Work

Trace elements in selected food matrices from Estarreja (Portugal): an exploratory screening of concentrations and food-origin patterns

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The persistence of metallic trace elements (MTE) contamination in industrialized areas poses a long-term threat to food safety. This study quantifies total MTEs including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) in locally consumed foods, while mercury (Hg) was measured only fish samples, compares contamination patterns between local and imported products, and contextualizes measured concentrations using regulatory and toxicological reference values in Estarreja (Portugal), a region historically impacted by chemical emissions. A total of 83 food samples representing ten categories (cereals, fruits, milk and dairy products, vegetables, dark-green leafy vegetables, legumes, eggs, fish and seafood, roots, tubers, and starchy foods, muscle and other animal proteins) were collected from home gardens, local markets, and supermarkets. Concentrations of regulated MTEs remained below the available maximum levels established by Regulation (EU) 2023/915. The highest mean Cd (0.03 mg/kg fw) and Pb (0.02 mg/kg fw) concentrations were observed in dark-green leafy vegetables, and As in fish (0.09 mg/kg fw). No significant differences were observed between local and imported products in this screening study, although local foods tended to exhibit slightly higher metal loads. Overall, the results indicate that concentrations of regulated MTEs were below the available regulatory thresholds in the food matrices considered, while highlighting variability among food categories and the relevance of continued monitoring in industrial legacy-affected areas.

Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2026.101674

Authors: Nathalie El Deghel, Nuno Durães, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, Michael Rapinski, Priscilla Duboz, Jean-Philippe Bedell