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Novel contaminants in potato
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Researchers examined microplastics and heavy metals as novel contaminants in potatoes, reviewing how increasing global plastic loads and industrial metal use are leading to co-contamination of root vegetables and potential dietary exposure pathways.
Microplastics are everywhere, while the bulk of plastic is increasing globallybecause producing new plastic is cheaper than recycling. Environmental loadsof heavy metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, zinc, cuprum,and nickel are also on the rise, because of increased use of batteries, moderntools, and electrical cars. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are products ofincomplete combustion of organic matter, and sometimes carcinogenic. Thesemodern contaminants are everywhere and certainly also in potato. They enterthe plant, and therefore the food chain, through contaminated soil and water,deposition, and (in)organic fertilizer. Should potato eaters worry? A recentoverview published in Potato Research gives some answers. Potato eatersshould be mindful about these contaminants. Proper washing and peeling ofraw potatoes largely reduce the problem. Breeding can also help.
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Emerging Contaminants in Potatoes: Occurrence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Microplastics and Heavy Metals
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Researchers reviewed the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microplastics, and heavy metals in potatoes across ten countries, finding that contamination enters through polluted irrigation water, atmospheric deposition, and soil uptake, with urban cultivation and lower altitudes associated with higher pollutant levels.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastics Contamination in Potato from Malang Raya, Indonesia
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across potato farming in Indonesia, testing seedlings, soil, fertilizer, irrigation water, and harvested potatoes. They found a total of 104 microplastic particles across all farm components, with fibers and fragments being the most common types. The study suggests that microplastics can enter the food chain through agricultural production, raising concerns about contamination in staple crops.
Determination of extractable pollutants from microplastics to vegetables: Accumulation and incorporation into the food chain
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Researchers developed a method to detect plastic-related chemical compounds that leach into vegetables, finding that root vegetables contained higher levels of these contaminants than non-root varieties. The study identified 16 quantifiable plastic-associated compounds in the samples, including potentially harmful substances like styrene and phthalates. The findings raise concerns about how microplastics in soil may introduce chemical pollutants into the food chain through crop uptake.
The Safety and Quality of Staple Root and Tuber Crops: A Review on Hazards, Detection Methods, and Mitigation Strategies
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This review systematically examined safety hazards, detection methods, and mitigation strategies for staple root and tuber crops including potatoes, cassava, and yams. Covered hazards included pesticides, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants like microplastics that can accumulate in these staple foods.
The original polyethylene microplastics inhibit the growth of sweet potatoes and increase the safety risk of cadmium
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Researchers grew sweet potatoes in soils containing polyethylene microplastics and cadmium and found that microplastics inhibited plant growth and increased cadmium uptake into edible tubers, raising food safety concerns for crops grown in agriculturally contaminated soils.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.