Comparison of cadmium levels in leaves, shell and almond of Theobroma cacao
Abstract
The elevated concentration of cadmium (Cd) in cocoa beans above the maximum allowed level (0.5 mg/kg) has caused concern among Ecuadorian cocoa producers exporting to international markets. In this context, the aim of the study was to determine the levels of cadmium present in the leaves, shell and almond of cocoa beans of the genotypes Nacional and CCN51. The selected plots are located in Rio Bonito, province of El Oro and Shumiral, province of Azuay, southern coastal region of Ecuador. In this work, soil samples were taken to determine their chemical properties and from the leaves, shell and almond of cocoa trees selected at random from the three farms identified as F1, F2 and F3. The analysis for the determination of Cd was carried out by acid digestion of plant tissues, and Cd contents were determined in triplicate by atomic absorption. Statistical analysis was performed by descriptive analysis. In general, the soils were acidic to moderately acidic on all three farms. Cd values ranged from 0.36 mg/kg (F3) to 2.59 mg/kg (F2) in leaves, 1.15 mg/kg to 2.36 mg/kg in shell and 1.15 mg/kg to 1.93 mg/kg in almond. The levels obtained are related to other results obtained by different methods of Cd extraction, being the main factor that could influence the values: acid soil pH and the level of P medium presumably added in the fertilization in farm two.Downloads
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