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Levels of selected heavy metals in fruits and vegetables sold in major markets in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria


J.E. Emurotu
U.A. Dickson
A.A. Adegbe

Abstract

The study investigated the concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc in some fruits and vegetables sold in major markets in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. The levels of metals were obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn obtained were 0.02±0.01, 0.03±0.02, 0.59±0.15, 0.02±0.02, and 0.04±0.02 (mg/kg) respectively. Corresponding levels in vegetables were not significantly different (P>0.05). Values of Cu were highest among the metals with average concentrations of 0.59±0.15 mg/kg and 0.69±0.13 mg/kg in fruits and vegetables respectively. The levels of the metals compared with those reported for similar studies elsewhere in the world as current levels do not pose danger to human health.

Keywords: Fruits, Vegetables, Heavy metals, Kogi State, Health risk


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eISSN: 1118-1931
print ISSN: 1118-1931