PROF. E.E. UKPEBOR

This study is to assess heavy metal content in three leafy vegetables. Telfairia occidentalis (Pumpkin leaf), Amaranth green (Green leaf) and Celosia argentea (Shoko leaf). Samples were collected from Uselu market, Egor local government area of Benin city in Edo State, Nigeria in the month of February. The samples were prepared using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method. The level of five different heavy metals namely Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr) and Iron (Fe) were
analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Result obtained from the analysis shows that Pumpkin leaf contained a mean value of 2.00mg/kg Fe, 0.01mg/kg Cr, 2.11mg/kg Zn, while Cd and Pb were below detection limit (BDL). Shoko leaf had a mean value of 3.85mg/kg Fe, 0.04mg/kg Cr, 1.52mg/kg Zn, 0.01mg/kg Cd and Pb was below detection limit (BDL). Green leaf had a mean data of 7.70mg/kg Fe, 0.03mg/kg Cr, 1.64mg/kg Zn while Cd and Pb were below detection limit (BDL). Among
the three samples, the mean value of all the heavy metals are below standard regulatory limit of 425.50mg/kg Fe, 0.03mg/kg Cr, 99.40mg/kg Zn, 0.20mg/kg Cd and 0.30mg/kg Pb except for Cr in Shoko leaf which mean value is slightly above that of standard regulatory limit. The samples are safe for human and animal consumption, but attention should be paid to Shoko leaf to avoid the level of Cr to be higher than it is by being mindful of the site for cultivation of the crop.

Taking safety into account, the levels of Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Fe in Bitter leaves and Scent leaves have been assessed. This study involves the collection of fresh vegetable samples from Uselu market, Edo State, Nigeria. The samples were prepared using stander methods to quantify the concentrations of heavy metals present. The analytical finish was done by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) model Buck Scientific VGP210 to obtain accurate measurements of heavy metal content in Scent leaves and Bitter leaves. Analytical data available shows a pattern of Cu 0.20mg/kg, Cr 0.10mg/kg, Mn 7.50mg/kg, Pb 0.00mg/kg, Zn 5.15mg/kg, Cd 0.05mg/kg, Fe 6.50mg/kg for Scent leaves and Cu 0.20mg/kg, Cr 0.15mg/kg, Mn 5.00mg/kg, Pb 0.05mg/kg, Zn 4.85mg/kg, Cd 0.05mg/kg, Fe 4.50mg/kg
for Bitter leaves. These data were compared to World Health Organization (WHO) and National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control. The results showed that the levels complied with regulatory standards. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights into the levels of these selected heavy metals in Scent leaves and Bitter leaves, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of potential risks associated with their consumption. Furthermore, this study will contribute to enhancing public awareness about food safety and help formulate recommendations to mitigate heavy metals contamination in vegetables.