Quantitative determination of chromium in some vegetables in Tudun Wada Makera- Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Chromium has been known to be a micronutrient for mammals for more than four decades. Deficiency in the body results to diabetes, infertility and cardiovascular diseases. However, progress in elucidating the role of chromium has proceeded slowly. Recent studies have shown a potential role of chromium in maintaining proper carbohydrate and lipid  metabolism at the molecular level. This study quantitatively determined the concentration of chromium in Moringa oleifera, Vernonia  amygdalina, , Adansonia digitata, Teiferia occidentalis, Lactuca serriola, Amaranthus tricolor and Brassica olaracea. Samples were purchased from Tudun Wada-Makera and environs for the study. The samples were digested using a tri-acid mixture (HNO₃: HClO₄: H₂SO₄ = 25:4:2). The Cr³⁺ content of the digests obtained was determined using TAS 990 Intec Roma model of atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed significant (p<0.05) concentrations of Cr³⁺ ranging from 0.014 ± 0.032 to 0.008 ± 0.012 mg/g (Mean ±S.E.M) with Moringa oleifera, recording the highest concentration and Teiferia occidentalis recording the least. Chromium was detected in all the samples except Adansonia digitata.

Keywords: Chromium, Diabetes, Environment ,Tudun wada –Makaera, Vegetables