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ABSTRACT
Solanum melongena, commonly known as garden egg, is a staple vegetable in Edo State, Nigeria, renowned for its nutritional value. However, concerns arise regarding heavy metal contamination, posing potential health hazards. This study aimed to assess the levels of arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) in garden egg samples obtained from Ikpoba Hill and Uselu markets in Benin City, as well as their oxidative stress status. The results revealed varying concentrations of heavy metals, with Cr levels slightly exceeding the safe limit recommended by FAO/WHO in Uselu Market sample (0.31) but below the limit in Ikpoba Hill sample (0.27). Pb levels were below the permissible limit in the Ikpoba Hill sample (0.04) and Uselu Market sample (0.02), while As was absent in all samples. There was no statistical significant difference (p>.05) in Pb and Cr levels in both samples. However, there was statistically significant difference (p< .05) in heavy metal concentration within samples gotten from both market. Antioxidant activity was measured through superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. There was no statistically significant difference in mean concentrations between both markets (p> .05) except for GPx (p< .05) which was notably higher in the Ikpoba Hill sample (8.27) compared to the Uselu sample (4.58). However, there was statistical significant difference in antioxidants activity within each market (p< .05). This study contributes valuable insights into the heavy metal profile of garden egg in Benin City, highlighting the need for stringent measures to ensure food safety and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
