Potato, a Goldmine, Now a Biological Time Bomb: A Case Study of Uptake of Heavy Metals by Tubers of Potato in Jos-Nigeria

Abstract

The uptake and accumulation of heavy metals by plant roots occurs through an inter-related network of physiological and molecular mechanisms, including the binding of metals to extracellular exudates and cell wall components. The objective of this work is to investigate heavy metals uptake by five selected potato varieties commonly grown in Jos, Nigeria, using standard methods. The concentrations of heavy metals in water, soil and potato samples were analyzed using AAS after complete dissolution by mixed acid digestion (HF/HCl). The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and then compared with the WHO/FAO acceptable limits. The results obtained were alarming: iron, lead, and cadmium were above the recommended threshold by 277, 6,400, and 1,233%, accordingly, from the water sources from Jos North, while concentration levels of Jos South were beyond acceptable limit by 138, 5.6, and 50%, accordingly. Marabel had the highest heavy metal uptake in Jos South; Fe, As, Cd, Zn, and Pb were beyond the tolerance limit threshold by 1,666,43,13440,74 and 128%; while Caruso accumulates more heavy metals compared to other varieties in Jos North at a threshold value of 843,37,40,323,138, and 107%. Potato tubers cultivated within the study areas were highly concentrated as reported herein, this will, overall affect human, animal health, aquatic life and crop productivity.