Recent temporal variations of trace metal content in an Italian white wine

For the first time in Italy, the temporal variations of Cd, Pb and Cu content in an Italian white wine were studied over the period 1995-2010. A previously set up and optimized Square-Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetric technique was used. Cd showed a first decrease (∼30%) due to the use of pesticides with progressively low Cd residues. Since 2000 Cd had constant and extremely low values (0.17 ± 0.07 μg L−1). A significant decrease (∼74%) from 1995 to 2010 was observed for Pb (mean concentration, 18 ± 10 μg L−1) probably due to the recent decrease in Pb emissions in the atmosphere following the phasing out of metal from gasoline (in Italy since 2002). The Cu reduction (mean value, 32 ± 15 μg L−1) of ∼74% from 1995 to 2010 was related to the use of phytoiatric products with a progressively low Cu content.