Evaluation of the transfer of some trace elements from soil to cauliflower plant grown in Edirne

This study investigates the transfer of selected trace elements from soil to cauliflower cultivated in Edirne, Turkey, and assesses the associated estimated daily intake (EDI) of these elements by humans. A total of 20 cauliflower field samples were collected from three distinct locations: Karaağaç, Yolüstü Köyü, and Abalar Köyü. The vegetable samples were subjected to wet digestion procedures, and concentrations of essential (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) and non-essential/toxic elements (Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni) were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Transfer factor (TF), daily intake of metals (DIM), estimated daily exposure to metals (EDEM), and Health Risk Index (HRI) were calculated and compared with internationally accepted reference values. The results revealed no detectable levels of cadmium (Cd) in the soil samples, and no traces of Cd, Cr, or Ni were found in the edible (inner) parts of the cauliflower. According to HRI evaluations, none of the analyzed metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) posed a significant health risk. This study highlights the importance of assessing the elemental composition of agricultural soils and vegetables to evaluate potential health risks and benefits. The findings also provide a valuable reference for future research on metal contamination in food crops and soil-plant transfer dynamics.