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Emerging Contaminants in Potatoes: Occurrence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Microplastics and Heavy Metals
Summary
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.
This review examines the occurrence and profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) in potatoes, drawing on studies conducted in England, Egypt, Romania, Denmark, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Italy, Peru, and South Africa. Contamination pathways include polluted irrigation water, atmospheric deposition, and soil uptake. PAH levels in potato peels varied by cultivar, with higher concentrations found in urban-grown potatoes, indicating the impact of environmental pollution. MP levels also varied by site, and an inverse relationship was observed between MP abundance and potato yield. The accumulation of HMs varied by altitude, with higher concentrations detected at lower elevations, and also differed according to potato cultivar. The review underscores emerging food safety concerns and offers valuable insights to guide agricultural practices and future research focused on reducing exposure to multiple pollutants in potatoes.