Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Commonly Edible Vegetables available in Markets of Akure-South Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Vegetables are considered vital given that they supply to humans vitamins, minerals, nutritional fiber, and phytochemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals in common vegetables, locally available in Akure South LGAs markets for consumers. Samples of vegetables belonging to Amaranthaceae, Malvaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Basellaceae families were procured from local markets of different areas of Akure south LGAs and analyzed for Cu, Pb, Fe, Zn and Mnby Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results indicated that the trace metal content of Telfariaoccidentalis, Corchorusolitorus, Amaranthushybridusand Abelmoschusesculentus from Oja Oba were higher than the other markets. Basellaalba purchased from Isikan possessed the highest metal content. Maximum concentration of Fe was found to be 1.93μg/g in Basellaalba, Zn 0.76 μg/g in Basella alba, Mn 1.12 μg/g in Basella alba, Cu 0.76μg/g in Telfairiaoccidentalis. The overall content of metals appeared to be within the limit laid down for safe human consumption.