Health Risk Assessment of some Heavy Metal contents of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) and Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) grown in Bargu, Shani L.G.A., Borno State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the health risk associated with heavy metal content in commonly consumed vegetables, specifically Spinacia oleracea (spinach) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle), within the study area. An Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), model VGP210Buck Scientific, was utilized to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in both the vegetables and soil samples. The assessment included calculating Transfer Factor (TF), Daily Dietary Intake (DDI), Daily Intake of Metal (DIM), Health Risk Index (HRI), and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The AAS analysis revealed the following concentrations in Spinacia oleracea: Pb (2.72 mg/Kg), Zn (2.19 mg/Kg), Cr (1.88 mg/Kg), and Cu (0.48 mg/Kg), with Cd not detected. For Hibiscus sabdariffa, the values were: Pb (2.01 mg/Kg), Zn (1.51 mg/Kg), and Cu (0.48 mg/Kg), while Cd and Cr were not detected. Soil samples from Spinacia oleracea showed Pb (1.6 mg/Kg), Cu (0.48 mg/Kg), and Zn (0.01 mg/Kg), with no detection of Cd and Cr. Soil samples from Hibiscus sabdariffa showed Pb (2.36 mg/Kg), Zn (0.73 mg/Kg), and Cu (0.48 mg/Kg), with no detection of Cd and Cr. The THQ values for Lead (Pb) were 6.00 for Spinacia oleracea and 4.43 for Hibiscus sabdariffa, indicating a high health risk. Other heavy metals had THQ values less than 1, suggesting no immediate health risk. However, continuous consumption of these vegetables could lead to bioaccumulation, thereby posing a potential health risk over time. Keywords: Sabdariffa, roselle, spinacia and heavy metal