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ABSTRACT
In Slovakia there are many areas with natural resources of forest fruit. The aim of this work is to assess the status of soil hygiene as well as the safety of forest fruit species collected in the region of Middle Povazie with an intensive previous activity from the point of Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn contents. In the targeted region soil samples as well as 6 samples of blackberries and 1 sample of blueberries were collected using GPS. In soil the agrochemical characteristics, pseudototal content of metals in soil extract by aqua regia and the content of bioavailable metal forms in extract by NH4NO3 (c = 1 mol/L) were determined using flame AAS method. The contents of risky metals in fresh fruits were determined by AAS, too. Obtained results were evaluated according to legislation valid in the Slovakia. The pseudototal Cd content (1.15 - 1.97 mg/kg) was in all soil samples by 64% - 181% higher than the limit value given by Law 220/2004. In 6 soil samples also pseudototal contents of Co (20.6 - 27.4 mg/kg) and in 5 soil samples the content of Ni (51.2 - 81.6 mg/kg) were by 37% - 83% and 2% - 63% (respectively) higher than the limits. The legislative value for the content of bioavailable metal forms was in all soil samples only for Pb soil content (0.13 - 0.23 mg/kg) by 30% - 130% exceeded. In 3 blackberry samples the content of Pb (0.23 - 0.34 mg/kg) and in 1 blackberry sample content of Ni (0.51 mg/kg) as well as Cd (0.07 mg/kg) exceeded the limits given by the Food Codex of the Slovak Republic. These results indicate the potential causal connection with industrial activity in region of Middle Povazie and confirm the necessity of risk metal monitoring because of ensuring of food chain safety.
Keywords soil, forest, fruit, metals, contamination
INTRODUCTION
A large number of studies indicate an association between diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain forms of cancer. This protection has been attributed to the fact that these foods may provide an optimal mix of phytochemicals, such as antioxidants, fibre and other bioactive compounds [1].
In Slovakia...