This study evaluated heavy metal concentrations and health risks from vegetable consumption in polluted Romanian soils, finding that although soils are contaminated, the health risks from eating local carrots, onions, tomatoes, and peppers remain below critical levels, especially when monitoring and moderate consumption are maintained.
Authors
- Smical I, Muntean A, Micle V, Sur IM, Moldovan AC. , Sustainability. 2025
What was studied
This original research article investigated the human health risks associated with consuming vegetables grown in industrially polluted soils in the Sasar area, northwest Romania. The focus was on assessing the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, zinc) and the metalloid arsenic in both soils and edible parts of four commonly consumed vegetables: carrot, onion, tomato, and pepper. Researchers collected soil and vegetable samples from 15 gardens located near historical mining and metallurgical sites, characterized the agrochemical and metal content of the soils, and measured the corresponding metal concentrations in the vegetables. Key risk assessment indices, including the global pollution index (PIN), metal transfer factor (TF) from soil to plant, daily intake of metal dose (DIM), and health risk index (HRI) for both children and adults, were calculated. The study intended to generate evidence relevant to local food safety, sustainable development, and policies for managing agricultural practices in regions affected by industrial contamination.
Who was studied
The study sampled soils and vegetables from 15 family gardens in Sasar, a locality neighboring Baia Mare, Romania, an area long exposed to pollution from non-ferrous ore mining and processing. From each garden, three samples of each vegetable species, carrot (Daucus carota), onion (Allium cepa), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and pepper (Capsicum annuum), were collected, totaling 180 soil and 180 vegetable samples. The population assessed for health risk comprised hypothetical adult and child consumers of these vegetables, with calculations based on standard daily intake values and average body mass (32.7 kg for children, 70 kg for adults). No direct surveys or clinical data were collected from individuals; instead, risk indices were modeled using established exposure factors and reference doses.
Most important findings
| Critical Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Metal concentrations in soils and vegetables | Soils were moderately polluted with lead, nickel, and zinc; strongly polluted with copper and cadmium. Mean concentrations (mg/kg): Pb 28.39, Ni 23.17, Zn 123.20, Cu 71.68, Cd 2.63. All exceeded normal values; some exceeded the alert threshold (Cu and Cd in specific gardens). Metal concentrations in vegetables were highest for copper and cadmium, particularly in carrots and onions. |
| Transfer factors (TF) from soil to vegetables | Copper had the highest TF (>0.08), followed by cadmium (~0.06). Zinc and nickel had moderate TF (0.02–0.03), while lead showed the lowest transfer (<0.01). All TFs were <1, indicating no bio-amplification. Carrots and onions accumulated more Cu and Cd than tomatoes and peppers. |
| Daily intake of metals and health risk index (HRI) | Children’s estimated daily intake of metals was higher than adults due to lower body mass. Highest DIM values were for copper in carrots and onions. All calculated HRI values for both age groups and all metals remained below 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risk under current consumption patterns. However, HRI values were consistently higher for children, highlighting greater susceptibility. |
| Relevance to heavy metal certification | Even though soils are moderately to heavily polluted with certain metals, the transfer to edible plant parts was limited, and resultant health risks from vegetable consumption did not exceed international safety thresholds. Variability in transfer among plant species was observed, suggesting crop selection can mitigate risk. Continuous monitoring is emphasized, especially for child consumers and in areas near tailings ponds. |
Key implications
For the Heavy Metal Tested and Certified (HMTC) program, this study affirms that certified monitoring and moderate consumption of vegetables from industrially impacted soils can keep consumer risk within safe bounds. However, ongoing soil and crop testing is vital, particularly for root vegetables and child dietary exposure, to ensure continued compliance with health-based heavy metal limits.
Citation
Smical I, Muntean A, Micle V, Sur IM, Moldovan AC. Study on Human Health Risks Associated with Consuming Vegetables Grown in Industrially Polluted Soil in Sasar Area, NW Romania, in the Context of Sustainable Development. Sustainability. 2025;17:4072. doi:10.3390/su17094072
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
Nickel is a widely used transition metal found in alloys, batteries, and consumer products that also contaminates food and water. Oral nickel can trigger eczema flare-ups in people already sensitised to nickel, and EFSA has set a tolerable daily intake of 13 μg/kg body weight based on developmental effects seen in animal studies. EFSA found that high-consuming toddlers and other children generally exceed this intake. Nickel has been measured in placental and umbilical cord blood, and its links to pregnancy outcomes are still being studied, which is why HMTC applies stricter limits to protect vulnerable populations.
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal for which no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, and exposure is linked to cognitive deficits in children, adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.