ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION IN VEGETABLES AND FRUITS SOLD IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: *Egharevba I.P, Aluyor E.O, Ossai J.E, Oiwoh O
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to determine the levels of heavy metals in some vegetables (Carrot, Cabbage, Cucumber, Lettuce, Green Pea and Water Melon) sold in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The vegetables which originated mostly from the northern part of Nigeria were collected from the point of retail (New Benin Market) over a period of five weeks. The levels of heavy metals present in the vegetables were determined and compared with international standards for maximum allowable limits. The results showed that the average concentrations detected ranged from 154.68 to 304.44, 51.86 to 58.5 and 0.558 to 0.692 mg/kg for iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) respectively. The concentration of iron in Cucumber and Lettuce in the second and fourth week respectively exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 425 mg/kg set by the world health organization (WHO). It was discovered that Cucumber and Lettuce sold in the second and fourth week respectively were not safe for consumption because of their high Iron content. Heavy metal concentration in the vegetables for the other weeks fell within acceptable limits and hence they were safe for consumption. The highest mean levels of iron, zinc and manganese were found in lettuce. This may be due to the use of refuse ash in vegetable production in Jos, Nigeria.
Affiliations: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Keywords: Heavy Metal, Vegetable, Fruit, Grey Water, Contaminant
Published date: 2017/06/30
