plastic types used at any point within food systems and their quantifiable effects on the environment, food security and human health. Although the majority of publications focus on agricultural production, relatively fewer consider retail, household and food waste disposal plastics. Gaps in the research include evidence from low- and middle-income countries, health or food security and/or economic outcomes generated from human population studies-and the subsequent environmental and human health effects. A greater understanding of this disparate evidence landscape is essential to formulate coherent research strategies to inform potential policy actions and assess trade-offs across economic and environmental targets, human health and food security.

Differing effects of inorganic and organic arsenic on uptake and distribution of multi-elements in Rice grain

Arsenic (As) pollution can lead to an element imbalance in rice. A hydroponic study was carried out to examine the influence of inorganic (arsenate) and organic (dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)) arsenic compounds on the concentration and distribution of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) in rice caryopsis at maturity using laser confocal microscopy and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF). Results showed that treatments with inorganic (iAs) and organic (DMA) arsenic did not change the distribution characteristics of the above elements in rice grains. Fe, Mn, and iAs were mainly limited to the ventral ovular vascular trace, while Cu, Zn, and DMA extended into the endosperm. This implies that milling processes are likely to remove a majority of Fe, Mn, and iAs, but not Cu, Zn, and DMA. With regard to the average fluorescent intensity of the rice endosperm, iAs exposure caused significant reductions in Mn (53%), Fe (40%), Cu (27%), and Zn (74%) while DMA treatments decreased Mn (49%), Fe (37%), and Zn (21%). Compared with DMA, iAs exerted more influence on the reduction of these elements in rice caryopsis. In addition, the elemental analysis revealed a significant 12.7% increase for N and 8% reduction for S in DMA-treated rice caryopsis while a significant decrease of 24.0% for S in iAs-exposed rice caryopsis. These findings suggest that Cu, Zn, and S are more easily impacted by iAs, while N is mostly affected by DMA.

Zinc Enrichment in two Contrasting Genotypes of Triticum aestivum L. Grains: Interactions between Edaphic Conditions and Foliar Fertilizers

This study aimed to assess the implications of Zn enrichment in wheat grains as a function of contrasting genotypes, edaphic conditions and foliar fertilizers. Triticum aestivum L. varieties Roxo and Paiva were grown in four production fields, and sprayed with ZnSO4 (0, 16.20 and 36.40 kg/ha) Zn-EDTA (0, 6.30 and 12.60 kg/ha) and Tecnifol Zinc (0, 3.90 and 7.80 kg/ha). The heterogeneous edaphic conditions of the wheat fields were chemically characterized, it being found that soil properties determine different Zn accumulation in the grains of both genotypes. Foliar spraying enhanced to different extents Zn content in the grains of both genotypes, but the average of enrichment indexes varied among the wheat fields. Zinc mostly accumulated in the embryo and vascular bundle and to a lesser extent in the endosperm. Grain yield and test weight sprayed by ZnSO4 gave the highest values in both genotypes, but the opposite was found for Zn-EDTA. Considering the color parameters, lightness and red-green transitions were found to be a conjunction of genotype characteristics, fertilization types and edaphic conditions prevailing in each field. It is concluded that the index of Zn enrichment in wheat grains is a docket of edaphic conditions, genotype and type of fertilization.

The complexities of the diet-microbiome relationship: advances and perspectives

Personalised dietary modulation of the gut microbiota may be key to disease management. Current investigations provide a broad understanding of the impact of diet on the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, yet detailed knowledge in applying diet as an actionable tool remains limited. Further to the relative novelty of the field, approaches are yet to be standardised and extremely heterogeneous research outcomes have ensued. This may be related to confounders associated with complexities in capturing an accurate representation of both diet and the gut microbiota. This review discusses the intricacies and current methodologies of diet-microbial relations, the implications and limitations of these investigative approaches, and future considerations that may assist in accelerating applications. New investigations should consider improved collection of dietary data, further characterisation of mechanistic interactions, and an increased focus on -omic technologies such as metabolomics to describe the bacterial and metabolic activity of food degradation, together with its crosstalk with the host. Furthermore, clinical evidence with health outcomes is required before therapeutic dietary strategies for microbial amelioration can be made. The potential to reach detailed understanding of diet-microbiota relations may depend on re-evaluation, progression, and unification of research methodologies, which consider the complexities of these interactions.

