Studies on Heavy Metal Accumulation and Quality of Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Tubers Grown with Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determine the nutritional quality and heavy metal concentration of irish potato tubers grown with inorganic and organic fertilizer. Forty five (45) tubers obtained from the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI) Kuru were planted in a randomized complete block experimental design (RCBD). Three treatments were applied namely: inorganic fertilizer, poultry dung (positive control) and without treatment (negative control). Each treatment was replicated thrice in three different plots. At maturity, tubers were investigated for protein, lipid and calcium level while heavy metal contents were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA while mean separation was done using the LSD method at 95% confidence limit. Levels of three heavy metals (Cd, Zn and Co) in Irish potato tubers were higher than their respective permissible limits of 0.02, 1.3 and 0.06 in all samples. Fertilizer application (organic and inorganic) had no significant effect on the concentration of Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Co and Cu. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers had significant influence on Ni, As and Mn. Inorganic fertilizer significantly lowered the crude protein, lipid and calcium level in Irish potato tubers when compared with other treatments. This research has provided useful information to stakeholders in the Environmental and Health Science sectors to enlighten growers of Irish potato on the need to limit the use inorganic fertilizer and seek alternative yield enhancers that are effective and safer to the environment and human health.