The Levels of Heavy Metal in Some Selected Grains Sold in Makurdi Markets, Benue, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in different cereal crops (rice, beans, and soya beans). Two different samples each were bought in two different markets (Wurkum and North band) in Makurdi and were analyzed, using atomic absorption spectroscopy (BK-AA320N). The result of the analysis from both markets ranged as follows: Magnesium (Mg) 0.458 – 0.999ppm; Nickel (Ni) 0.227 – 0.543 ppm; Calcium (ca) 0.192 – 0.716 ppm; Iron (Fe) 0.314 – 0.730 ppm; Lead (Pb) 0.317 – 0. 501 ppm and Chromium (Cr)0.139 – 0.852 ppm, for soya beans, beans and rice. The levels of heavy metals determined in the analyzed cereal samples were found to be below the permissible limit set by WHO; hence, the concentration of these heavy metals in the selected analyzed cereals, may not presently pose a health hazard in the population. Keywords: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Cereals, Heavy Metals, Makurdi