Composición mineralógica (calcio, fósforo y cadmio) en el grano y subproductos de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Abstract

Abstract: Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of Ecuador's largest exports. It originates in all regions of the country, contributing minerals and metals to its composition. The objective was to determine the amount of minerals and heavy metals such as calcium, phosphorus, and cadmium in the bean and its byproducts. Samples were collected in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, El Pangui canton, from five cocoa farms. The same methodology was used for sample treatment. For the analyses, UV-visible spectrophotometry was used for phosphorus, and flame atomic absorption and graphite furnace spectroscopy were used for calcium and cadmium. The results obtained showed that the cocoa bean has a maximum phosphorus concentration of 279.50 mg/100 g, the maximum calcium concentration is in the shell, at 616.45 mg/100 g, and the maximum cadmium concentration is 0.142 mg/100 g, found in the husk. Comparing each of the results with international regulations stipulated by the ODS, the European Union, among others, concludes that each value falls within the permissible limits for export and consumption.