The monitoring of selected heavy metals content and bioavailability in the soil–plant system and its impact on sustainability in agribusiness food chain

This study assisted in identifying and preventing the increase in heavy metals in soil and winter wheat. Its accumulation can affect cultivated crops, quality and crop yields, and consumers' health. Selected heavy metals were analyzed using the GTAAS method. They were undertaken on selected heavy metals content (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in arable soils at three sites in Slovakia and their accumulation in parts of cultivated winter wheat. Our study showed that the limit value of Cd in soil samples was exceeded in the monitored arable soils from 2017-2019. The average content values of Cu and Zn did not exceed the limit values, even in Pb values (except for the spring period). The analyses also showed that the heavy metals content for plants bioavailable in soil did not exceed the statutory critical values for Cd, Cu, and Zn's average content values. However, Pb content exceeded permitted critical values. Heavy metals bioaccumulation (Zn, Cu) was within the limit values in wheat. Analyzed Cd content in wheat roots and Pb content were determined in all parts of wheat except grain. The study showed that grain from cultivated winter wheat in monitored arable soils is not a risk for consumers.Cultural and Educational Grant Agency (KEGA) of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic [015UKF-4/2022]; European CommunityEuropean Commission [26220220180]; Slovak Research and Development AgencySlovak Research and Development Agency [APVV-14-0446]European Commission, EC: 26220220180; Ministerstvo školstva, vedy, výskumu a športu Slovenskej republiky: 015UKF‐4/2022; Narodowe Centrum Nauki, NCN: 2017/25/N/ST10/00909; Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja, APVV: APVV‐14‐0446; Kultúrna a Edukacná Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR, KEG