Heavy Metals in Some Fruits and Cereals in Minna Markets, Nigeria

Abstract

Food production and safety can be used as a measure of a nation’s economic growth and stability as well as the responsiveness of government to the need of its people. In Nigeria, fruits and cereals are grown and distributed to all parts of the country through retails. They are a source of energy and minerals to humans in particular. Trace elements do not provide calorie but play an important role in the metabolic regulations of the human body systems if present in required amounts. They are co-enzymes and co-factors in human system which play different roles in growth, metabolism and immune system development. They can however bio-accumulate over a period of time in vital human organs-lungs, kidney, heart, liver and the brain causing serious damages and death. Worldwide food quality is monitored through metal analysis. This study was carried out in Minna, Nigeria, located 9°36’ 50N; 6°33’25E with nearly 300,000 inhabitants. The trace metals Fe, Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu and Zn were analysed from Rice (Oryza sativa), Maize (Zea maize), Guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor) and Millet (Panicum miliaceum) and edible parts of Banana (Musa spp), Orange (Citrus auratium), Pineapple (Ananas comossus), Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and Apple (Malus domestica). Fe was 18.400-252.160 and 1.120-20.800 mg/kg in fruits. In cereals, Cr was not detectable while Pb (1.154 mg/kg) was found only in maize. Fe content was considerably low in cereals compare to fruits. Compare to research elsewhere, similarities and dis-similarities in metals concentration were observed.