View in EDS

Assessment of Nitrate Content in Lettuce Marketed in Serbia: Influence of Cultivation Method, Season, and Production System.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Assessment of Nitrate Content in Lettuce Marketed in Serbia: Influence of Cultivation Method, Season, and Production System.
Authors: Čabilovski, Ranko, Kajiš, Milena, Mladenović, Svetlana Antić
Source: Contemporary Agriculture; Dec2025, Vol. 74 Issue 3/4, p203-208, 6p
Subject Terms: NITRATES, LETTUCE, PRODUCTION methods, FOOD safety, CROP management, ORGANIC farming, SEASONS
Geographic Terms: SERBIA
Abstract: Intensive agricultural production and the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers have led to increased nitrate accumulation in vegetables, particularly leafy greens, which may exert negative effects on human health. The objective of this study was to assess the nitrate content in lettuce marketed in Serbia, considering the influence of cultivation method, season, and production system. A total of 20 lettuce samples were collected from various sources (including supermarkets, independent shops, and farmers' markets), cultivated either in greenhouses or open fields during winter and spring. Nitrate content was determined using the steam distillation method after a 30-minute extraction in hot 1 M NaCl solution. The results were statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey HSD test.The results showed that none of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible nitrate concentrations according to the current regulations. The nitrate content ranged from 28 to 663 mg/kg. No statistically significant differences were found between the greenhouse and open-field lettuce or between the winter and spring samples. However, the organically grown lettuce exhibited significantly lower nitrate levels compared to the conventionally produced lettuce.It was concluded that the lettuce marketed in Serbia complies with the food safety standards regarding nitrate content. Nevertheless, variations in nitrate concentration indicate the need for continuous monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Contemporary Agriculture is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Complementary Index
Description
Abstract:Intensive agricultural production and the excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers have led to increased nitrate accumulation in vegetables, particularly leafy greens, which may exert negative effects on human health. The objective of this study was to assess the nitrate content in lettuce marketed in Serbia, considering the influence of cultivation method, season, and production system. A total of 20 lettuce samples were collected from various sources (including supermarkets, independent shops, and farmers' markets), cultivated either in greenhouses or open fields during winter and spring. Nitrate content was determined using the steam distillation method after a 30-minute extraction in hot 1 M NaCl solution. The results were statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey HSD test.The results showed that none of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible nitrate concentrations according to the current regulations. The nitrate content ranged from 28 to 663 mg/kg. No statistically significant differences were found between the greenhouse and open-field lettuce or between the winter and spring samples. However, the organically grown lettuce exhibited significantly lower nitrate levels compared to the conventionally produced lettuce.It was concluded that the lettuce marketed in Serbia complies with the food safety standards regarding nitrate content. Nevertheless, variations in nitrate concentration indicate the need for continuous monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03501205
DOI:10.2478/contagri-2025-0023