Non-essential metal contamination in Ecuadorian agricultural production: A critical review

Romero-Estévez, David; Yánez-Jácome, Gabriela S.; Navarrete, Hugo

doi:10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104932

Cited by 17 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 156 publications

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“…Five hundred tonnes per year of Hg are released directly into the atmosphere from volcanoes [94] , contributing to the total atmospheric Hg input. On the other hand, in Ecuador, the presence of non-essential metals such as Hg is mainly attributed to geological environments and geological processes of volcanic-origin soils which are the most abundant in the country [80] . The Andean region and the Andean Amazon have been considered active mercury belts due to the constant volcanic and tectonic activity [59] .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Total mercury and fatty acids content in selected fish marketed in Quito – Ecuador. A benefit-risk assessment

et al. 2023

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Total mercury and fatty acids content in selected fish marketed in Quito – Ecuador. A benefit-risk assessment

et al. 2023

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“…In Ponce Enriquez, the agricultural soil samples showed extremely high concentrations of .74 mg kg −1 ), exceeding up to 35 times the limit established in the Ecuadorian regulations (TULSMA, 2015). In many agricultural areas, contamination and loss of soil quality are often associated with poor quality irrigation water (Romero-Estévez et al, 2023). In Ponce Enriquez, the high concentration of trace elements in the rivers has been widely reported (Appleton et al, 2001;Carling et al, Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…The main pathway of human exposure to trace elements is consuming contaminated food (Romero-Estévez et al, 2023). In the agricultural setting, other routes of exposure are accidental ingestion of soil and skin-to-soil contact during planting and harvesting activities; however, these routes do not significantly contribute to human health risks (Haque et al, 2021;Y.…”

Section: Exposure Assessment and Risk Characterizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trace elements in farmland soils and crops, and probabilistic health risk assessment in areas influenced by mining activity in Ecuador

Romero-Crespo

Jiménez-Oyola

Salgado-Almeida

et al. 2023

Environ Geochem Health

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Consumption of food grown in contaminated soils may be a significant human exposure pathway to pollutants, including toxic elements. This study aimed to investigate the pollution level of trace elements in farmland soil and crops collected in orchards from Ponce Enriquez, one of the Ecuador’s most important gold mining areas. The concentration of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) was analyzed in soil and crop samples (celery, chives, corn, herbs, lettuce, turnips, green beans, cassava, and carrots). In addition, a probabilistic human health risk assessment, in terms of hazard quotients (HQ) and cancer risk (CR), was conducted to assess the potential risk related to local crop ingestion. The contents of As, Cr, Cu, and Ni in soils exceeded the Ecuadorian quality guidelines for agricultural soils. The trace elements concentration in local crops was higher than the maximum permissible levels set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The HQ and CR of local crop ingestion were several orders higher than the safe exposure threshold, mainly for lettuce, chives, and turnips. Our results revealed that inhabitants of the study area are exposed to developing carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects due to long-term food consumption with high trace elements. This study sheds light on the need to assess further the quality of agricultural soils and crops grown in mining areas with signs of contamination to guarantee consumer food safety.

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“…Cd infiltrates soil through various sources, including industrial activities like metal smelting and manufacturing, as well as the use of phosphate fertilizers, sewage sludge, and certain agricultural chemicals. − Additionally, atmospheric deposition and improper waste disposal exacerbate cadmium pollution, especially in areas with historical industrial activities. − This pollution poses risks to pea plants and other crops, impacting their growth, development, and physiological processes. Despite these risks, there is currently no comprehensive data on the minimum and maximum concentrations of cadmium in soil where peas or other legumes grow. , Furthermore, the continuous use of Cd-contaminated soil has led to pollution in various dietary crops, including cereals, fruits, and vegetables, emphasizing the urgent need to address these sources to ensure the safety of crop cultivation for human consumption. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silicon’s Influence on Polyphenol and Flavonoid Profiles in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) under Cadmium Exposure in Hydroponics: A Study of Metabolomics, Extraction Efficacy, and Antimicrobial Properties of Extracts

Walczak-Skierska,

Krakowska-Sieprawska,

Monedeiro

et al. 2024

ACS Omega

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The current study aimed to investigate the impact of silicon (Si) supplementation in the form of Na 2 SiO 3 on the metabolome of peas under normal conditions and following exposure to cadmium (Cd) stress. Si is known for its ability to enhance stress tolerance in various plant species, including the mitigation of heavy metal toxicity. Cd, a significant contaminant, poses risks to both human health and the environment. The study focused on analyzing the levels of bioactive compounds in different plant parts, including the shoot, root, and pod, to understand the influence of Si supplementation on their biosynthesis. Metabolomic analysis of pea samples was conducted using a targeted HPLC/MS approach, enabling the identification of 15 metabolites comprising 9 flavonoids and 6 phenolic acids. Among the detected compounds, flavonoids, such as flavon and quercetin, along with phenolic acids, including chlorogenic acid and salicylic acid, were found in significant quantities. The study compared Si supplementation at concentrations of 1 and 2 mM, as well as Cd stress conditions, to evaluate their effects on the metabolomic profile. Additionally, the study explored the extraction efficiency of three different methods: accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and maceration (MAC). The results revealed that SFE was the most efficient method for extracting polyphenolic compounds from the pea samples. Moreover, the study investigated the stability of polyphenolic compounds under different pH conditions, ranging from 4.0 to 6.0, providing insights into the influence of the pH on the extraction and stability of bioactive compounds.

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Non-essential metal contamination in Ecuadorian agricultural production: A critical review

Cited by 17 publications

References 156 publications

Total mercury and fatty acids content in selected fish marketed in Quito – Ecuador. A benefit-risk assessment

Total mercury and fatty acids content in selected fish marketed in Quito – Ecuador. A benefit-risk assessment

Trace elements in farmland soils and crops, and probabilistic health risk assessment in areas influenced by mining activity in Ecuador

Silicon’s Influence on Polyphenol and Flavonoid Profiles in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) under Cadmium Exposure in Hydroponics: A Study of Metabolomics, Extraction Efficacy, and Antimicrobial Properties of Extracts

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