This article was originally published as: HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF YAMS PRODUCED IN BENUE STATE
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Abstract
Yam production play a vital role in the socio-economical scene of Benue State. This study seeks to determine the concentration of heavy metal in Yam tubers produced in Benue State. Two species of Yams Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea alata were selected as they are the most cultivated species in Benue state. Yams were sampled from nine sampling stations; three farming communities from Oturkpo, Ukum, and Tarka Local Government Areas (LGAs). A total number of 324 yam tubers were sampled for laboratory analyses of heavy metals (Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Lead (Pb), and residues of fertilizers (NPK, Urea, and Biuret impurities). The concentration of the heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) 6800. The mean concentration of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in the yams were 1.3887, 0.0126, 0.0452, and 0.0286 Mg/kg. The concentration of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in Dioscorea alata were 2.7657, 0.0125, 0.03570, and 0.0251 while the concentration of the heavy metals in Dioscorea rotundata were 0.0136, 0.0129, 0.0550, and 0.0325 Mg/Kg respectively. Arsenic dominated al heavy metals analyzed in the yam varieties and the concentration of the heavy metals varied between the two sampled yam species. It was observed that the concentration of As, Cd, and Pb were greater than the Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs) of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Authors
- H. A. Owoicho (College of Education Oju, Benue State)
- F.J. Ikpa (J. S. Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State)
- C.C. Iheukwumere (J. S. Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State)
- R. A. I. Ega (J. S. Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State)
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