Relationships between Cadmium in Tissues of Cacao Trees and Soils in Plantations of Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

The primary source of cadmium in cocoa beans has been linked to its direct uptake by the cacao plant from cadmium contaminated soils. This research was conducted to evaluate and interpret significant relationships between cadmium levels in tissues of the cacao plant and soils from cocoa-growing areas in Trinidad and Tobago. Total (HNO3-extractable) concentrations of cadmium in both tissues and soils were determined. The levels of cadmium measured varied in the order: leaves > pods > shells > nibs > soil. Cadmium levels in all the cacao tissues analyzed were significantly (p 3-extractable Cd levels in soils. These findings suggest that they can possibly be used as predictive tools for assessing Cd levels in cacao.