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Determination of the levels of some heavy metals in African pear (dacryodes edulis) marketed in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria
Abstract
This paper presents the assessment of Pb, Cd and Zn concentrations in the African pear (Dacryodes edulis) sold in eight popular markets in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. The concentrations of these metals
ranged from 0.01±0.002ìg/g to 3.00±1.00ìg/g with Pb having the highest concentration of 3.00±1.00ìg/g.There was significant difference in the level of Pb in the fruits sold at Ikeja and other markets in March (P<0.05). The washed samples revealed that metal pollutants can exist as superficial contaminants on the surface of the fruit wall which is
the edible portion. And so if the fruit is thoroughly washed, it may increase its safety for dietary consumption. The presence of these heavy metals in the fruits confirms that (i) the sources of the fruits before they get to the markets are polluted and (ii) the exposure of the fruits to all types of gaseous emissions from vehicles, industries and domestic wastes at the markets. The concentrations of the heavy metals detected in the fruits were lower than their maximum
permissible concentrations except for lead with a concentration of 3.00±1.00ìg/g in fruits purchased at Ikeja in March. However, precautions need to be taken by both growers and sellers to ensure that the concentrations of these heavy metals in the fruits are not increased before they get to the consumers.
ranged from 0.01±0.002ìg/g to 3.00±1.00ìg/g with Pb having the highest concentration of 3.00±1.00ìg/g.There was significant difference in the level of Pb in the fruits sold at Ikeja and other markets in March (P<0.05). The washed samples revealed that metal pollutants can exist as superficial contaminants on the surface of the fruit wall which is
the edible portion. And so if the fruit is thoroughly washed, it may increase its safety for dietary consumption. The presence of these heavy metals in the fruits confirms that (i) the sources of the fruits before they get to the markets are polluted and (ii) the exposure of the fruits to all types of gaseous emissions from vehicles, industries and domestic wastes at the markets. The concentrations of the heavy metals detected in the fruits were lower than their maximum
permissible concentrations except for lead with a concentration of 3.00±1.00ìg/g in fruits purchased at Ikeja in March. However, precautions need to be taken by both growers and sellers to ensure that the concentrations of these heavy metals in the fruits are not increased before they get to the consumers.
