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Full Length Research Paper
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Determination of some
trace metal levels in onion leaves from irrigated farmlands
on the bank of River Challawa, Nigeria
Abdullahi, M. S.*, Uzairu, A. and Okunola, O. J.
Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
saboms@yahoo.com.
Accepted 12 March, 2008 |
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Abstract |
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The concentration (mg kg-1
dry weight) of Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn were determined in onion
leaves samples using atomic absorption spectrometry. A total
of 16 samples each of onion leaves freshly harvested were
collected from the exposed and control sites for analysis.
The trace metal (Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) levels in the onion
leaves of the study site were found to be higher than those
of the control site. The trend of abundance of the metals
are Ni > Cu > Zn > Mn. For the onion leaves samples of the
study site and Ni > Cu > Zn > Mn for the onion leaves of the
control site. The trace metals levels in either case were
found to be above the FAO/WHO and WHO/EU allowed limits,
which could put the consumers of this valuable vegetable at
risk health wise. However, Cu and Zn levels are below the
MAFF limits.
Key words:
Onion leaves, trace metals, irrigated farmlands, Challawa
River. |
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