Silvana Paola Ocaña Coello

Ms. Silvana Paola Ocaña Coello


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
26 September 2026 in Agriculture
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SRSteven Stalin Ramos-Romero
Steven Stalin Ramos-Romero
LCLourdes Cumandá Carrera-Beltrán
Lourdes Cumandá Carrera-Beltrán
EEElizabeth Del Rocío Escudero-Vilema
Elizabeth Del Rocío Escudero-Vilema
JLJosé Gerardo León
José Gerardo León
SCSilvana Paola Ocaña Coello
Silvana Paola Ocaña Coello
Antonio Signes Signes-PastorAntonio Signes Signes-Pastor
Antonio Signes Signes-Pastor
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production on volcanic soils takes place in complex agricultural systems where natural soil properties and agricultural practices coexist and may be associated with trace element dynamics. This study evaluated the concentration and apparent transfer index of Pb, Cd, Hg, As, and Ni in the soil-potato system of Quero Canton, Tungurahua, Ecuador. Soil and whole-plant samples were collected from 20 georeferenced sites and analyzed using standardized methods and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Soil chemical composition varied among sites and was characterized by elevated phosphorus and potassium contents. Pb and As concentrations in soil remained below guideline values for agricultural soils, whereas localized high concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Ni were observed. Mean concentrations in plant tissues were 0.28 mg/kg for Hg, 0.38 mg/kg for As, and 1.13 mg/kg for Ni, all of which were below reported phytotoxicity thresholds. Bioconcentration factors indicated generally limited soil-to-plant transfer. Hg showed the highest variability in BCF values. Principal component analysis showed that variation in the apparent transfer index was associated with pH, bulk density, and electrical conductivity. These findings highlight the importance of soil quality monitoring to support the management of potato production systems on volcanic soils.