TY - JOUR
T1 - Analytical assessment of heavy metals content in local decoctions and herbal beverages commonly consumed in Wukari, North-eastern Nigeria
AU - Achadu, Ojodomo J.
AU - Ochimana, Ocholi I.
AU - Njoku, Uzoma P.
AU - Goler, Enock E.
AU - Akogwu, Simeon A.
PY - 2016/3/1
Y1 - 2016/3/1
N2 - Heavy metal levels in herbal beverages, drinks and mixed spirits decoctions commonly consumed in Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria were assessed in this study. Samples were collected from different surrounding environs of Wukari. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis was carried out on these samples for the heavy metals quantification. The concentrations of metals evaluated in local beverages were found to be in the range (mean ± SD): 1.265 ± 0.740mg/L and 1.745 ± 1.258 for zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), respectively. In local herbal drinks the mean concentrations of heavy metals were found to be 0.079 ± 0.0557mg/L, 1.224 ± 0.432, and 10.67 ± 5.23 for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe), respectively. In mixed spirits decoctions the mean concentrations were 0.167 ± 0.133mg/L, 0.837 ± 0.384mg/L, 9.83 ± 2.96 and 0.01 ± 0 for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and lead (Pb) respectively. Cadmium was not detected in all of the samples analyzed. The results of these analyses were compared with the quality guidelines of WHO limits for the intake of these heavy metals. Generally, most of these beverages consumed locally were found to be toxic and unsafe for human consumption.
AB - Heavy metal levels in herbal beverages, drinks and mixed spirits decoctions commonly consumed in Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria were assessed in this study. Samples were collected from different surrounding environs of Wukari. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis was carried out on these samples for the heavy metals quantification. The concentrations of metals evaluated in local beverages were found to be in the range (mean ± SD): 1.265 ± 0.740mg/L and 1.745 ± 1.258 for zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), respectively. In local herbal drinks the mean concentrations of heavy metals were found to be 0.079 ± 0.0557mg/L, 1.224 ± 0.432, and 10.67 ± 5.23 for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe), respectively. In mixed spirits decoctions the mean concentrations were 0.167 ± 0.133mg/L, 0.837 ± 0.384mg/L, 9.83 ± 2.96 and 0.01 ± 0 for copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and lead (Pb) respectively. Cadmium was not detected in all of the samples analyzed. The results of these analyses were compared with the quality guidelines of WHO limits for the intake of these heavy metals. Generally, most of these beverages consumed locally were found to be toxic and unsafe for human consumption.
M3 - Article
VL - 5
JO - Global Advanced Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology
JF - Global Advanced Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology
IS - 2
ER -