Toxicological risks and nutritional value of wild edible mushroom species -a half-century monitoring study

The content of major- and trace elements in wild-growing mushrooms has been subject to numerous studies, but the data on long-term trends in this regard are scarce. The aim of research was to determine the content of 34 elements in four edible mushroom species Boletus edulis, Imleria badia, Leccinum scabrum and Macrolepiota procera, and associated soil collected from Polish forests between 1974 and 2019. As initially hypothesized, the element concentration in the studied soil revealed an increasing trend and was positively correlated with their levels found in fruit bodies. Bioconcentrafion Factor values exceeding 1 were documented for all mushroom species for K, P, Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Zn. When compared to the Adequate Intakes, all the mushroom species were found to be a good dietary source of K, P, and Zn (range of 6260-8690, 6260-8690 and 97-135 mg kg^-1 dry weight (dw), respectively), and B. edulis and I. badia a moderate source of Fe (mean 71.5 and 76.5 mg kg^-1 dw, respectively), B. edulis of Mn and Mo (mean 20.0 and 0.42 mg kg^-1 dw, respectively), while L. scabrum and M. procera a source of Cu. Consumption of the studied mushrooms would not lead to significant exposure to Al, As, Cr, or Ni. Considering that wild mushrooms will continue to be collected in Poland, one should bear in mind that they are a limited source of minerals in the human diet while their frequent, regular consumption, associated with exposure to selected toxic elements, should not be recommended.

30 years of free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE): What have we learned about future crop productivity and its potential for adaptation?

Free-air CO₂ enrichment (FACE) allows open-air elevation of [CO₂ ] without altering the microclimate. Its scale uniquely supports simultaneous study from physiology and yield to soil processes and disease. In 2005 we summarized results of then 28 published observations by meta-analysis. Subsequent studies have combined FACE with temperature, drought, ozone, and nitrogen treatments. Here, we summarize the results of now almost 250 observations, spanning 14 sites and five continents. Across 186 independent studies of 18 C₃ crops, elevation of [CO₂ ] by ca. 200 ppm caused a ca. 18% increase in yield under non-stress conditions. Legumes and root crops showed a greater increase and cereals less. Nitrogen deficiency reduced the average increase to 10%, as did warming by ca. 2°C. Two conclusions of the 2005 analysis were that C₄ crops would not be more productive in elevated [CO₂ ], except under drought, and that yield responses of C₃ crops were diminished by nitrogen deficiency and wet conditions. Both stand the test of time. Further studies of maize and sorghum showed no yield increase, except in drought, while soybean productivity was negatively affected by early growing season wet conditions. Subsequent study showed reduced levels of nutrients, notably Zn and Fe in most crops, and lower nitrogen and protein in the seeds of non-leguminous crops. Testing across crop germplasm revealed sufficient variation to maintain nutrient content under rising [CO₂ ]. A strong correlation of yield response under elevated [CO₂ ] to genetic yield potential in both rice and soybean was observed. Rice cultivars with the highest yield potential showed a 35% yield increase in elevated [CO₂ ] compared to an average of 14%. Future FACE experiments have the potential to develop cultivars and management strategies for co-promoting sustainability and productivity under future elevated [CO₂ ].

Biodiversity in Tomatoes: Is It Reflected in Nutrient Density and Nutritional Yields Under Organic Outdoor Production?

In many regions of the world, human nutrition is still characterized by an insufficient intake of essential nutrients like minerals such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). In view of decreasing resources and a growing world population, the efficiency and the sustainability of cultivation systems should be considered not only in terms of crop yield and profit margin but also in terms of the yield of essential nutrients. Tomatoes are the most consumed vegetable in the world. Organic outdoor tomato cultivation is generally characterized by a higher diversity of varieties and lower fertilization input compared to conventional production. A 2-year field experiment with a set of 20 cultivars was performed to evaluate their variation regarding fruit mineral concentrations [potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), Fe, and Zn], their contribution to the dietary reference intake (DRI), and the nutritional yields (adults ha^-1 year^-1). Results show that mineral concentrations differed significantly by cultivar and by year. However, even though significant genotype-by-year effects appear, several cultivars exhibit high genotype stability across years for the single traits studied. Taking this together with medium-to-high heritability, genetics strongly controls most studied traits. Among the cultivars, the contribution of 100 g fresh fruits varied from 4.5 to 7.7% for K, 0.8 to 1.8% for Ca, 2.3 to 4.4% for Mg, 3 to 6.6% for P, 3.1 to 6.9% for Fe, and 1.9 to 4.2% for Zn to meet daily requirements. Based on average fruit yields per hectare, the cultivars varied with regard to the nutritional yields for all the studied minerals, but most strongly for Fe (44-120 adults ha^-1 year^-1) and Zn (22-84 adults ha^-1 year^-1). In terms of contribution to the DRI and nutritional yield for Fe, the cocktail cultivar "Bartelly F1" produced the highest results, while for Zn the salad cultivar "Bocati F1" showed the highest values. Our results show that the targeted use of tomato biodiversity in organic outdoor production can be suitable to achieve high fruit yields as well as to produce high nutritional yields per unit area, thus contributing to more effective land use and improved food security. These findings also provide valuable insights for tomato breeders to improve the tomato fruit quality while maintaining yield.

