# Nutrient and Trace Elements in Suburban Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) Sap, Syrup, and Soils from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania

## TL;DR

This study examines the nutrient and trace element content in sugar maple sap, syrup, and soils from suburban areas in the northeastern U.S., finding that while some elements exceed safety limits, the health risk remains low.

## Contribution

The study provides the first assessment of trace element concentrations in suburban maple syrup and evaluates associated health risks.

## Key findings

- Soil arsenic and lead levels approached or exceeded EPA limits, while cadmium, copper, and zinc were below limits.
- Sap and syrup arsenic, cadmium, nickel, lead, and zinc concentrations reached or exceeded FDA food limits.
- Total Hazard Quotients indicate low to no health risk from consuming urban maple syrup for adults and children.

## Abstract

Production of maple syrup from sugar maples (Acer saccharum) in suburban areas lies at the intersection of urban farming and forestry, providing an artisanal food as well as ecosystem services. However, urban areas can be enriched with trace elements due to industrial, agricultural, and municipal pollution, which can potentially affect sap and syrup chemistry. Here, we collected soils, sap, and maple syrup from four artisanal maple syrup producers in four suburban areas across the northeastern United States to assess nutrient and trace element concentrations. Soil As and Pb concentration approached or exceeded EPA limits while Cd, Cu, and Zn were far below EPA limits. Sap and syrup As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations reached or exceeded FDA limits for food. However, Total Hazard Quotients suggest that urban maple syrup consumption poses low to no health risk to adults and children.