I have
received recent news that we have been given funding for testing a range of seaweeds
and marsh samphire for potential environmental contaminants. Plymouth University
will be carrying out this testing.
I have spent my adult years concerned about the contamination of our food resources
and am passionate that growing your own food organically and foraging safely
is the way forward.
Cornwall has a long mining history and there is some worry that particular coastal
areas have high levels of heavy metals and arsenic in the sediment of water courses
and estuaries. There is some research to show which parts of Cornwall are most
affected.The Fal has a history of mining contamination but there are thriving
shell fish industries here. There are mine sites all around the coast so it will
be interesting to see which areas are affected.
All plants act differently in the way they uptake environmental contaminants
so it is difficult to predict which, if any, may store high levels of heavy metals
in their stems and leaves.
The results of this testing will help to decide which picking sites are least
contaminated in West Cornwall and will give peace of mind for me and my fellow
foragers.
If anyone has any information on this topic please get in touch.
Watch this space for the results from these tests.