Determination of Macro- and Microelements in the Inflorescences of Banana Tree Using ICP OES: Evaluation of the Daily Recommendations of Intake for Humans

The inflorescence of Musa paradisiaca, known as “banana heart” is a structure that includes flowers and bracts of banana, commonly used as food source worldwide. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the mineral components of Musa paradisiaca and (2) to compare the obtained results with previously reported data of Recommendation Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and edible plant permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. The samples were digested using microwave-assisted equipment, while elemental contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). Metal (Mg, Ca, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, and Zn) and nonmetal (S and P) contents were detected. According to RDA, the inflorescences could be excellent sources of Mg, P, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Fe for females, males, and pregnant women, all age 31–50 y, as well as children (4–8 y). Bracts are good source of Zn for male and pregnant women and good source of Fe for children. All the samples contained considerable amounts of Mg, Ca, P, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe, which were quite low to induce deleterious effects (UL). FAO/WHO limits for edible plants have not yet been established for S, P, Mg, and Ca, but Ni and Zn are below of those limit values. However, Cr and Cu concentrations are higher than the values established for edible plants and may pose a threat to human health. Farmers should be encouraged by government agencies, not only for sustainability of production but also to ensure the storage and trade of banana tree inflorescence.

Multinutrients for the Treatment of Psychiatric Symptoms in Clinical Samples: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on randomized controlled trials (RCT) of multinutrients consisting of at least four vitamins and/or minerals as interventions for participants with psychiatric symptoms. A systematic search identified 16 RCTs that fit the inclusion criteria (n = 1719 participants) in six psychiatric categories: depression, post-disaster stress, antisocial behavior, behavioral deficits in dementia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and autism. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) was used to rate the evidence base. Significant clinical benefit was assessed using minimal clinically important differences (MIDs). Due to heterogeneity in participants, multinutrient formulas, outcome measures, and absence of complete data, only the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) category was eligible for meta-analyses. In ADHD populations, statistically and clinically significant improvements were found in global functioning, Mean Difference (MD) -3.3, p = 0.001, MID -3.26; Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) -0.49 p = 0.001 MD -0.5), clinician ratings of global improvement (MD -0.58, p = 0.001, MID -0.5) and ADHD improvement (MD -0.54, p = 0.002, MID -0.5), and clinician (but not observer) measures of ADHD inattentive symptoms (MD -1.53, p = 0.05, MID -0.5). Narrative synthesis also revealed a pattern of benefit for global measures of improvement, for example: in autism, and in participants with behavioral deficits in dementia. Post-natural disaster anxiety and the number of violent incidents in prison populations also improved. Broad-spectrum formulas (vitamins + minerals) demonstrated more robust effects than formulas with fewer ingredients. This review highlights the need for robust methodology-RCTs that report full data, including means and standard deviations for all outcomes-in order to further elucidate the effects of multinutrients for psychiatric symptoms.

