Evaluations of Some Heavy Metals in Some Vegetables Cultivated in Two Villages in Damboa, Nigeria

With regard to food security and its hazards, and environmental impacts, this research study was carried out to determine the concentration of some heavy metals in some vegetables that are cultivated in some villages in Damboa, Nigeria. Fresh samples of spinach (Amaranth caudatus) and lettuce (lactuca sativa) were obtained from the farms in triplicates, in two villages, were placed each in polythene bags, labelled, transported to the Laboratory and were analysed by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric techniques. The results obtained, revealed a variation in mean concentration of heavy metals analysed (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn), were obtained in µg / L and %. Katchalla-Bulari village; lettuce ranged from -1.00 ± 0.06 to 1.07 ± 0.01 µg / L (- 38.5 to 41.2 %), the highest concentration level is Iron (Fe) and least is Lead (Pb), spinach ranged from -0.40 ± 0.06 to 1.33 ± 0.02 µg / L (- 8.9 to 29.6 %), the highest concentration level is Iron (Fe) and least is Lead (Pb), same as in lettuce. Nziddamari village; lettuce ranged from 0.08 ± 0.02 to 2.10 ± 0 and 2.10 ± 0.1 µg / L (1.1 to 29.5 %), the highest concentration level is Fe and Pb which have same value, and least is chromium (Cr). While in spinach it ranged from 0.10 ± 0.01 to 2.10 ± 0.1 µg / L (2.0 to 41.2 %), the highest is Fe and Pb being the least. The values were within the recommended values by WHO / FAO standard. Thus, the vegetable cultivated in these two villages, Damboa area were found to be wholesome and fit for consumption as at the time of this findings.