Abstract
This study assessed the levels of heavy metals present in waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) from various sources in Ota, Ogun State. Eighty (80) samples of waterleaf were obtained from 5 domestic (non-hazardous) dumpsites, 5 non-dumpsites, 5 markets and 5 streets in Ota. The non-dumpsites were locations in industrial areas. Also, over 500 questionnaires were randomly administered to residents in Ota to assess the extent of consumption of waterleaf. Standard method was followed for sample treatment, digestion, and analysis of selected heavy metals: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The results showed that in waterleaf from domestic dumpsites the concentration (mg/kg) of heavy metals were: Pb (14.50-20.10), Cd (0.05-0.60), Cr (0.19-2.48), Ni (2.75-7.30) and Co (3.40-6.05); from non-dumpsites: Pb (12.20-24.45), Cd (ND- 0.60), Cr (ND-2.79), Ni (ND-24.00), Co (3.75-5.75); from markets: Pb (0.35-3.85), Cd (ND), Cr (ND-7.11), Ni (ND- 5.10), Co (1.05-2.45); and from streets: Pb (ND-5.00), Cd (ND), Cr (ND), Ni (3.50-7.25), Co (1.50-2.50). Generally, all the heavy metals were highest in waterleaf from domestic dumpsites and non-dumpsites. There were 502 respondents to the questionnaire; of which 82% consumed waterleaf. Out of those who consumed waterleaf, 41% consumed it daily, 32% at least once in a week, and 19% at least once in two weeks. It may be concluded that there is the high tendency of exposure to heavy metals by those who consume waterleaf in the studied locations since the levels in waterleaf from all sources studied generally exceeded the FAO/WHO limits. Keywords : Waterleaf, Talinum triangulare, vegetable, heavy metals, pollution, Ota
Highlights
Ota is a traditional city with a good number of industries of various categories, markets, and trades
The objectives of the study were to assess the extent of consumption of waterleaf in Ota using questionnaire; and to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) in waterleaf obtained from various sources in Ota
The concentrations in waterleaf from Domestic dumpsite (DDS) 1 ranged from 0.19±0.25 mg/kg (Cr) to 14.95±1.51mg/kg (Pb); DDS 2, 0.05±0.11 mg/kg (Cd) to 14.50±2.44 mg/kg (Pb); DDS 3, 0.25±0.43 mg/kg (Cd) to 15.80±3.86 mg/kg (Pb); DDS 4, 0.25±0.43 mg/kg (Cd) to 20.10±1.19 mg/kg (Pb); DDS 5, 0.60±0.63 mg/kg (Cd) to 18.90±2.63 mg/kg (Pb)
Summary
Ota is a traditional city with a good number of industries of various categories, markets, and trades These anthropogenic activities usually result in pollution, especially in developing countries where low-end waste management is the common practice (Babayemi and Dauda, 2009). Cadmium may cause nasal irritations, cancer, bronchitis and ulcerations of the septum, decreased pulmonary function, etc (Shanker and Venkateswarlu, 2011; Babayemi et al, 2016). These toxic elements find their way into the environment usually as a result of pollution arising from human activities, and contaminate the different environmental media on which human life depends. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent of consumption of waterleaf in Ota using questionnaire; and to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) in waterleaf obtained from various sources in Ota
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