Heavy metals and trace elements in soybeans cultivated in different regions of Austria, a comparison between the sampling sites and an overview of typical element contents in the soybeans

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals and trace elements in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], cultivated in different areas in Austria and further to compare the results with published maximum limits for feed. Additionally an evaluation of the effect of soil conditions (element concentration, pH-value) on the element content in soybeans was performed. Method: In total, 77 soybean samples and 9 soil samples were analysed on the elements V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb by ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) after microwave digestion. Results: All elements, with exception of arsenic and lead were detectable in the soybean samples analysed with our analytical system. The concentration of the elements were below the maximum contents from Directive 2002/32/EC [1] and maximum intake doses (MID) from VDI-Guidelines [25–34] for feed. The influence of the soil parameter, especially pH-value was only significant for the elements barium und manganese. Conclusion: This paper shows an apparent influence of the sampling site on element content in soybeans, for which a joint evaluation of all parameters like soil content, pH-value and soil type is necessary to show the influence of the soil.