Accumulation of Chromium, Lead and Arsenic in Calcium Carbide Induced Ripened Fruits and Their Possible Human Health Risks in Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined three heavy metal composition of three calcium carbide induced ripened fruits – pineapple, orange and banana bought from local markets within Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. The study aimed to compare the heavy metal composition and the estimated daily intake of the metals in these fruits to FOA permissible limits and their Ingestion Reference doses respectively; and to estimate the possible health risks by consuming them. Standard analytical and spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the metal concentrations. Results of the analysis indicated that the studied metals were detected in all the categories of fruits studied. The concentrations ranges (mg/kg) of Cr, Pb and As detected in the NR fruits analysed were 0.001±0.01–0.009±0.03, .001±0.01and 0.001±0.01–0.003±0.01 respectively while for the AR, it was 0.003±0.01– 0.014±0.06, 0.002±0.0–0.004±0.01 and 0.003±0.001–0.006±0.03, though the AR fruits have enhanced levels of these metals compared to the NR fruits. The levels of metals in the fruits were lower than the FOA limits. The Estimated daily intake of the study fruits were below the reference doses of the metals (Cr- 1.5; Pb – 0.004; As – 0.005), while the Hazard index for the metals were all less than 1. All the study fruits are therefore safe for consumption and poses no negative effect on human. However, it is recommended among others, that food science and public health experts in collaboration with regulatory bodies should educate fruit sellers and the general public on the negative effects artificially ripening has on the nutritional values of fruits and the health implications of consuming such fruits over time.