Urban garden soils and vegetables as vectors of potentially toxic elements across Bratislava: Citywide distribution, sources, and health implications
Abstract
Urban gardening offers multiple societal benefits, supporting both mental and physical well-being while enhancing access to fresh, locally grown produce. However, it may also pose potential health risks due to contamination of urban soils with potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including trace metal(loid)s. This study investigated metal(loid) concentrations in soils and homegrown vegetables from urban gardens across Bratislava (Slovak Republic) and evaluated the influential factors affecting their accumulation and bioavailability. Median copper (Cu) concentrations in vineyard soils (51 mg kg -1 ) were twice those in non-vineyard soils (25 mg kg -1 ). In contrast, raised-beds gardens exhibited significantly lower concentrations of most metal(loid)s compared to ground plots ( p
Fields of Study & Subjects
Heavy metals in environment
Heavy Metals in Plants
Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Soil & Environmental Health
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 100192–100192
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN