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Novel contaminants in potato
Summary
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.