ABSTRACT

Concentrations of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe) in Bitter and Scent leaves were assessed with safety precautions in mind. Fresh vegetable samples were collected from the Uselu market in Edo State, Nigeria, for this investigation. Established methods were employed to prepare the samples, and the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) model Buck Scientific VGP210 was utilized for precise analysis of heavy metal concentrations in both types of leaves.

The analytical data revealed the following concentrations: Cu 0.20 mg/kg, Cr 0.10 mg/kg, Mn 7.50 mg/kg, Pb 0.00 mg/kg, Zn 5.15 mg/kg, Cd 0.05 mg/kg, Fe 6.50 mg/kg for Scent leaves, and Cu 0.20 mg/kg, Cr 0.15 mg/kg, Mn 5.00 mg/kg, Pb 0.05 mg/kg, Zn 4.85 mg/kg, Cd 0.05 mg/kg, Fe 4.50 mg/kg for Bitter leaves. These findings were compared with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration, and Control, indicating that the levels were within regulatory limits.

This study provides valuable insights into the concentrations of these heavy metals in Scent and Bitter leaves, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of potential risks associated with their consumption. Furthermore, it will contribute to the development of recommendations aimed at reducing heavy metal contamination in vegetables and enhancing public awareness of food safety issues.