Contamination by Cadmium and Lead in Sugarcane and Its Derived Products in Ecuador

Resumen

(1) Background: This research examines the contamination levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in sugarcane and its derived products in Ecuador, addressing the significant issue of heavy metal pollution in the country’s agricultural lands. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the concentrations of Cd and Pb in sugarcane and the products derived from it, which are available to the Ecuadorian market. (2) Methods: Samples of the most-cultivated sugarcane varieties in the country, including ECU-01, ECU-02, Cenicaña (CC85-92), and Ragnar, were obtained. To ascertain the source of contamination in the derived products, the brands of panela, white sugar, and brown sugar that are most widely consumed in the country were selected. An atomic absorption spectrophotometry analysis was performed with a graphite furnace. (3) Results: All cane varieties presented Cd and Pb contamination. The variety with the highest levels of heavy metals was Ragnar, with average values of 4.32 mg kg−1 of Pb and 0.15 mg kg−1 of Cd. In the derived products, Pb was found to exceed the maximum limits stipulated in national and international regulations (0.5 mg kg−1) in panela (2.3 mg kg−1) and white sugar (1.6 mg kg−1) sold by one of the brands. (4) Conclusions: It was found that lead (Pb) contamination is directly linked to the use of contaminated sugarcane as a raw material, along with bleaching agents.