Public Health Significance of Metals` Concentration in Soils, Water and Staple Foods in Abakaliki South Eastern Nigeria

• Published in: Trends in applied sciences research Vol. 2; no. 5; pp. 439 - 444
• Main Authors: Edeogu, C O, Ekuma, CE, Okaka, ANC, Ezeonu, F C, Uneke, C J, Elom, SO
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.2007
• Subjects: Tuber; Nigeria
• ISSN: 1819-3579
• DOI: 10.3923/tasr.2007.439.444

Concentrations of trace elements were quantitatively estimated in foods, water and soil samples in South-eastern Nigeria using atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. The mean concentrations in ppm of iron (Fe): 3.25 plus or minus 0.00, zinc (Zn): 115.70 plus or minus 0.28 and copper (Cu): 3.25 plus or minus 0.11 in the surface soil were found to be higher than those of the sub-surface soil: 2.08 plus or minus 0.14, 107.50 plus or minus 0.03 and 22.40 plus or minus 0.50, respectively. Water samples from wells had the highest mean concentrations of all the trace elements. Leafy vegetables contained the highest mean concentrations in ppm of Fe: 127.80 plus or minus 0.66, Cu: 5.77 plus or minus 0.11, Cd: 0.47 plus or minus 0.06 and Pb: 159.55 plus or minus 0.4), followed by the legumes: 48.45 plus or minus 0.25, 44.46 plus or minus 0.12, 0.13 plus or minus 0.00 and 50.75 plus or minus 0.13, respectively. The tubers and the cereals had comparatively much lower concentrations of the elements.