LEAD DISTRIBUTION IN GRAPE BERRIES

Lead distribution in the outer part of the skin and in the three main parts of grape berry (skin, pulp, and seeds) was determined in differe nt grape varieties in 33 locations of different geological origins (ur anium-bearing, acid, and limestone soils). No lead assumed to be of at mospheric origin was found on the outsides of berries in 19 of the 33 plots. External lead in the remaining 14 plots formed 16.3% of total b erry lead. Internal berry lead, assumed to be of soil origin, fluctuat ed between 27 and 127 mug/kg with an average of 58 mug/kg. The assumpt ion correlated well with the average soil lead contents at each locati on. The different berry parts displayed considerable variation in lead concentrations: 352 mug/kg in seed, 90 mug/kg in skin, and 31 mug/kg in pulp. The findings enable better evaluation of the fate of lead in grape berries during winemaking.