Impact of traffic and other anthropogenic activities on metal distribution in wild blackberries

Dr. Dodd received Research and Professional Development funds to collect and analyze potential metal uptake in wild blackberries often harvested for human consumption.

Vehicular traffic and other anthropogenic activities can introduce metals into the environment including both essential (e.g., copper, zinc, iron) and potentially toxic elements (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, lead). Elevated levels of both the essential and toxic metals can impact human health through uptake into the food chain.

This research explores potential metal uptake by wild blackberries, which are frequently harvested for human consumption. Samples from Victoria, Salt Spring Island and Thetis Island will be collected and analyzed for metals. Data obtained will be evaluated to explore the impact of traffic and other land use activities on metal accumulation in the blackberries.