Evaluation of Seasonal Variations of Lead Concentration and Proximate Composition of Amaranthus hybridus Grown and Consumed in Ilorin, Kwara State, Northern-Nigeria

Abstract

This paper evaluates the seasonal variations in Pb concentrations and proximate composition of Amaranthus vegetable (Amaranthus hybridus) grown and consumed in Ilorin, Kwara State, Northern-Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques in order to ascertain its suitability for consumption. The results obtained varied with the sampling locations with the mean concentration of the Pb in soil, water and plant ranged from (1.58- 82.00mg/kg) soil, (0.11-19.37mg/l) water and (0.00-5.93 mg/kg shoots; 0.67-5.33 mg/kg roots). The values for proximate content showed that moisture content ranged from (6.38-9.99 %), ash content (2.46-6.44 %), crude protein (10.59-18.60%), crude fibre (1.63-2.39%), crude fat (3.09-4.83%) and carbohydrate (64.30-75.30%). The result obtained reveal significant level of contamination of irrigation water and Amaranthus hybridusas most values obtained were above the permissible limits, hence, the vegetable may constitute health hazard for the consumers. The study hence suggests that growing of the edible crops around locations that are Pb polluted should be discouraged. As for the proximate content, the values obtained are indication that all the samples had lower values of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates than the WHO recommended values for suitable dietary intake, though, with a high probability of storage due to their significant low moisture content. This underscores the nutritive value as a viable option for plant base nutrients for consumption, but as option for Pb remediation.