EVALUACIÓN DEL CONTENIDO DE METALES EN VARIEDADES DE UN TUBÉRCULO ANDINO

Abstract

The assessment of metals in agricultural crops is necessary to ensure both nutritional quality and food safety. In this study, the metal content in five varieties of melloco (Ullucus tuberosus), an important Andean tuber in the diet of Ecuador's native population, was analyzed. A PG Instruments spectrophotometer with a dual atomization system was used. Flame atomization with an air-acetylene mixture was employed for the determination of Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn, while graphite furnace atomization was used for Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, and Sr. The results were compared to the values established by the Codex Alimentarius for tubers and root vegetables, as there is no specific regulation governing the maximum permissible metal limits for melloco. Metal contents in mg of metal/kg of fresh melloco were found as follows: Cu (1.3–9.3), Fe (5.9–8.1), K (1549–2600), Mg (80–109), Mn (0.83–1.20), Zn (2.6–3.8), Cd (0.009–0.013), Co (0.025–0.040), Ni (0.290–0.372), Pb (0.041–0.096), and Sr (0.166–0.464). None of these concentrations exceeded the permissible limits set by the consulted regulations. This suggests that consuming this tuber does not pose a risk of heavy metal exposure, reinforcing its value as a safe and nutritious food for the population. Moreover, these results support the commercialization of melloco both locally and internationally, highlighting its potential in markets focused on food safety.