Evaluation of Cadmium Content Level in Vegetables by Soil Characteristics

• Main Authors: Yu Feng, 馮彧
• Other Authors: 張尊國
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/54873903969932800508

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 生物環境系統工程學研究所 === 103 === Based on the predictive model for Cd content levels in vegetables proposed by Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute in a former research, this study integrated soil characteristics parameters needed for the model to predict Cd content of 31 vegetables cultured in Yunlin County. The vegetable consumption is one of the major pathways of Cd uptake in Taiwan residents. If we can understand the Cd content in vegetables, then we can manage health risk better. The aim of this study is to estimate Cd content level in various vegetables to be planted in Yunlin County, which is the most important production area in Taiwan. This study further conducted sensitivity analysis of coefficients in the predictive model for Cd content levels in vegetable to find out the main factors affecting Cd content in vegetables. The model predicted that there could be 5 vegetables with the highest Cd content level, including iceberg lettuce, spinach, two kinds of leaf lettuce and amaranth. This study also found some classes of vegetables that could be easier to exceed their regulatary standards for Cd content, including head vegetables, melon vegetables and fruit vegetables and garlic. In addition, this study predicted that leafy vegetables could have higher Cd content and may become a main pathway of Cd uptake because Taiwan residents currently eat more leafy vegetables than other vegetables. Finally, the model sensitivity analysis showed that vegetables with higher γ would gain more Cd content when planted in the soil with lower CEC; vegetables with higher δ would gain more Cd content when planted in the soil with lower pH than in the soil with high level of Cd content. This study suggested agricultural authorities can use the results of this study to guide farmers to choose planting suitable vegetables in right locations, to pay attention to cadmium content in leafly vegetables, and to reduce the production of vegetables with high Cd content.