Abstract:
This study investigated the levels of heavy metals in 22 foodstuffs obtained from each of 3 different localities (Akure, Ilara-Mokin, and Ogbese) in Ondo State. The foodstuffs examined cut across the classes of foods such as the vegetables, roots and tubers, grains and Fruits. The samples were digested with mixed acids and aliquots of the extracts were analyzed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (Perkin Elmer A Analyst 700 model). The results obtained showed that Pb and Cd were not detected in all the food samples analysed. The maximum concentration of Cr was 0.095mg/100kg in guava, 0.100mg/100kg in orange, and 0.085mg/100kg in tomatoes from Akure, Ogbese and Ilara-Mokin respectively; while that of Cu was 1.055mg/100kg in bitter leaf, 0.362mg/kg in tomatoes and 0.766mg/100kg in the same tomatoes from Akure, Ogbese and Ilara-Mokin respectively. Ni was found at a concentration of up to 0.445mg/100kg in spinach from Akure, whereas no Ni was detected in the food samples from the other two localities. Both the concentration of the heavy metals and the estimated probable daily intake of the metals via food consumption were below the recommended maximum limits provided by WHO, indicating that the food materials discretely pose no serious health threat to human. However, measures to further reduce the occurrence of heavy metals in foods from these areas will be worthwhile as the likelihoods of accumulation of the metals in the body may be dangerous over a long period of time.
