Heavy Metals Associated With Okro (abelmoschus Esculentus)

Student: Usman Julius (Project, 2025)
Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the concentration of selected heavy metals—Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), and Arsenic (As)—in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivated in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria. Fresh okra samples were randomly collected from farms in the study area and analyzed using standard procedures, including acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed mean concentrations of 0.36 mg/kg for Pb, 0.12 mg/kg for Cd, 0.09 mg/kg for Cr, and 0.05 mg/kg for As. Notably, the concentrations of Pb and Cd exceeded the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO (2011), indicating potential contamination from anthropogenic sources such as industrial waste, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices. Although Cr and as levels were within acceptable limits, their presence still raises health concerns due to the potential for bioaccumulation. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring of heavy metal levels in food crops and the implementation of strategies to mitigate environmental pollution in agricultural areas.

Keywords
heavy metals associated abelmoschus esculentus
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