Abstract
Nine heavy metals were studied in locally prepared drinks, namely, “Zobo” and “Kunnu Zaki”. The samples were prepared from the outer covering (calyx) of the fruits of roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa and cereals (millet or guinea corn), respectively. Twenty samples of “Zobo” coded Zb1-Zb20 and twenty samples of “Kunnu Zaki” coded Kz1-Kz20 were bought from different parts of Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria. The qualitative analysis of the samples was by official methods and were quantitatively analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Lead (Pb) were detected in most Zb and Kz samples, while Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Silver (Ag), Mercury (Hg) and Bismuth (Bi) were absent in all the samples. The Fe values ranged from 3.13 to 5.48 mg/L; Cu ranged from 0.12 to 0.62 mg/L, Zn ranged from 0.02 to 0.22 mg/L and Pb ranged from 0.54 to 1.28 mg/L in Zb samples. The Fe values for Kz samples ranged from 18.63 to 31.25 mg/L, Cu ranged from 0.03 to 0.11 mg/L, Zn ranged from 0.08 to 0.39 mg/L and Pb ranged from 0.80 to 1.55 mg/L. The higher values detected in Fe, Zn and Pb for Kz samples compared with Zb samples could be due to the different materials used in their preparation. The implication of the results in public health is discussed. Key words: Cereals, drinks, heavy metals, samples, Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Highlights
Metals are elements that cannot be decomposed to simpler units by chemical means
Due to the health hazards caused by these toxic metals which might be present in the raw materials or water used in the preparation of drinks
The samples were bought from Samaru-Zaria, Nigeria and were coded Zb1-Zb20, (Zobo), Kz1-Kz20 (Kunnu Zaki); they were refrigerated until the time of use
Summary
Metals are elements that cannot be decomposed to simpler units by chemical means. They are shinny, ductile, malleable and usually good conductor of heat, and electricity. Zb is a brick red non-alcoholic drink prepared by boiling the dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa in water. Other ingredients used in its preparation are ginger, black pepper and sweet potatoes or sugar.
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