Concentrations of heavy metals in three commonly used medicinal vegetables in Akwa- Ibom state

Abstract

The concentrations of heavy metals were studied in three medicinal vegetables in Akwa- Ibom State. The plants used in this study were Gongronema latifolium; Telferia occidentalis and Vernonia amygdalina. The heavy metals investigated were lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe). Dry ashing methods were used in obtaining samples for heavy metal analysis. Quantities of the heavy metals were read off using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the work showed variations in the concentrations of these metals which ranged from slightly low to high amounts, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn had high values, while Pb, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni had relatively low concentrations in the vegetables. The results of the findings are discussed.