Impacts of Organic and Conventional Management on the Nutritional Level of Vegetables

The nutrient concentration of fruits and vegetables in the U.S.A. has declined in the past 50–70 years. Crop management practices utilizing on-farm inputs are thought to increase crop nutritional quality, but few studies have evaluated this under long-term side-by-side trials. An experiment was conducted from 2004 to 2005 at Rodale Institute’s long-term Farming Systems Trial to investigate the nutritional quality of vegetables under organic manure (MNR) and conventional (CNV) farming systems, with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) treatment. AMF reduced the vitamin C content in carrots in both systems in 2004, but the reduction was 87% in CNV and 28% in MNR. AMF also reduced antioxidants in carrots in both CNV and MNR. This trend was likely due to the suppression of native AMF colonization by the non-native AMF inoculum used. Between 2004 and 2005, MNR increased the vitamin C in green peppers by 50% while CNV decreased the vitamin C in red peppers by 48%. Tomatoes under MNR had a 40% greater vitamin C content compared to CNV in 2005. The vegetable yield declined between 2004 and 2005, except for tomato, where the yield increased by 51% and 44% under CNV and MNR, respectively. In general, MNR tended to increase the nutrient concentration of vegetables compared with CNV, while the AMF effects were inconclusive.

Biofortified Crops for Combating Hidden Hunger in South Africa: Availability, Acceptability, Micronutrient Retention and Bioavailability

In many poorer parts of the world, biofortification is a strategy that increases the concentration of target nutrients in staple food crops, mainly by genetic manipulation, to alleviate prevalent nutrient deficiencies. We reviewed the (i) prevalence of vitamin A, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies; (ii) availability of vitamin A, iron and Zn biofortified crops, and their acceptability in South Africa. The incidence of vitamin A and iron deficiency among children below five years old is 43.6% and 11%, respectively, while the risk of Zn deficiency is 45.3% among children aged 1 to 9 years. Despite several strategies being implemented to address the problem, including supplementation and commercial fortification, the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies is still high. Biofortification has resulted in the large-scale availability of βcarotene-rich orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), while provitamin A biofortified maize and Zn and/or iron biofortified common beans are at development stages. Agronomic biofortification is being investigated to enhance yields and concentrations of target nutrients in crops grown in agriculturally marginal environments. The consumer acceptability of OFSP and provitamin A biofortified maize were higher among children compared to adults. Accelerating the development of other biofortified staple crops to increase their availability, especially to the target population groups, is essential. Nutrition education should be integrated with community health programmes to improve the consumption of the biofortified crops, coupled with further research to develop suitable recipes/formulations for biofortified foods.

Vitamin K Status in Adherent and Non-Adherent Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Cross-Sectional Study

This is the first study to evaluate vitamin K status in relation to dietary intake and phenylalanine dietary compliance in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). The dietary and PKU formula intake of vitamin K was calculated in 34 PKU patients, with vitamin K status determined by the measurement of prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II). Blood phenylalanine concentrations in the preceding 12 months were considered. There were significantly more phenylalanine results exceeding 6 mg/dL in patients with normal PIVKA-II concentrations than in those with abnormal PIVKA-II levels (p = 0.035). Similarly, a higher total intake of vitamin K and dietary vitamin intake expressed as μg/day (p = 0.033 for both) and %RDA (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.003, respectively) was observed in patients with normal PIVKA-II levels. Abnormal PIVKA-II concentrations were associated with a lower OR (0.1607; 95%CI: 0.0273-0.9445, p = 0.043) of having a median phenylalanine concentration higher than 6 mg/dL. In conclusion, vitamin K deficiency is not uncommon in phenylketonuria and may also occur in patients with adequate vitamin K intake. PKU patients with better dietary compliance have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency. The present findings highlight the need for further studies to re-evaluate dietary recommendations regarding vitamin K intake, both concerning formula-based and dietary consumption of natural products.

Global diversity of dietary intakes and standards for zinc, iron, and copper

BACKGROUND

The essentiality of trace elements in human diets is well recognized and adequate levels are a critical component of optimal health. To date, public health efforts have focused primarily on macronutrients or trace minerals that are easily analyzed. The goal of this research is to provide assessment of the dietary standards developed for Zn, Fe, and Cu in 100+ developed, marginal, and developing countries. We summarize the current recommendations and changes from the last decade, categorize and provide scientific basis for values established, factors that affect requirements, and current global challenges.

METHODS

The electronic databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched using the keywords "trace minerals," "micronutrients, ""zinc," "iron," "copper," "dietary standards" and "recommendations." A total of 123 studies published from 1965 to 2019 were included.

