Heavy metal concentrations in street-vended fruits and vegetables in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The concentration of metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Mn and Ni) in selected fruits and vegetables from Ekpan market in Warri Delta state, Nigeria were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The concentrations of metals (mg/kg) in all samples ranged from ND-0.91, ND -1.12, 0.74-1.51, 0.27-1.83, 0.02-1.74 and 0.15 -1.93 for Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn and Pb respectively. Cr was not detected in all the samples. The result also indicated that the concentration of Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn and Zn were within the permissible limit for WHO 2015 while the concentration of Pb in most samples were above the WHO 2015 limit hence pose toxicological risk. The study will bring awareness to consumers on the inherent health implication of food contamination with its attendant economic implication.

Keywords: Contamination, Metals, Fruits; Vegetables