Comparison of Fruit Quality Criteria and Heavy Metal Contents of Strawberries Grown in Organic and Conventional Agriculture

Abstract

People often consume organic foods because they believe they are healthier and tastier foods. Agricultural products consumed by humans may contain harmful components such as chemical residues and heavy metals. The aim of this study is to compare the fruit quality parameters and heavy metal contents of strawberries grown in organic and conventional agriculture. Fruit, soil and water samples were taken from 10 organic and 10 conventional strawberry farms in the Hüyük district, located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, in 2019–2020. The fruit quality parameters of the obtained fruit samples were examined and it was determined whether there were significant differences in fruit, soil and water contents in terms of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd. According to the study findings, fruit quality parameters were found to be higher in organic strawberries. Additionally, it was determined that there was Zn and Cu accumulation in both organic and conventional strawberry fruits, but the heavy metal accumulation did not exceed the acceptable limit. According to these results, it can be said that the products grown in the region where organic strawberry cultivation is intense do not show pollution in terms of heavy metals.