BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN FRUIT SAMPLES FROM AREAS AFFECTED BY POOR WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN OBAZOGBE COMMUNITY, ORHIOMWON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA. EDO STATE AS CASE STUDY

Heavy metal contamination of food crops is a major environmental and public health hazard, especially in poorer countries with poor waste management procedures. This study looked at the bioaccumulation of selected heavy metals—Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), and Copper (Cu)—in commonly consumed fruit samples (pawpaw, orange, pear, and garden egg) collected from areas with improper waste disposal in Obazogbe Community, Orhiomwon Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Following regular digestion processes, samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The observed metal concentrations were compared to the allowed limits defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The results showed that Pb and Cd levels in most fruit samples surpassed suggested safety criteria, whereas Zn, Ni, and Cu were within or slightly above permissible ranges. The increased levels of Pb and Cd suggest contamination from local dumpsites, open garbage burning, and polluted irrigation water. Continuous use of such tainted fruits may pose major health hazards, including neurotoxicity, renal damage, and carcinogenic effects. The study emphasises the critical need for better waste management techniques, regular environmental monitoring, and public health awareness in order to limit heavy metal exposure through fruit intake. It also advocates for the implementation of sustainable agriculture and waste disposal techniques in rural communities to protect food safety and human health.