Determination of plant-available cadmium in cacao plantations in Southern Ecuador: chemical extraction and fractionation analysis

Abstract:

The determination of bioavailable pools for emerging contaminants in soils and the factors controlling their bioavailability is a continuous effort in scientific community worldwide. Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), and more specifically cacao bean, has been reported to accumulate high levels of cadmium (Cd), which may enhance the risk of Cd exposure in cacao-based products. The concern of Cd in cacao beans was also reported in some South America countries including Ecuador. The objectives of this study were: a) to understand the accumulation of Cd in cacao beans relative to soil Cd availability, and b) to determine chemical speciation and other factors that may control plant-available Cd in soils. Nineteen cacao farms were sampled; leaves, cacao pods and soils were collected; soils were sampled at 0-5 and 5-15 cm (depths 1 and 2) to pinpoint vertical distribution of available Cd. Cacao tissue and beans were …

Año de publicación:

2014

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