Abstract

AREVALO-GARDINI, Enrique et al. Heavy metals in soils of cocoa plantations (Theobroma cacao L.) in three regions of Perú. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2016, vol.15, n.2, pp.81-89. ISSN 1726-2216.  http://dx.doi.org/10.21704/rea.v15i2.747.

Cocoa has experienced significant growth in recent years in Peru and the presence of heavy metals in the soils of these plantations is a potential problem for the export of this product. The objective of the present study was to determine the total concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn) in soils with cacao crops in the main productive areas in Peru: North (Tumbes, Piura, Cajamarca and Amazonas), Center (San Martin, Huánuco and Junín) and South (Cuzco). Contents of heavy metals in soils of cocoa plantations from 10 to 15 years old were evaluated. Physical (texture) and chemical (pH, organic matter, CEC, P, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Cd, Ni, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn) analyzes were conducted in the soils. The results show favorable growing conditions for cocoa. The values found for heavy metals were below those considered as phytotoxic. Mean values of total Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni and Pb were higher in the southern region while in the northern region the values of Cu and Cd were higher. In general, pH, % of Clay and Mg were the variables that had higher significant correlations with heavy metals.

Keywords : Cadmium; lead; soil; soil contamination.

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