Effects of soil type and genotype on lead concentration in rootstalk vegetables and the selection of cultivars for food safety

Lead (Pb) contamination of soil poses severe health risks to humans through vegetable consumption. The variations of Pb concentration in different parts of rootstalk vegetables (radish, carrot and potato) were investigated by using twelve cultivars grown in acidic Ferralsols and neutral Cambisols under two Pb treatments (125 mg kg−1 and 250 mg kg−1 for Ferralsols; 150 mg kg−1 and 300 mg kg−1 for Cambisols) in a pot experiment. The Pb concentration in edible parts was higher in Ferralsols under two Pb treatments, with range from 0.28 to 4.14, 0.42–10.66 mg kg−1 (fresh weight) respectively, and all of them exceeded the food safety standard (0.1 mg kg−1) recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of FAO and WHO. The Pb concentration in edible parts was significantly affected by genotype, soil type and the interaction between these two factors. The variation of Pb concentration in different cultivars was partially governed by Pb absorption and the transfer of Pb from aerial to edible part. The results revealed that caution should be paid to the cultivation of rootstalk vegetables in Pb-contaminated Ferralsols without any agronomic management to reduce Pb availability and plant uptake. For Cambisols with slight to moderate Pb contamination, growing potato cultivar Shandong No.1 and Chongqing No.1 was effective in reducing the risk of Pb entering human food chain. The results suggest the possibility of developing cultivar- and soil-specific planting and monitoring guidelines for the cultivation of rootstalk vegetables on slight to moderate Pb-contaminated soils.

► Pb accumulation in rootstalk vegetables depends on genotype and soil type.
► Genotypic variation is related to Pb absorption and intrinsic translocation.
► Potato cultivar Shandong No.1 has generally the lowest Pb in edible part.
► Use of low Pb cultivars should be combined with soil management practices.
► The cultivar- and soil-specific planting and monitoring guidelines are proposed.