Summary
This study examined how soil heavy metal contamination alters nutrient uptake, photosynthetic function, and metal bioaccumulation in avocado orchards across twenty Mediterranean sites. Using multivariate analysis and Monte Carlo simulations, the authors developed predictive models showing that soil cadmium and lead significantly influence leaf metal concentrations and nutrient balance, with 15–25% of sampled orchards exceeding FAO/WHO food safety thresholds. The findings underscore the need for site-specific soil monitoring and remediation in contaminated Mediterranean horticultural regions.
Regional applicability
Whilst this study was conducted in Mediterranean regions (likely North Africa or Southern Europe), the methodological framework and heavy metal transfer modelling would be directly applicable to United Kingdom horticultural systems, particularly in areas with legacy industrial contamination or intensive cultivation. UK avocado production is limited, but the soil-to-plant transfer risk assessment approach is transferable to other temperate fruit and vegetable crops grown on contaminated soils.
Key measures
Soil and leaf macro- and micronutrient concentrations, photosynthetic pigments, heavy metal contents (Cd, Pb), Bioaccumulation Factors (BAFs), PLSR model R² values for Cd (0.789) and Pb (0.772), percentage exceedance of FAO/WHO safety limits (15–25%)
Outcomes reported
The study measured leaf nutrient concentrations, photosynthetic pigments, heavy metal bioaccumulation factors, and modelled soil-to-plant metal transfer risks in avocado orchards across contaminated Mediterranean sites. Monte Carlo simulations quantified probabilistic exceedances of FAO/WHO safety limits for cadmium and lead.
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