Evaluation of heavy metal contamination and toxicological risk of selected Moringa oleifera products in Southwest Nigeria

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Olufunmilayo E. Adejumo
Adewale M. Ogunseye
Oladipo O. Adejumo
John O. Daodu
Ayodele B. Fagbohun
Lateef S. Kasim

Abstract

Background: Heavy metals are the main sources of pollution in the environment and its determination is important in enhancing production efficiency in plants.


Objectives: This study determined the concentrations of selected heavy metals, trace and essential elements present in thirteen (13) Moringa oleifera products marketed in southwest Nigeria.


Methods: Each Moringa sample was digested with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and sulphuric acid (3:1 v/v) and subjected to standard heavy metal analysis using the atomic absorption spectrometric technique. Calibration curves of absorbance against concentration were plotted to determine unknown metal concentration.


Results: The elements analysed were present in varying concentrations. Cadmium concentrations was between 0.0011 to 0.0030 mg/kg, lead ranged between 0.0010 to 0.0110 mg/kg, while calcium ranged between 145.7 to 957.2mg/kg. Copper ranged between 0.35 to 38.9 mg/kg and that of sodium fell between 105.9 to 947.6 mg/kg. Comparison of these concentration values with the World Health Organisation, WHO/Nigerian National Agency For Food And Drug Administration And Control, NAFDAC standards revealed varying levels of compliance with permissible levels set by these agencies.


Conclusion: Based on present safety and permissible standards, the Moringa products selected in the present study were found to be safe for human consumption.

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Adejumo, O. E., Ogunseye, A. M., Adejumo, O. O., Daodu, J. O., Fagbohun, A. B., & Kasim, L. S. (2023). Evaluation of heavy metal contamination and toxicological risk of selected Moringa oleifera products in Southwest Nigeria. West African Journal of Pharmacy, 33(1), 80-91. https://doi.org/10.60787/wapcp-33-1-260
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Adejumo, O. E., Ogunseye, A. M., Adejumo, O. O., Daodu, J. O., Fagbohun, A. B., & Kasim, L. S. (2023). Evaluation of heavy metal contamination and toxicological risk of selected Moringa oleifera products in Southwest Nigeria. West African Journal of Pharmacy, 33(1), 80-91. https://doi.org/10.60787/wapcp-33-1-260

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