Multi-Element Composition of Wild Prunus spinosa Fruits Across Contrasting Environments: Implications for Food Safety and Quality

Environmental contamination with potentially toxic elements is a growing concern for ecosystem quality and food safety. This study evaluated the relationships between environmental conditions, anthropogenic activities, and the elemental composition of Prunus spinosa fruits collected from western and central Romania along a pollution gradient. Eighty samples from ten sites representing non-polluted, agricultural, traffic-exposed, and mining-affected areas were analyzed by ICP-MS after microwave digestion. Fruits from impacted areas showed compositional differences, including lower concentrations of some essential macroelements and higher levels of several trace elements potentially associated with anthropogenic pressure. Increased sodium, aluminum, and silicon contents were consistent with environmental stress and enhanced environmental exposure and possible soil-derived particulate influence, while boron and molybdenum declined with pollution intensity. Elemental patterns were mainly associated with local environmental conditions and appeared consistent with site-specific environmental influences. Food safety assessment indicated generally low to moderate risk depending on sampling origin. Overall, Prunus spinosa fruits showed potential as a bioindicator of environmental quality and a useful tool for monitoring anthropogenic contamination.