Metals in vegetables from markets in Zaria, Nigeria and risk assessment

ABSTRACT

This study, investigated the concentrations of cadmium, lead and arsenic in vegetables grown with irrigation and sold in Sabon gari and Samaru markets in Zaria, Nigeria. Cadmium was absent in amaranthus, pepper and tomatoes purchased from Samaru market. Nevertheless, amaranthus and lettuce had higher concentrations of these toxic metals than pepper. Total arsenic concentrations in the investigated vegetables were higher than the maximum levels set by the World Health Organization. Total daily intake of the metals was higher than the maximum levels for consuming vegetables from these markets. Therefore, individuals who consume these foods may be at risk. These results indicate the possibility of toxic metal contamination in vegetables purchased from Zaria markets.

KEYWORDS:

• Cadmium
• lead
• arsenic
• lettuce
• pepper
• amaranthus
• irrigation
• public health

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.