NICKEL

Garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum) is a staple vegetable in Nigeria, but concerns exist regarding potential heavy metal contamination and its impact on consumer health. This study investigated the presence of heavy metals (nickel, cadmium, and mercury) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) in garden egg samples collected from two markets (Uselu and Ikpoba Hill) in Benin City, Nigeria. A health risk assessment was conducted to estimate the potential health risks associated with nickel exposure. Garden egg samples (n=15) were purchased from each market. Samples were homogenized, and aliquots were used for eavy metal analysis via atomic absorption spectrometry, and oxidative stress marker assays (using standard protocols for MDA, GPx, SOD, and CAT activity measurement). The ean concentrations of Ni in Ikpoba Hill and Uselu Market were [0.032 ± 0.070] and [0.038 ± 0.068] respectively. The activities of SOD, CAT, GPx and MDA from Ikpoba Hill were 3.291 ± 0.792], [0.098 ± 0.058], [8.274 ± 2.043], and [0.728 ± 0.208] respectively, while for Uselu Market were [3.311 ± 0.938], [0.076 ± 0.020], [4.580 ± 1.287], and [0.668 ± 0.185] respectively. Relatively low levels of nickel were detected in both markets, while cadmium and mercury were undetectable. The Uselu market samples exhibited signifi antly higher levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, and lower glutathione peroxidase activity, an antioxidant enzyme, compared to samples from Ikpoba Hill market. The reference dose (RfD) for nickel established by the US EPA and daily vegetable consumption recommendations from the WHO were used to estimate daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) for nickel exposure. The estimated daily intake and hazard quotient for nickel exposure from garden egg consumption were well below established safety thresholds, suggesting a low potential for non-carcinogenic health risks at the measured levels. These findings indicate minimal immediate health risks from heavy metal contamination in garden eggs sold at these markets. However, the observed variations in oxidative stress markers suggest potential differences in garden egg quality between the markets. Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing these variations, such as storage practices or agricultural techniques. Continued onitoring of heavy metal content in garden eggs is also recommended to ensure consumer safety.