The content of four hazardous elements in bayberry (Myrica rubra (Lour.) S. et Zucc.) from Zhejiang Province, China

Bayberry is the second popular fruit in Zhejiang Province, China. Previous relevant experiences of quality and safety research have mainly focused on pesticides, monitoring of plant growth regulator, and the foliar fertiliser. To provide scientific basis for the quality and safety assessment of bayberry, the content of four harmful elements (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) in bayberry fruits from 193 orchards was assayed in this study. Results showed that the detection rates of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg were 100% in bayberry. Among the 193 bayberry samples, the Pb content of six samples and Cd content of one sample exceeded the limits of the standard. Significant correlation existed between the contents of Pb and Cd in the bayberry and in the soil. Correlation coefficients were 0.791 and 0.884 (p < 0.01). Conclusively, routine monitoring of hazardous elements in bayberry is required to reduce health risks associated with consuming contaminated food.