Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations of potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, turnip, corn and lettuce grown commercially in three important agricultural regions of the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia were surveyed. Zinc and Cu concentrations in the edible portions of the various vegetables were within and frequently at the lower range of concentrations reported for corresponding vegetables grown in other non-contaminated areas of the world. It was concluded that there is more concern about low levels than about toxic Zn and Cu concentrations for vegetables grown in the Lower Fraser Valley. Molybdenum concentrations tended to be greater than those reported elsewhere in the world. Instances of high concentrations were quite site specific. At one location, the concentrations of Zn, Cu and Mo in potato tubers were considerably higher than in potatoes at other locations but it was not possible to determine whether this was due to the cultivar grown, the characteristics of the soil or management practices. The concentrations of the three metals in non-edible parts of the vegetables frequently varied more than the part normally consumed showing that extrapolation of the survey data to other types of vegetables regarding human nutrition quality must be made with caution. There were few correlations between concentrations of the elements in plants and in the corresponding soils, limiting extrapolation to other locations by soil analyses. A comparison of adjacent sites showed greater total soil Cu and Mo, and extractable P and K, concentrations under cultivated than under virgin conditions. Key words: Copper, zinc, molybdenum, survey
Agricultural Regions in the Province of British Columbia, Canada