Abstract
The physicochemical, microbial and heavy metal contamination of palm oil samples randomly selected from three different markets (Ankpa, Anyigba and Idah Markets) in Kogi State, Nigeria, was investigated. The results revealed the presence of moisture (0.5, 0.4, 0.4%); impurity (0.4, 0.4, 0.3%) and free fatty acid (13, 12.8, 12.3%) for Ankpa, Anyigba and Idah Markets respectively. The microbial contaminants isolated were Enterobacter sp, Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Micrococcus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Aspergillus sp, Candida sp, Mucor sp, Rhizopus sp and Penicillium sp. The presence (ppm) of heavy metals in the samples was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy for chromium, cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper and iron. All the tested metals except chromium and lead were detected in samples from Anyigba Market with the mean concentration of arsenic (0.29), iron (4.66), cadmium (0.001) and copper (0.006). The metals detected in samples from Idah Market were cadmium (0.46), arsenic (0.19), iron (7.34), chromium (0.04) and copper (0.03). Only three metals, arsenic (0.04) cadmium (0.01) and iron (1.88) were detected in samples from Ankpa Market. From the findings, the microbial load of the samples fell within the acceptable limits stipulated by World Health Organization limits. However, most of the heavy metals assayed for were above acceptable limits. The present findings indicate the need for refining of locally produced palm oil to eliminate metal contaminants because of the health implication of their accumulation in the body. Key words: Heavy metals, microbial contamination, palm oil, Kogi East, Nigeria.
Highlights
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Eleais guineensis)
Most of the heavy metals assayed for were above acceptable limits
The present findings indicate the need for refining of locally produced palm oil to eliminate metal contaminants because of the health implication of their accumulation in the body
Summary
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Eleais guineensis). Oil palm tree is an economic plant that grows abundantly in equatorial West Africa, both in the wild and in plantations. It is cultivated extensively in Southeast Asia where Malaysia and Indonesia are ranked as the largest producers and exporters of oil palm products (Uning et al, 2020). There are reports of heavy metals contamination of palm oil sold in markets from other areas (Olafisoye et al, 2020; Aigbemu et al, 2017; Nnorom et al, 2014; Asemave et al, 2012). There is no report on evaluation of heavy metals contamination of palm oil produced from this area. There is, the need to investigate the levels of microbial and heavy metals contamination in palm oil produced from this area and sold at the three major markets located in the area
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