The Determination of cadmium levels in corn grains (Zea mays L.) from the Ecuadorian coast and mountains

Abstract

Concentrations of Cd were determined in corn grains harvested on coast and sierra of Ecuador, six varieties of greater consumption have been chosen for analysis: sweet, dent, popcorn, morocho, chulpi and white. For each variety, the samples were taken in triplicate (n=3), besides were processed and analyzed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The six varieties presented concentrations below the maximum permissible limit (0.1 mg/kg) established by the European Union, the Codex Alimentarius and the INEN 187:2013. In the comparative analysis by regions, average levels of Cd are higher in the sierra (0.019 mg / kg) than in the coast (0.006 mg / kg Cd). There were no statistically significant differences between varieties (p > 0.05). The highest concentration of Cd was obtained by the morocho (0.025 ± 0.022 mg / kg Cd) and the lowest by the sweet variety (0.001 ± 0.000 mg / kg Cd). It was evidenced that the concentrations of Cd are directly related to the days of harvest and the altitude at which they are grown. In addition, a proposal to mitigate or decrease the contamination by Cd in agricultural soils has been presented.