Appraisal of Heavy Metals in Some Fruits Sold in Effurun Market
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Heavy metal contamination of edible food has become rampant in our society and this has led to increase in the occurrence of terminal diseases in the society. Fruits are cultivated, harvested and sold without cooking thereby protecting the nutrients in them. Contamination of fruits by heavy metals have been reported in some parts of Nigeria. Aim: Hence, this study aims to appraise the heavy metals in some fruits sold in Effurun market. Methods: Five edible fruits of Orange (Citrus sinensis), Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Banana (Musa sapientum) were digested and evaluated for the presence of heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The study revealed varying concentrations of heavy metals among the fruit samples. Copper, Chromium and Cadmium showed relatively higher concentrations compared to the permissible limits in all the fruits evaluated, while nickel was higher in C. sativus and remain within permissible limits in other fruits. Cobalt, manganese, zinc and lead were all within the permissible limits established by the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization for all the fruits examined. Conclusion: The differences in metal concentrations may be attributed to environmental exposure, transportation, storage conditions, and contamination from agricultural inputs. Although some fruits remained within acceptable safety limits, continuous consumption of contaminated fruits may predispose consumers to bioaccumulation and associated health risks such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurological disorders, and carcinogenic effects. Regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination in fruits sold in local markets is essential to safeguard public health. Implementation of stricter environmental regulations, improved agricultural practices, and periodic food safety surveillance are recommended to minimize heavy metal exposure through fruit consumption.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
References
Ali Z, Hadi R, & Amir HM (2018). Health risk assessment of heavy metals in vegetables in an endemic esophageal cancer region in Iran. Health Scope;7: e12340.
Amash, R.H. & Aly, M. M. (2019). Removal of Dangerous Heavy Metals and some Human pathogens by dried green Algae collected from Jeddah coast. Pharmacophore, 10(3):5-13
Benson N.U & Ebong G.A (2005). Heavy metals in vegetables commonly grown in a tropical garden ultisol. Journal Sustain Tropical Agriculture Research; 16:77-80.
Czarnek K, Terpiłowska S, & Siwicki AK (2015). Selected aspects of the action of cobalt ions in the human body. Century European Journal Immunology;40: 236‑242.
Divrikli U, Horzum N, Soylak M, & Elci L (2013). Trace heavy metal contents of some spices and herbal plants from western Anatolia, Turkey. International Journal Food Science Technology; 41:712-716.
Elbagermi MA, Edwards HGM, & Alajtal AI (2012). Monitoring of heavy metal content in fruits and vegetables collected from production and market sites in the Misurata Area of Libya. ISRN Analytical Chemistry. https:// doi. org/ 10. 5402/ 2012/ 827645
FAO/WHO (2001) Food additives and contaminants. Codex Alimentarius Commission. Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Program, ALI-NORM 01/12A, pp 1–28
Gezahegn WW, Srinivasulu A, Aruna, B, Banerjee S, Sudarshan M, Narayana PVL & Rao ADP (2017). Study of heavy metals accumulation in leafy vegetables of Ethiopia. IOSR Journal Environmental Science Toxicology Food Technology; 11:57 68.
Gowd SS, Reddy MR, & Govil PK (2010). Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil at Jajmau (Kanpur) and unnao industrial areas of the Ganga plain, Uttar Pradesh, India Journal Hazardous Materials; 174:113-21.
Ibrahim UM, Jibo AM, Muazu S, Zubairu Z, Ringim SU, Namadi FA, Ringim SH, Buba LF, Jalo RI, Tsiga- Ahmed FI, Abdulsalam K & Karkarna MZ (2023). Factors associated with hypertension among adults in high burden kidney disease areas of Jigawa State, Nigeria: across-sectional survey. Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal; 30:275-284.
Järup L. (2003). Hazards of heavy metal contamination. British Medical Bulletin; 68:167-168
Khadeeja R, Sobin A, Umer R, Muhammad I, Saadia H, Tehreema I & Shahla R (2013). Comparison of proximate and heavy metal contents of vegetables grown with fresh and wastewater. Pakistan Journal Botany; 45:391-400.
Kumar S, & Sharma A (2019) Cadmium toxicity: effects on human reproduction and fertility. Review Environmental Health. 34(4):327–338
Mwegoha WJ, & Kihampa C (2010). Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils and water in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania. African Journal Environmental Science Technology; 4:763 769.
Oladele O.O & Aladesanmi O.C (2020) Level of heavy metals in sliced watermelon fruits in selected markets in Akure, Nigeria. Bulletin National Research Centre; 44(1):1–8
Oyasowo O.T, Ore O.T, Durodola S.S, Oyebode B.A, Inuyomi S.O, Aliyu H.E & Akeremale O.F (2021). Appraisal of Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Edible Fruits in Ile Ife, Nigeria. Chemistry Africa https://doi.org/10.1007/s42250-021-00260-w
Patrick-Iwuanyanwu K, & Chioma N.C (2017) Evaluation of heavy metals content and human health risk assessment via consumption of vegetables from selected markets in Bayelsa state, Nigeria. Analytical Biochemistry. 6:332. https:// doi. org/ 10. 4172/ 2161- 1009.10003 32
Sajjad K, Robina F, Shagufta S, Mohammed A.K, & Maria S (2009). Health risk assessment of heavy metals for population via consumption of vegetables. World Applied Science Journal; 6:1602-1606.
Sobukola O.P, Adeniran O.M, Odedairo A.A & Kajihausa O.E (2007). Heavy metal levels of some fruits and leafy vegetables from selected markets in Lagos, Nigeria. African Journal Food Science; 4:389-393
Sobukola O.P, Adeniran O.M, Odedairo A.A & Kajihausa O.E (2010) Heavy metal levels of some fruits and leafy vegetables from selected markets in Lagos, Nigeria. African Journal Food Science; 4(2):389–393
Tsafe A.I, Hassan L.G, Sahabi D.M, Alhassan Y & Bala B.M (2012). Evaluation of heavy metals uptake and risk assessment of vegetables grown in Yargadama of Northern Nigeria. Journal Basic Applied Science Research; 2:6708‑6714
Türkdoğan M.K, Kilicel F, Kara K, Tuncer I & Uygan I (2003). Heavy metals in soil, vegetables and fruits in the endemic upper gastrointestinal cancer region of Turkey. Environmental Toxicology Pharmacology;13: 175-179.
USEPA. Treatment Technologies for Site Cleanup: An Annual Status Report 2007. 12th ed. Washington, DC, USA: Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5203P); 2010
Uroko I.R, Okpashi V.E, Oluomachi U.N, Paulinus N.C, Nduka F.O & Precious O (2019). Evaluation of heavy metals in selected fruits in Umuahia market, - Nigeria: Associating toxicity to effect for improved metal risk assessment. Journal Applied Biology Biotechnology. 2;7(04):39-45. DOI: 10.7324/JABB.2019.70407
Vupputuri S, He J, Muntner P, Bazzano L.A, Whelton P.K & Batuman V (2003). Blood lead level is associated with elevated blood pressure in blacks. Hypertension; 41:463-8.
Wang X, Sato T & Baoshan X (2005). Health risk of heavy metals to the general public of Tianjin, China via consumption of vegetables and fish. Science Total Environment; 350:28-37.
World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization. Codex Alimentarius Commission. Food Additives and Contaminants. Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. No. ALINORM 01/12A; 2001. p. 1-289.
Yusuf A.A, Arowolo T.A & Bamgbose O (2003). Cadmium, copper and nickel levels in vegetables from industrial and residential areas of Lagos city, Nigeria. Food Chemical Toxicology; 41:375-8.