Chromium, Nickel and Zinc Levels from Canned and Non-Canned Beverages in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria

Abstract

Heavy metals (Chromium, Nickel and Zinc) were determined from both canned and non-canned beverages sold in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Concentration of Chromium was found to range from 0.528 - 1.509mg/L for canned and 0.176 - 1.358mg/L for non-canned beverages, Nickel concentration was found to range from 0.156 - 0.802mg/L for canned and 0.125 - 0.896mg/L for non-canned beverages while Zinc concentration was also found to range between 27.652 to 35.447mg/L for canned and 26.649 to 42.447mg/L for the non-canned beverages. All the samples studied have Chromium and Zinc concentrations exceeding the maximum concentration limit (MCL) as set by USEPA while 100% of the canned beverages exceeded the (MCL) for Nickel only 93.33% of the non-canned exceeded the Nickel MCL. Levels of the metals analysed exceeded the legislative safe limits set by both United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON).Keywords: Chromium, Zinc, Nickel, Canned, Non-canned beverages.