Home gardeners in our area have approached our gardening help line with concerns about potential heavy metal contamination in soil following the Moss Landing battery fire. Many are wondering whether their fruits and vegetables may absorb metals such as cobalt, cadmium, nickel, manganese, zinc, and copper—and what steps they should take to ensure their gardens remain safe.
What We Know So Far
Environmental testing has shown that contamination levels decrease with distance from the Moss Landing Power Plant, though hot spots have been identified for further testing. The nearby Elkhorn Slough, an environmentally sensitive area, has shown elevated levels of certain heavy metals.
We discussed this with our farm advisor for the county and he recommends reviewing the following reports (below). Given this is a fluid situation and potential legal actions, it is best if you interpret the results of these findings yourself and continue to stay updated with latest news from official sources.
- Screening Level Human Health Risk Assessment from the Moss Landing Battery Fire
- County of Santa Cruz Press Release - COUNTY ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING RESULTS
- Moss Landing Fire Update: Soil Screening Data Summary County of Monterey Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau January 31, 2025
- 2025 Moss Landing Vistra Power Plant Fire
- Scientists Detect Heavy Metals in Environmentally Sensitive Elkhorn Slough After Battery Storage Plant Fire
Do Fruits and Vegetables Absorb Heavy Metals?
Certain plants absorb heavy metals from the soil more readily than others. While phytoremediation (using plants to clean contaminated soil) is an active area of study, research on heavy metal uptake in common fruits and vegetables is still limited. However, we do know that:
- Leafy greens (such as spinach, lettuce, and kale) are more likely to absorb heavy metals into their tissues.
- Root crops (such as carrots, beets, and radishes) may take up some metals but are more likely to carry contaminated soil—making proper washing and peeling important.
For science-based plant uptake studies, gardeners should refer to university and government research rather than general online sources. A soil test is the best way to determine potential risks in your garden.
What Can Home Gardeners Do?
- Test your soil if you are near Moss Landing or Elkhorn Slough.
👉 UCANR Selected Plant and Soil Laboratories in Northern and Central California
- Limit soil disturbance to reduce airborne contaminants.
- Use raised beds with clean soil if contamination is a concern.
- Wash and prepare produce properly:
- Leafy greens: Rinse thoroughly, as they are more prone to absorbing heavy metals.
- Root crops: Wash well and peel when possible to remove soil particles.