Concentrations of heavy metals in soil and grapevine leaf samples from vineyards in the Cape Winelands

Chemical analysis is an essential management tool for the early detection of risks, such as excessive fertilisation and heavy metal and pesticide contamination, in vineyards. The objective of this study was to conduct a detailed pioneer screening of heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues in selected wine farms. Soil and grapevine leaf samples were collected from demarcated areas in selected vineyards in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The sampling was done in winter and summer from the same sites. Farming practices of the farms were recorded. The soil and the leaf samples were analysed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. This dataset provides the basis for long-term monitoring of heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues in the Cape Winelands. The dataset is relevant to farmers, researchers, and wine consumers.

This study received ethics approval from the Faculty of Applied Sciences Ethics Committee: Reference no: 214245470/04/2021.