Assessment of Trace Metals Load and Potential Health Risks Associated with Some Common Tropical Plant Spices in Nigeria

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 12 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Majolagbe Abdulrafiu Olaiwola, Osundiya Medina Olubunmi, Sobola Abdullahi Owolabi, Anko Senami Oluwafunmilola, Majolagbe Habeebah Omonike

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V12I2P101

How to Cite?

Majolagbe Abdulrafiu Olaiwola, Osundiya Medina Olubunmi, Sobola Abdullahi Owolabi, Anko Senami Oluwafunmilola, Majolagbe Habeebah Omonike, "Assessment of Trace Metals Load and Potential Health Risks Associated with Some Common Tropical Plant Spices in Nigeria," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 12,  no. 2, pp. 1-10, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V12I2P101

Abstract:

Common tropical plant spices in Nigeria are consumed as a seasoning, flavoring and preservative as well as for their various roles in human health. However, they can be contaminated with potential toxic metals during planting and in the drying process, hence posing a health risk for the consumers. This study was thus designed to profile the trace metals load in plant spices and assess possible associated health risks to man. Ten (10) different plant spices: Ginger(Zingiberis officinate Roscoe), Garlic(Allium satvum L.), Basil(Ocinum gratissimum L.), African Locust Bean(Parkia clappertonia), Alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta), Black pepper(Piper guineensis), African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) African pepper (Xylopia aethiopica), Cana pear (Eugelena aromatic) and Anie seed (Pimpinella anisum) were collected from some open vegetable markets in Lagos, and analyzed for potential toxic metals (K, Ca, Zn, Mg, Na, Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe and Pb ) using standard procedure involving wet digestion with Nitric and Perchloric acids in ratio 5:1. Health risk assessment indices: Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were calculated. The range of trace metals concentration observed in the decrease order: Ca (1.08 - 236) > Mg (25.4 – 87.8) > K (2.25 – 87.0) > Fe (1.95 – 82.5) >Na (9.0 – 52.3) > Zn (.3 – 2.9) > Pb (ND – 0.13) Cu (0.03 – 0.1) Cr (ND – 0.05) > Cd (ND – 0.03) mg/kg. All trace metals investigated were observed within the allowable limits of the Food and Agricultural Organization / World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) except for Iron, which was observed to be higher than the limit of 20 mg/kg in sixteen percent (16 %) of the entire samples investigated. Estimated daily intakes (EDI) were all below the tolerable daily intake (TDI). The results from this study show no carcinogenic health risk from consuming these plant spices collected in Western Nigeria, hence pointing to man's safety.

Keywords:

Flavoring and preservatives, Lagos, Potential toxic metals, Risk assessment.

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