Assessment of Heavy Metals and Pesticide Residues in Abelmoschus esculentus (Okro), Amaranthus cruentus (Spinach), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) and Cabbage Vegetables from Agricultural Area of Boronji Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Although green leafy vegetables are a great source of micronutrients, they can also often include harmful heavy metals and pesticides. Hence, the objective of this paper was to assess the levels of heavy metals and pesticide residues in Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), Amaranthus cruentus (Spinach), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) and Cabbage vegetable samples from Agricultural Area of Boronji Jimeta, Adamawa State, Nigeria using Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) respectively. Result show that the detected heavy metals include Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Cu whereas pesticide residues include Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Chlorpyrifos Lambda.-Cyhalothrin and Imdacloprid. The concentration of Cd 0.62mg/kg, 0.47mg/kg, 0.56mg/kg and 1.93mg/kg in spinach, Roselle, okra and Cabbage. Pb 0.60mg/kg, 0.35mg/kg and 0.32mg/kg in spinach, Roselle, and okra and pesticide residues in Dimethoate in cabbage 0.202mg/kg and Lambda.-Cyhalothrin 0.067mg/kg and Chlorpyrifos 0.195mg/kg in okra were found to be above the establish  permissible limit. Pesticide residues and heavy metal levels fluctuated, showing distinct patterns even though they were mostly below the established maximum permissible limit. These heavy metals and pesticide residues can be harmful to human health, especially if consumed in excess. They can come from both naturally occurring and man-made sources.