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Heavy metals in wild rice from northern Wisconsin
J P Bennett1, E Chiriboga, J Coleman
1Biological Resources Division, US Geological Survey, Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53705, USA.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 4, 2000
Summary
Wild rice in Wisconsin shows normal levels of essential minerals but elevated arsenic and lead. Further research is needed to understand the atmospheric pathway of these heavy metals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food Safety
Background:
- Global wild rice samples exhibit elevated heavy metal concentrations, posing human health risks.
- No prior studies on heavy metals in Wisconsin wild rice necessitated a baseline investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess heavy metal concentrations in wild rice from north-central Wisconsin.
- To establish baseline data for future comparisons and identify potential human health concerns.
Main Methods:
- Wild rice plants were collected from four Wisconsin counties in 1997 and 1998.
- Plant parts (roots, stems, leaves, seeds) were analyzed for 10 elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mg, Pb, Se, Zn) using ICP after wet digestion.
Main Results:
- Roots had the highest concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se.
- Seeds contained normal levels of essential elements (Cu, Mg, Zn) but elevated levels of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb).
- Silver, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Se were found in very low or normal concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Wild rice from northern Wisconsin generally contains safe levels of most heavy metals and essential nutrients.
- Elevated arsenic and lead in wild rice seeds warrant further investigation into atmospheric contamination pathways.
- This study provides crucial baseline data for monitoring heavy metal levels in Wisconsin wild rice.