Evaluación de la presencia de metales pesados en Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum tubersum, Daucus carota, Lactuca sativa mediante espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, en cuatro mercados de la ciudad de Quito

Abstract

In this research, the presence of heavy metals was evaluated (Cu, Co, Cd y Pb) en Daucus carota, Solanum tubersum, Solanum lycopersicum, Lactuca sativa by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, in four markets of the City of Quito to ascertain whether they exceed the maximum permissible limits for human consumption, taking into account that vegetables are related to the three components of the environment such as water, soil and air. The analysis of the metals was carried out by the method of spectrophotometry of atomic absorption by graphic furnace, The research methodology was experimental (field and laboratory phase) and statistical (95% ANOVA); for the collection of samples, the procedures established in the INEN regulations were used; the analysis of the metals was carried out by the method of spectrophotometry of atomic absorption by graphic furnace, making a total of 16 samples of vegetables with 5 repetitions for each metal and for the evaluation was based on the following regulations Codex Alimentarius, European Union, Cuban copper regulations on metal contaminants in food, Academy of Exact Physical and Natural Sciences and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registration. Metal concentrations in vegetables on organic and conventional markets do not vary, however, high concentrations of lead in potato were found with the following values for MO1 with 0.1204 (mg/kg), MO2 with 0.1106 (mg/kg) and MC2 with 0.1694 (mg/kg) which exceeds the 0.1 (mg/kg) standard established in codex and UE. Whereas copper and cobalt are essential metals while cadmium and lead are harmful metals to health.