RESULTS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established dietary standards to address nutrient deficiencies, prevent infections and ensure basic metabolic functions; these are utilized by most developing countries. Developed countries or their alliances have established values similar to or higher than the WHO, primarily for promotion of optimal health and well-being. Transitional countries are more concerned with issues of bioavailability, food security and undernutrition. Globally, Zn and Cu recommendations are lower in women than in men; Fe requirements are higher to compensate for menstrual losses. Important considerations in establishing guidelines for these minerals include bioaccessibility, dietary practices and restrictions, food processing, interactions, and chemical forms. The global challenges of the triple burden of malnutrition, hidden hunger, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity have been associated with Zn, Fe, and Cu deficiencies.

CONCLUSION

This research provides public policy and health professionals evidenced-based information useful for the establishment of dietary standards world-wide.

Qualitative in vitro study on the degradation of mineral complexes in vegetables

Mechanisms of degradation and absorption of mineral complexes by the human digestive system are complex and still under investigation. The elaborate matrix of vegetables, and the presence of phytates and other inhibitors make study of these mechanisms difficult. In this qualitative study, extracts from freeze-dried savoy cabbage, broccoli, kale and spinach were subjected to digestion in vitro at pH 2.0 and pH 7.5 and analysed using SEC-ICP-MS. The results suggest that low molecular weight species (peak 6), related to the iron and zinc fractions, which appeared after acidic digestion in all vegetables, except in kale, were considerably reduced after digestion at pH 7.5. Low molecular weight species (peak 9), related to the phosphorus fraction, were present in all vegetables, except in kale, after alkaline digestion. While cabbage, broccoli and spinach showed similar degradation patterns, kale showed a different degradation behaviour.

Re-Introduction of Ancient Wheat Cultivars into Organic Agriculture—Emmer and Einkorn Cultivation Experiences under Marginal Conditions

Modern agriculture depends on the production of very few crop species, which provide lower nutritive value for consumers. The present work summarizes the results of a three-year experiment on hulled wheat varieties as potential candidates for food system diversification. The organic field cultivation tests with 10 emmer and five einkorn landraces and varieties were conducted on ~10m2 plots on sandy soil, and from 2017, under on-farm conditions in eastern Hungary. Most accessions adapted well to the marginal conditions, with some landraces even yielding higher than registered varieties—over 3 t per ha on average over three years. Compared to emmer, einkorn had higher maximum grain yields, but its yield performance varied more than that of emmer. Grain protein and the total phenolic content were high in both species. Compared to emmer, einkorn seeds exhibited a 3.8 times higher content of bound flavonoids and had 3.4 times higher antioxidant activity. Four einkorn accessions were resistant to leaf spot, as well as yellow and leaf rusts. Fusarium infected both species similarly. Our findings indicate that not only registered varieties of ancient wheat species but also their landraces can provide sustainable alternatives both for organic farmers and also for the diversification of agriculture.

Human Health Risk Assessment and Potentially Harmful Element Contents in the Fruits Cultivated in the Southern Poland

The presence of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in popularly consumed fruits in Poland was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Tl, and Zn contents were investigated in 21 fruit species grouped as berry, pome, stone, and shell fruits. The PHE contents belonged to the following ranges (mg/kg wet weight): Cd < limit of detection (LOD)-0.116, Co < LOD-0.062, Cu < LOD-15.5, Ni < LOD-2.23, Pb < LOD-2.07, Sb < LOD-0.240, Tl < LOD-0.110, and Zn 0.37-37.7. Their concentrations exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) set by European Union regulation for Pb only. Bioconcentration coefficient (BC) values, calculated in accordance to the PHE contents in exchangeable and acid soluble forms in soil after first step of the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure, revealed that berry fruits had potential for accumulation of Cu, Ni, Sb, and Tl; stone fruits-Cu, Sb, and Tl; pome fruits-Cu, Ni, and Sb, and shell fruit (walnut)-Cu. Human health risk assessment associated with the intake of PHEs in fruits was evaluated in terms of daily intake rates (DIR), and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk by cancer risk (CR) and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively. For Pb margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used for health risk evaluation. Daily intake rates for all PHEs were below the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) values. The mean total non-carcinogenic risk values were the following: berry fruits HQ = 0.47, pome fruits HQ = 0.36, stone fruits HQ = 0.42, and shell fruits (walnut) HQ = 0.22, indicating no health hazards. The carcinogenic risk for As in walnut only under an adult intake scenario (CR = 1.98 × 10-6) was found to be above the acceptable risk level. The mean Pb health risk, according to Polish statistical intake rates, was acceptable low as the MOE value was equal to 15.7 for adults. In reference to the intake rates recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), MOE values for Pb indicated acceptable low risk both for adults (MOE = 14.0) and children (MOE = 1.64). In general, the finding of this research revealed no health risk arising from PHE consumption with fruits for the population of Poland.

