Original Research Article
Potential human health risk assessment of heavy metals intake through consumption of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) purchased from major markets in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria
1*Udeme U. Udofia, 1Udiba U. Udiba, 2Akpan E. R. and 2Antai E. E.
1Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
2Institute of Oceanography, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
*Corresponding Author udiba.udiba(at)yahoo.com; udibaudiba(at)unical.edu.ng
Udeme U. Udofia |
Udiba U. Udiba |
Akpan E.R |
Antai E. E |
Article Number: ibspr.20.010 | Pages: 85-97 | Vol. 8 (5), November 2020 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.15739/ibspr.20.010
Received: October 5, 2020 Accepted: November 13, 2020 Published: November 21, 2020
Abstract
The potential human health hazards of lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel via the consumption of Telfairia occidentalis leaves purchased from open markets in Calabar were investigated. Thirty six (36) composite samples purchased from 180 vendors between June, 2019 and August, 2019 were used for the study. Metals contents were determined using Shimadzu Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Model AA-6800, Japan) after wet digestion. The ranges of concentrations (mg/kg dw) were Pb (0.13-0.28), Cd (0.03-0.14), Cr (0.32-0.81) and Ni (2.22-3.01). Average concentrations were below FAO/WHO, European Food Safety Authority and Commission of European Communities maximum permissible limits except for nickel. However, the average Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of the metals were above the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) and the Upper Tolerable Daily Intake (UL) except for lead and nickel. Average Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) of the metals were above 1.00, chromium being the only exception while the Hazard Index (HI) for each market was greater than unity. Consumption of Telfairia occidentalis purchased from major markets in Calabar thus poses toxicological risk. Considering the potential toxicity/cumulative behavior of metals and rate of vegetable consumption, more research on vegetables grown within the area is strongly recommended.
Keywords:
Health hazards, Telfairia occidentalis, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, Calabar
How to Cite this Article
Udofia UU, Udiba UU, Akpan ER, Antai EE(2020).Potential human health risk assessment of heavy metals intake through consumption of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) purchased from major markets in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria.Issues Biol. Sci. Pharma. Research Vol.8(5):85-97.
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