Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2025, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (4): 363-375.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.4.90

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Characteristics of mineral element distribution, geological origins, and health risk assessment of loquat fruits from Dongshan and Xishan of Suzhou

ZHAO Hu(), GUO Feng*(), ZHAN Nan, LIU Siwen, JING Zhangwei, YUAN Hongfei, YU Tingting, ZHANG Xin, ZHU Yun, WANG Lei   

  1. MNR Key Laboratory of Eco-geochemistry, National Research Center for Geoanalysis, Beijing 100037, China
  • Received:2025-01-05 Revised:2025-03-07 Online:2025-07-25 Published:2025-08-04

Abstract:

Dongshan and Xishan in Suzhou are China’s primary loquat production regions. Investigating the distribution and differentiation of mineral elements in loquat fruits from these areas and evaluating health risks associated with loquat consumption are crucial for improving fruit quality and ensuring food safety. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed significant differences in elemental composition between fruits from the two regions. Selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn) contents were higher in Xishan fruits, whereas magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) were higher in Dongshan fruits. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) indicated a close relationship between fruit and local soil elemental contents, with distinct correlation patterns between regions: In Xishan: Fruit Zn showed positive correlations with soil Mg, Mn, and Ni, but a negative correlation with soil I; Fruit Mn was positively correlated with soil Mn and Cu, and negatively correlated with soil I, Cd, and Cr. In Dongshan: Fruit Zn showed positive correlations with soil Ca, Mn, and As, but negative correlations with soil Cu and Cd; Fruit Mn was positively correlated with soil Ni, Cd, and As, and negatively correlated with soil Zn and Cr. The two regions lie within the Guanshan Formation (Xishan) and Maoshan Formation (Dongshan), respectively. The distinct parent materials of these geological formations are likely the fundamental cause of the observed elemental differences in loquat fruits. Heavy metal contents in fruits from both regions complied with GB 2762—2022 limits, with both the target hazard quotient (THQ) and potential carcinogenic risk index (CRI) well below safety thresholds. Local soils met the environmental quality standards for green food production areas, supporting loquat cultivation for green food. These findings provide a scientific basis for loquat cultivation planning and elemental regulation in Suzhou.

Key words: loquat, soil elements, fruit elements, partial least squares method, health risk assessment

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