ABSTRACT

The practice of geophagy has sparked the interest of researchers in the quality and safety of the geophagic clay which is a type of soil consumed majorly in Africa specifically by pregnant women.

This study was aimed at assessing and quantifying the mineral constituents and selected heavy metal contaminants viz, lead, cadmium, and chromium using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Flame Spectroscopy.

All analytical protocols were employed following standard procedures and the results obtained were within permissible limits.

Results show that the minerals evaluated had the following concentrations (mg/g). Magnesium (0.072±0.002-0.118±0.006); Calcium (0.167±0.045-0.272±0.010); Copper (0.002±0.001-0.004±0.002); Iron (1.542±0.010-2.819±0.010); Zinc (0.142±0.004-0.198±0.007); Sodium (0.120±0.003-0.313±0.013); Potassium (0.144±0.005-0.262±0.008); Lead (0.001±0.000-0.009±0.000); Chromium (0.004±0.000-0.015±0.002); and Cadmium (0.001±0.000-0.007±0.002).

The results from this analysis shows that edible clay sourced from various markets in Benin City, houses several minerals needed for normal metabolic activities. It also houses negligible amounts of heavy metals; Lead, Cadmium and Chromium as compared to set standards in foods.