In order to assess the intake of lead and cadmium by consumers of home grown vegetables in urban areas, replicated experimental plots of uniform size, comprising summer and winter crops, were established in 94 gardens and allotments in nine towns and cities in England.
The geometric mean lead and cadmium concentrations for the soils (
n = 94) were 217
g g
–1 (ranging from 27 to 1,676
g g
–1) and 0.53
g g
–1 (<0.2–5.9>
g g
–1), respectively. Compared with agricultural soils, the garden and allotment soils contained elevated levels of lead but not cadmium.
Lead concentrations in the vegetables ranged from <0.25>
g g
–1 to 16.7
g g
–1 dry weight and cadmium concentrations ranged from <0.025>
g g
–1 to 10.4
g g
–1 dry weight. Lead concentrations were higher than reported
background
levels, although <1% exceeded="" the="" statutory="" limit="" for="" saleable="" food="" in="" the="" uk="" (1="">
g g
–1 fresh weight). Cadmium concentrations were generally similar to
background
levels.