What heavy metals pose a potential contamination risk in kelp depending on its harvesting location?
Answer
Arsenic, cadmium, or lead
Despite the extensive nutritional benefits derived from kelp's ability to absorb minerals from seawater, this very characteristic introduces a potential hazard related to contaminants. Depending significantly on the specific oceanic area where the seaweed is harvested, kelp risks accumulating certain undesirable substances from the water. The heavy metals explicitly mentioned as potential contaminants include arsenic, cadmium, and lead. This underscores the critical necessity of sourcing kelp exclusively from trusted suppliers who implement rigorous quality control standards and testing protocols to ensure that the product is safe for consumption and free from dangerous levels of these accumulated toxins.

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