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© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

This study investigates the consequences of volcanic ash on the antioxidant properties, nutrient composition, heavy metal levels, and secondary metabolites in Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) and Zea mays L. (yellow corn), two crucial crops in Ecuador. The objective is to determine how volcanic ash exposure affects these crops, focusing on antioxidant properties and potential heavy metal accumulation. Field experiments were conducted in Cotopaxi Province, where both crops were cultivated under varying volcanic ash conditions. Secondary metabolites, particularly total phenols and flavonoids, were quantified using spectrophotometric methods, while heavy metal content was assessed via atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed a notable increase in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, especially phenols and flavonoids, in crops exposed to volcanic ash, enhancing their antioxidant capacity. Importantly, no significant heavy metal accumulation was detected, indicating that the benefits of volcanic ash application can be harnessed without associated toxicity risks. This research highlights the potential of volcanic ash to boost beneficial metabolites in yellow corn and common bean, advocating for careful agricultural practices in volcanic regions to optimize health benefits while mitigating toxicity risks.

Details

Title
Consequences of Volcanic Ash on Antioxidants, Nutrient Composition, Heavy Metal Accumulation, and Secondary Metabolites in Key Crops of Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador
Author
Mihai, Raluca A 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Rodríguez Valencia, Katherine Elizabeth 2 ; Sivizaca Flores, Nina G 2 ; Vivanco Gonzaga Ramiro Fernando 2 ; Cubi Isuaste Nelson Santiago 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Catana, Rodica D 3   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

 Army Scientific and Technological Research Center—CICTE, Department of Life Science and Agriculture, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas—ESPE, Av. General Ruminahui s/n y, Sangolqui 171103, Ecuador 
 Department of Life Science and Agriculture, Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas—ESPE, Av. General Ruminahui s/n y, Sangolqui 171103, Ecuador; [email protected] (K.E.R.V.); [email protected] (N.G.S.F.); [email protected] (V.G.R.F.); [email protected] (C.I.N.S.) 
 Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania; [email protected] 
First page
75
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
23056304
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3171233685
Copyright
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.