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Vélez-Terreros PY, Romero-Estévez D, Navarrete H, Yánez-Jácome GS. Nutritional Quality of Conventional, Organic, and Hydroponic Tomatoes Commercialized in Quito, Ecuador. Foods 2024; 13:1348. [PMID: 38731718 PMCID: PMC11082976 DOI: 10.3390/foods13091348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The consumption of natural foods is increasingly high, and in recent years, consumers have preferred foods from systems with responsible management of natural resources (organic, hydroponic). However, there are still contradictions regarding the nutritional content of products from these different types of crops. Our study aims to compare, for the first time, the content of antioxidants (ascorbic acid, lycopene, total phenolics, essential fatty acids), micronutrients (copper, iron, manganese, zinc), contaminants (cadmium and lead), and free radical scavenging activity between conventional, organic, and hydroponic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) sold in markets in Quito, Ecuador. Ascorbic acid and lycopene were determined by HPLC/UV-Vis. Total phenolics (Folin-Ciocalteu method) and free-radical scavenging activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method) were determined via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Lipid profiles were determined as fatty acid methyl esters through a GC-FID. Trace metals were determined using FAAS (micronutrients), and GFAAS (pollutants). No significant differences (p > 0.05) between antioxidant and micronutrient content among the three types of tomatoes were found. Regarding cadmium and lead, the contents were below the Codex Alimentarius threshold limits. Finally, free radical scavenging activity varied slightly (organic > hydroponic > conventional). Although the samples showed certain differences in antioxidant content, none of the tomato types could be considered nutritionally better because of the high variability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Y. Vélez-Terreros
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito 170525, Ecuador; (P.Y.V.-T.); (D.R.-E.)
| | - David Romero-Estévez
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito 170525, Ecuador; (P.Y.V.-T.); (D.R.-E.)
| | - Hugo Navarrete
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito. Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito 170525, Ecuador;
| | - Gabriela S. Yánez-Jácome
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito 170525, Ecuador; (P.Y.V.-T.); (D.R.-E.)
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Vélez-Terreros PY, Romero-Estévez D, Yánez-Jácome GS. Microplastics in Ecuador: A review of environmental and health-risk assessment challenges. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23232. [PMID: 38163182 PMCID: PMC10754870 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pollution from plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) is a worldwide issue. Classified as emerging contaminants, MPs have become widespread and have been found not only in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems but also within the food chain, which affects both the environment and human health. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the consumption of single-use plastics has drastically increased, intensifying mismanaged plastic waste in countries such as Ecuador. Therefore, the aim of this review is to 1) summarize the state of MP-related knowledge, focusing on studies conducted with environmental matrices, biota, and food, and 2) analyze the efforts by different national authorities and entities in Ecuador to control MP contamination. Results showed a limited number of studies have been done in Ecuador, which have mainly focused on the surface water of coastal areas, followed by studies on sediment and food. MPs were identified in all samples, indicating the lack of wastewater management policies, deficient management of solid wastes, and the contribution of anthropogenic activities such as artisanal fishing and aquaculture to water ecosystem pollution, which affects food webs. Moreover, studies have shown that food contamination can occur through atmospheric deposition of MPs; however, ingredients and inputs from food production, processing, and packaging, as well as food containers, contribute to MP occurrence in food. Further research is needed to develop more sensitive, precise, and reliable detection methods and assess MPs' impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biota, and human health. In Ecuador specifically, implementing wastewater treatment plants in major cities, continuously monitoring MP coastal contamination, and establishing environmental and food safety regulations are crucial. Additionally, national authorities need to develop programs to raise public awareness of plastic use and its environmental effects, as well as MP exposure's effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Y. Vélez-Terreros
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Pichincha, 170525, Ecuador
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Yánez-Jácome GS, Romero-Estévez D, Vélez-Terreros PY, Navarrete H. Total mercury and fatty acids content in selected fish marketed in Quito - Ecuador. A benefit-risk assessment. Toxicol Rep 2023; 10:647-658. [PMID: 37250532 PMCID: PMC10220416 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Total mercury and fatty acids contents were determined in muscles of croaker, snapper, dolphinfish, blue marlin, and shark, from different markets in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador. Fifty-five samples were collected and analyzed for total mercury using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry, and the fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. The lowest total mercury levels were found in snapper [0.041 µg·g-1 wet weight (ww)] while blue marlin showed the highest (5.883 µg·g-1 ww). EPA + DHA ranged from 1.0 mg·g-1 in snapper to 2.4 mg·g-1 in shark. A high omega-3/omega-6 ratio was found for all fish types; however, the HQEFA for the benefit-risk ratio was above 1, suggesting an evident risk to human health. Based on our results, consumption of croaker and dolphinfish is recommended up to one serving per week, considering the importance of EFAs intake and avoiding fish with elevated MeHg content. Therefore, Ecuadorian authorities could enhance public standards for seafood safety and develop consumer advice for pregnant women and young children to determine good fish choices or those to avoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela S. Yánez-Jácome
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador
| | - David Romero-Estévez
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador
| | - Pamela Y. Vélez-Terreros
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador
| | - Hugo Navarrete
- Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 170525, Ecuador
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Romero-Estévez D, Yánez-Jácome GS, Simbaña-Farinango K, Vélez-Terreros PY, Navarrete H. Determination of cadmium and lead in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum) and lettuce ( Lactuca sativa) consumed in Quito, Ecuador. Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:893-899. [PMID: 32742937 PMCID: PMC7388161 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium content was lower than 0.100 mg/kg (tomato) and 0.200 mg/kg (lettuce). Lead content above or close to 0.100 mg/kg was found in 25 % of tomato samples. Organic products had similar lead and cadmium content as nonorganic ones.
