Assessment of cadmium bioaccumulation and distribution in the kernels of peanut widely cultivated in China

• Four genotypes (Yuhua9626, Jihua9606, Luhua11 and Quanhua646) were identified as low-Cd accumulation group.
• Cd accumulated in the nutritional tissues of the kernels followed in the order: extracted protein>residues>peanut oil.
• Protein and residues of peanut should be paid more public attention when they enter into the food chain.

To determine the low Cd accumulation genotypes of peanut and the key factor contributing to high Cd accumulation in peanut kernels, cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulation and distribution in the kernels of nineteen genotypes of peanut widely cultivated in China were estimated in field experiment during duration of 130 days. Results showed that only four genotypes (Yuhua9626, Jihua9606, Luhua11 and Quanhua646) were identified as low-Cd accumulation group according to hierarchical cluster analysis. Cd accumulated in the nutritional tissues of the kernels followed in the order: extracted protein>residues>peanut oil. The protein plays a key role in the abnormal accumulation of Cd in the kernels of peanut. Thus, the control of human ingestion risk can be done by the extraction of peanut oil during deep processing of peanut. Meanwhile, the protein and residues of peanut should be paid more public attention when they enter into the food chain.