Potentially Harmful Element Concentrations in the Vegetables Cultivated on Arable Soils, with Human Health-Risk Implications

Potentially harmful elements (PHEs) were investigated in eight groups of vegetables cultivated in southern Poland and the relevant health-risk implications were assessed. The PHE contents belonged to the following ranges (mg/kg wet weight) in edible parts: As < limit of detection (LOD)-0.056, Cd < LOD-0.375, Co < LOD-0.029, Cu < LOD-7.638, Hg < LOD-0.163, Ni < LOD-0.299, Pb < LOD-0.580, Sb < LOD-0.163, Tl < LOD-0.128, and Zn 1.23-34.9. The PHE concentrations decreased in the following order: Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd > Pb > Sb > Hg > Tl > As > Co. The concentrations of essential PHEs decreased as follows: root > leaf > seed > tuber > legume > inflorescence > shoot > fruit, while the unnecessary PHEs followed this sequence: leaf > root > tuber > legume > inflorescence > seed > shoot > fruit. Soil-to-plant transfer factors revealed capacities to adsorb Cd, Hg, and Tl in roots; Cd, Hg, Tl, and Zn in leaves; Cd, Hg, and Sb in tubers; and Cu, Sb, and Zn in legumes and seeds. The daily intake rates, as a percentage of permissible maximum tolerable daily intake, amounted to the following proportions: Cd 23%, Tl 13%, Hg 5.0%, Ni 3.1%, Pb 2.6%, and As 0.4%. Non-carcinogenic risk described as hazard quotient (HQ) was exceeded in root (HQ = 12.1), leafy (HQ = 2.1), and tuber (HQ = 1.4) vegetables. The carcinogenic risk of As (CR = 8.54 × 10-5) was found unacceptable. The margins of exposure for adults (MOE = 3.1) and children (MOE = 1.6), respectively, indicated a low health risk of Pb in consumed vegetables.

Development of a reproducible method of analysis of iron, zinc and phosphorus in vegetables digests by SEC-ICP-MS

Vegetables contain iron, zinc and phosphorus as complexes with phytates limiting their availability from a vegetarian diet, meaning non-haem iron deficiency anaemia and zinc deficiency immune malfunction are a risk. Although these elements have been analysed previously in biological fluids and cereal using LC-ICP-MS, there is no method suitable for analysing iron, zinc and phosphorus simultaneously in vegetables because of their complex matrix. In this study, we analysed iron, zinc and phosphorus in cabbage, broccoli, pepper, spinach, kale and rocket after a simulated gastrointestinal digestion using a newly optimised SEC-ICP-MS method. Ammonium nitrate, as the mobile phase, and a suitable rinsing regime, allowed good reproducibility and maintenance of the equipment. The method showed good reproducibility and can be easily adapted to other vegetables, as required.

Urban Gardening in Germany: Cultivating a Sustainable Lifestyle for the Societal Transition to a Bioeconomy

Urban gardening has the potential to turn the growing number of consumers into conscious producers by raising awareness of natural resource cycles, contributing to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. This study investigated the motivations for urban gardening in Germany, based on an extensive review of 657 urban gardening project websites. The subsequent online survey of 380 project participants provides a characterization of the gardeners, giving insight into both cultivation methods and technologies used and the participants’ consumer behavior. It was shown that urban gardening has an influence on consumer behavior and can induce a change towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The gardens provide a space for the exchange of social values, knowledge and ideas on different ways of life among the diverse participants. Hence, urban gardening creates far more than just food; it influences society on multiple levels. Urban gardening can support the bottom-up societal transition towards a bioeconomy as both have common attributes. Finally, the paper proposes an innovative, resource-efficient cultivation system that may attract further societal groups to the urban gardening lifestyle, with the aim of fostering the development of the bioeconomy.

