Evaluation of Heavy Metal (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd and Ni) Concentrations in the Leaves, Stems and Roots of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted Pumpkin) Harvested from the Egi Community, Rivers State

Heavy metal (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd and Ni) concentrations were determined in the leaves, stems and roots of fluted pumpkin, harvested from Egi community, Rivers State. Samples were collected from four (4) different locations, namely: Location 1 (New Elf Road), Location 2 (Ugada Imeagi), Location 3 (Egita Land) and Control (Ohali-Elu). All samples were analysed using AA500 model Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results of heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in the leave, stem and root revealed that all metals were below permissible limits of food crops as specified by WHO/FAO/DPR (2012) in both seasons, with exception of Cd in the wet season which recorded 0.911 (Control), 0.723 (Location 2) and 0.711 (Location 3) for leaf, 0.283 (Control), 0.511 (Location 2) and 0.521 (Location 3) for stem and 0.543 (Control), 0.35 (Location 2) and 0.39 (Location 3) for root which were above permissible limit of 0.02 mg/kg. The results above shows an evidence of oil and gas related activities, and other possible anthropogenic Cd contaminants in the study area. It is therefore recommended that more studies on other metals and constant monitoring of the environment should be carried out.