Washing methods for removal of residues of 44 mineral elements from grapes

Several elements of anthropogenic and natural origin can settle on the grape berry skin. In this study, the effectiveness of 3 washing methods (using ultrapure water, 0.2% acetic acid and 0.2% citric acid) in removing contaminants was tested on laboratory scale, in comparison with an analytical washing preparation of reference with nitric acid 1%. Forty four macro, micro and trace elements were quantified in the solutions after berry washing treatment. The analysis was carried out with an ICP-MS. The citric acid solution provided comparable or only slightly less effective results in comparison with HNO3-wahing method whereas acetic acid and water removed on average only 45% of the contaminants removable using the reference method. The technological removal of pollutant elements using washing solution needs further research as regard the environmental sustainability because of the consumption of drinking water.