Trace metals compositions of some leafy vegetables grown in minna, north central Nigeria

Abstract

Determination of trace metals in bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Pumpkin leaves (Telfaira occidentals) and waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The percentage moisture contents of the
leafy vegetables were within the range of 80.4±0.02 to 92.4±0.01, while ash content ranged from 13.8±0.01 to 22±0.01%. On dry weight basis, the range of the trace metals were; Fe(10.75±0.01 to 16.27±0.02 mg/100g), Zn(4.67 ± 0.02 to 10.86±0.01 mg/100g), Cu(5.88±0.01 to 15.04±0.02 mg/100g), Mn(0.21±0.02 to 1.64±0.02 mg/100g), Cr(0.19±0.01 to 0.47±0.02 mg/100g) and Pb(0.19±0.02 to 0.70±0.02 mg/100g). Generally, the order of  accumulation of these elements were Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cr.

Keywords: Leafy vegetables, trace metals, moisture, ash content, Nigeria