Assessment of Lead, Zinc and Cadmium Concentration and potential health-risk associated with consuming selected Leafy vegetables in Ikorodu Metropolis, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural produce can be harmful to people's health. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to assess the concentrations of Lead, Zinc and Cadmium and potential health risks associated with consuming selected leafy vegetables of C. argentea (Soko), T. triangulare (Gbure), and A. viridis (Tete). Data obtained indicates that average concentrations of lead in C. argentea, T. triangulare, and A. viridis were found to be 0.12 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg, and 0.10 mg/kg, respectively, with p-values < 0.05, indicating significant contamination. Cadmium levels were also significantly high, with average concentrations of 0.03 mg/kg in C. argentea, 0.05 mg/kg in T. triangulare, and 0.04 mg/kg in A. viridis, with p-values < 0.05. Zinc levels, although within acceptable limits, showed considerable variation among the samples, with p-values > 0.05, indicating no significant difference from the permissible limits. T. triangulare exhibited the highest concentrations of lead and cadmium, suggesting a higher potential for bioaccumulation of these metals in this vegetable. The study indicated that the concentrations of lead and cadmium in the sampled vegetables exceeded permissible limits, posing significant health risks to consumers. The study concludes that leafy vegetables grown in Ikorodu are contaminated with heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, at levels that could pose health risks. These findings highlight the need for immediate measures to address contamination sources and ensure the safety of these vegetables for consumers.