Impact of Different Ripening Methods on Physicochemical, Nutritional Properties and Occurrence of Potentially Toxic Elements in Banana Fruit From Pakistan

Abstract

Bananas (Musa spp.), a widely cultivated and consumed fruit, are subjected to various artificial ripening agents to meet market demands in developing countries. This study examined the effects of different ripening methods on the physicochemical, nutritional quality, and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in bananas. Health risk assessments were conducted to evaluate safety of ripening treatments. Samples treated with calcium carbide (CaC₂) had the highest percentage of total soluble solids (TSS) (25.38°Brix) and TSS/titratable acidity (TA) ratio (121.06), indicating rapid ripening but with the lowest vitamin C level (5.10 mg/100 mL) and antioxidant potential. Untreated bananas retained the highest total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and vitamin C level, highlighting their superior nutritional and bioactive properties. Ethylene gas-treated bananas maintained balanced nutritional attributes with relatively high antioxidant activity, while ethylene ripener-treated bananas showed intermediate results. CaC₂-treated bananas contained detectable levels of lead (0.45 mg/kg), cadmium (0.51 mg/kg), and arsenic (0.32 mg/kg), which exceeded safe limits regarding health risk indices. Untreated and ethylene-treated bananas exhibited minimal PTE contamination and negligible health risks. Arsenic posed the highest carcinogenic risk, especially in CaC₂-ripened banana (2.4 × 10⁻³), followed by ethylene ripener (1.05 × 10⁻³). CaC₂-ripened samples also contributed to carcinogenic risk for cadmium (9.6 × 10⁻⁴). These findings provide scientific evidence to support the adoption of ethylene-based methods as a safer alternative for ripening of bananas. In addition, the data presented stress the need for stricter regulations on artificial ripening agents for fruits, especially CaC₂, to safeguard public health in Pakistan and other developing countries.