Metal Concentration in Three Popular Local Drinks Consumed in Benue State, Nigeria

The study was carried out on assessment of metal concentration in three popular local drinks consumed in Benue State, Nigeria. Burukutu, Kunu and Zobo samples were collected in five local Governments and were analyzed for trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr and Ni ( except Na, K, Ca and Mg) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Na and K were analyzed using Flame Photometer while Mg and Ca were determined using EDTA titration. The results obtained from the local drink samples in mg/L showed that Cu ranged from below detectable level to 0.01, Zn (0.47 to 0.5), Fe (0.1 to 1.40), Mn (0.05 to 0.16), Pb (0.03 to 0.08), Cr (0.02 to 0.05), Ni (below detectable level to 0.01), Ca (25.28 to 36.64), Mg (4.77 to 4.95), Na (3.66 to 4.74) and K (5.26 to 7.66). The results showed that the concentration range for Pb (0.03 0.08mg/L) were above the WHO recommended guideline of 0.01mg/L for beverages drinks. The average concentration value for Fe in Burukutu drink (1.40mg/L) and Kunu (0.98mg/L) were higher than the WHO recommended guidelines of 0.3mg/L for beverage drinks, while the Fe concentration for Zobo samples (0.18mg/L) falls below the WHO permissible limit of 0.3mg/L for beverage drinks. The concentration levels of other metals were either below detectable level or falls within the WHO standard guideline for beverage drinks. However, the presence of some heavy metals especially lead and iron in these local drinks were localized pollutional influences, which is a pointer to the contamination source as few of the samples that were affected. The reason for higher lead levels was as a result of the source of water and iron levels in Burukutu and Kanu drinks was attributed to use of rusting metal drums and vessels used in processing of the two drinks, unlike Zobo drink which does not require the same processing of method. Therefore, consumers should be careful of the environment where those drinks are prepared, as well as the vessels used.