Vegetables are one of the most important components in the human diet, but despite their multiple nutritional components, studies have demonstrated the presence of trace metals in their edible parts. In Ecuador, two of the most consumed crops are tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The importance of these two crops in the Ecuadorian diet, especially in large and touristic locations like the Metropolitan District of Quito, implies food safety-related concerns for locals and visitors. However, no previous studies have quantified the cadmium and lead levels in these two vegetables using samples from Quito markets. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the cadmium and lead content in both tomato and lettuce products from main nonorganic and organic markets in Quito using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the cadmium levels were lower than 0.058 in tomatoes and 0.034 mg/kg in lettuce, which are under the respective threshold values (0.100 and 0.200 mg/kg). Regarding lead, levels lower than 0.066 mg/kg were detected in lettuce, which did not exceed the CXS 193–1995 threshold value, while levels in tomatoes were near or exceeded the threshold value (0.100 mg/kg) from four markets (0.209, 0.162, 0.110, 0.099 mg/kg), suggesting a possible risk from tomato consumption. In addition, most vegetables marketed as organic had higher metal content than those coming from nonorganic markets. Based on these results, local health and commercial control authorities should monitor contaminants in food products sold in Quito and other places in Ecuador to ensure their safety.
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Key Words
- AOAC, Association of Official Analytical Chemists
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry
- CXS, General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed Codex
- DMQ, Metropolitan District of Quito
- DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid
- EPA, Environmental Protection Agency
- FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization
- Fairs
- HQ, hazard quotients
- INEN, Ecuadorian Standardization Service
- Markets
- NTE, Ecuadorian Technical Standard
- Nonorganic crops
- Organic crops
- RSD, relative standard deviation
- TM, trace metal
- Trace metals
- WHO, World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- David Romero-Estévez
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química CESAQ-PUCE, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, 17012184, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela S Yánez-Jácome
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química CESAQ-PUCE, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, 17012184, Ecuador
| | - Karina Simbaña-Farinango
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química CESAQ-PUCE, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, 17012184, Ecuador
| | - Pamela Y Vélez-Terreros
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química CESAQ-PUCE, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, 17012184, Ecuador
| | - Hugo Navarrete
- Herbario QCA, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito. Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, 17012184, Ecuador
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Romero-Estévez D, Yánez-Jácome GS, Simbaña-Farinango K, Vélez-Terreros PY, Navarrete H. Alkaline Extraction for Lead Determination in Different Types of Commercial Paints. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:mps2040084. [PMID: 31683854 PMCID: PMC6961123 DOI: 10.3390/mps2040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2017, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme formed the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint. All alliance member countries have pledged to develop control regulations that include lead threshold limits. To improve regulations and demonstrate compliance of paint industry products, it is necessary to have adequate, locally applicable methodologies. In this sense, the main objective of this research was to validate the methodology of alkaline extraction for the quantification of lead in ten different types of Ecuadorian commercial paints using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Two hundred and fifty samples from different paint industry products were analyzed, and the results were used to evaluate the method’s performance and robustness. It was determined that the method could be applied for lead concentrations above 100 mg·kg−1, and results showed relative standard deviation values lower than 14.8% and fortification recoveries between 80.3 and 119.4%, fulfilling the acceptance criteria established in the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead-based Paint Laboratory Operations Guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Romero-Estévez
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, CESAQ-PUCE, Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Pichincha 17012184, Ecuador.
| | - Gabriela S Yánez-Jácome
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, CESAQ-PUCE, Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Pichincha 17012184, Ecuador.
| | - Karina Simbaña-Farinango
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, CESAQ-PUCE, Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Pichincha 17012184, Ecuador.
| | - Pamela Y Vélez-Terreros
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, CESAQ-PUCE, Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Pichincha 17012184, Ecuador.
| | - Hugo Navarrete
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, CESAQ-PUCE, Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Pichincha 17012184, Ecuador.
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