Contamination and health risk assessments of metals in selected fruits from Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the contamination and human health risks of metals in selected fruits and vegetables from Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Sixty samples from selected markets in Abeokuta were collected and analysed for essential and toxic metals using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Contamination risk (ContR) and human health risk [hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk (CR)] of metals were measured. All the observed metals except Ni (in coconut and walnut), Cd (in bananas and pineapples), and Cr (in bananas, pineapples, and walnut) had values within the permissible limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization. Pb levels (<0.01–1.90 mg/kg) were higher than the permissible limit in most of the fruits. The ContR values of Cd (4.08–4.19), Cr (1.16–1.42), Ni (1.43–1.60), and Pb (1.71–19.0) in some of the fruits were higher than the allowable limit of 1.0, indicating they were unfit for consumption. Furthermore, an HQ > 1.0 for Ca and Mn; and CRs > 1.0 × 10–4 for Cd, Ni, and Cr were observed in some of the fruits consumed by adults and children. This study established the possible development of cancer through exposure to some metals in the fruits.