Mineral Composition and Antioxidant Status of Tomato with Application of Selenium

This experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the effects of selenium application (as Na2SeO3) on mineral concentration (as N, P, K, Ca and Se), biomass, yield and total antioxidant status (TAS) of tomato fruit. The study consisted of two experiments: an irrigation experiment with the application of selenium at 0, 2.5 and 5 mg L−1 on the fertilizer solution in soil and perlite; and the foliar application experiment with selenium application at 0, 10, and 20 mg L−1 in foliar spray every 20 days. Results showed that mineral content (as K, Ca, Mg and P) was not modified by selenium application. However, N decreased due to the Se applied in fertilizer solution 5 mg L−1, and a negative correlation was found between the selenium applied in foliar form and the nitrogen concentration. The Se concentration, TAS, and biomass increased in plants in all Se treatments. However, the best response in TAS and Se in fruits was observed with foliar spray every 20 days at concentrations of 10 mg L−1, without negative responses in biomass or mineral content.

Major and trace elements in Boletus aereus and Clitopilus prunulus growing on volcanic and sedimentary soils of Sicily (Italy)

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the content of 28 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, V and Zn) in fruiting bodies of Boletus aereus Bull. and Clitopilus prunulus P. Kumm collected from eleven unpolluted sites of Sicily (Italy) and, also to relate the abundance of chemical elements in soil with their concentration in mushrooms. Median concentrations of the most abundant elements in Boletus aereus ranged from 31,290 μg/g (K) to 107 μg/g (Zn) in caps and from 24,009 μg/g (K) to 57 μg/g (Zn) in stalks with the following abundance order: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Fe > Al > Rb > Zn. The same elements, in the whole fruiting body of Clitopilus prunulus samples, varied in the range 54,073-92 μg/g following the abundance order: K > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe > Al > Rb > Zn. Metal contents in Boletus aereus and in the whole fruiting body of Clitopilus prunulus, collected from the same sampling sites, showed statistically significant differences for most elements. In particular, Clitopilus prunulus contained around two to four times more Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mo, Pb, U and V than caps and stalks of Boletus aereus species which, in turn, was from two to four times more enriched in Cu, Se and Tl. Thus, the elemental content of Boletus aereus and Clitopilus prunulus appeared to be species-dependent. The distribution of chemical elements in Boletus aereus was not uniform throughout the whole fruiting body as most elements were significantly bioconcentrated in caps. Furthermore, the fruit bodies of Boletus aereus from the volcanic soil differed both in major and minor elements concentrations from those collected from sedimentary soils. Cadmium and lead concentrations were below the threshold limits for wild mushrooms proposed by EU Directives (2008 and 2015). The elemental content was not significantly influenced by soil pH.

Biogas digestate – benefits and risks for soil fertility and crop quality – an evaluation of grain maize response

The agricultural usability of biogas digestate solids (BDS) as a soil amendment depends upon its impact on soil fertility and the content of minerals in the edible part of the grown crop. This hypothesis was verified in a series of field experiments with maize conducted between 2014 and 2016 at Brody, Poland. The two-factorial experiment consisted of the DBS application method (broadcast and row) and its rate: 0, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2 t ha–1. The post-harvest analysis of soil fertility showed that BDS can, at least partly, replace mineral fertilizers. The supply of N-NO3 to maize as a growth driving factor was significantly limited by a shortage of iron, potassium and, to some extent, magnesium. As recorded in 2016, the shortage of available Fe resulted in a low/pool of N-NO3, thus significantly decreasing the yield of grain. The shortage of K supply to grain created a pathway for the accumulation of other elements, including heavy metals. The disadvantage of the N-NO3 pool increase, due to the DBS application, was concomitant with the enhanced intake of cadmium and lead, which consequently exceeded their permissible concentration limits in grain. These unfavorable results of biogas digestate impact on the quality of maize grain can be ameliorated by incorporating zinc into the biogas type of soil amendment and keeping a sufficiently high level of available potassium and iron. The shortage of K can be partly overcome by a better sodium supply, however, its accumulation in grain results in an enhanced accumulation of cadmium and lead.

Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) on Accumulation of Magnesium in Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 442 Cells

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on accumulation of magnesium ions in Lactobacillus rhamnosus B 442 cells. Under optimized conditions, this is, on 15 min exposure of the 20 h grown culture to PEF of the 2.0 kV/cm and 20 µs pulse width at concentration 400 μg Mg²⁺/mL medium, accumulation of magnesium in the biomass reached maximum 4.28 mg/g d.m. Optimization of PEF parameters caused an increase of magnesium concentration in the cells by 220% in comparison to the control not treated with PEF. Bacterial cell biomass enriched with Mg²⁺ may be an alternative for pharmacological supplementation applied in deficiency of this cation.