Determination of lead and cadmiun in vineyard soils, grapes and wines of the Azores

Abstract

This study describes the determination of lead and cadmium in vineyard soils of three regions of the Azores, and in the grapes and wines produced in those regions. The elements were analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS); wines were analysed without prior sample pre-treatment; grapes and soils were analysed after microwave digestion. Soils were also analysed by an alternative technique in order to establish the soluble fraction of these minerals directly assimilable by the plant. Statistical analysis revealed that the amounts of these minerals in wines are 28 μg/l and 0.58 μg/l for lead and cadmium, respectively. The levels of pollution by these elements is significantly lower in the Azores by comparison with other regions (according to literature values).