Assessment of Heavy Metals in Vegetables Grown on Irrigated Land in Butura, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Vegetables Grown on Irrigated Land in Butura, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Assessment of Heavy Metals in Vegetables Grown on Irrigated Land in Butura, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria Solomon This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4874960/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Vegetables have positive antioxidative properties and are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, if consumed in large quantities, eating vegetables polluted with heavy metals may be harmful to human health. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of heavy metals on irrigated pepper, cabbage and Irish potatoes grown in Butura. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA240FS) was used to analyze cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) levels. Three samples were selected from each of the vegetables grown on nine selected farms at distances of 0 m, 10 m, and 30 m. This forms a composite sample of vegetables at each farm. The study showed that the concentrations of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, arsenic, zinc and nickel were within the standard limits set by the FAO/WHO, except for lead, which is higher than the allowable limits for vegetables. These patients may have behavioral problems, neurological complications and hematologic disorders. Thus, these findings could lead to a risk for the human population consuming these vegetables. It is recommended that irrigation water and agricultural soils be constantly monitored to determine the concentration of metals accumulated by crop plants to ensure that crop plants are safe for consumption by humans. Environmental Chemistry Vegetable Cabbage Heavy Metals Irrigated Irish Potato Bokkos Pepper Figures Figure 1 INTRODUCTION The human diet must include vegetables since they are essential for maintaining normal physiological functioning and supplying nutrients (Wuyep, Rampedi, and Ifegbesan, 2021 ). Edible plant portions known as exotic vegetables are typically consumed raw or prepared in combination with other varieties of food (Chacha and Laswai, 2020 ). Due to the presence of certain nutritional elements that are necessary for human survival, vegetables are consumed more often. They are also known as protective foods since they help prevent sickness in humans (Heiner et al. 2012 ). They are known to be a vital part of our diet since they provide enough fiber, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements (Hu, Chaffai, and Koyama, 2011 ; Gharibi, 2014 ; Chacha and Laswai, 2020 ). Despite their nutritional value, these vegetables can become contaminated by heavy metals found in the soil, water, and atmosphere. In the soils where these vegetables are cultivated, the excessive use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers has a substantial impact on the uptake of heavy metals in high quantities by crops (Sagagi, Bello, and Danyaya, 2022 ). Heavy metals are metallic components that are highly dense and toxic to humans (Clemens and Ma, 2016 ; Kolawole, Ukwede, and Igwemmar, 2022 ). Heavy metal buildup in vegetables is a result of the extensive use of herbicides, fertilizers, and irrigation water from mining ponds. When heavy metal-contaminated wastewater is used for irrigation for an extended period of time, the concentration of heavy metals increases above allowable limits (Yargholi, and Azimi, 2008 ). However, because of their toxicity, ubiquity, persistence, nonbiodegradability, and bioaccumulation, heavy metals are now a global health problem (Diagomanolin, Farhang, Ghazi-Khansari and Jafarzadeh, 2004 ). The toxicity and cumulative nature of heavy metals make their excessive accumulation in ecosystems a major environmental concern (Ali et al. 2021 ; Tauqeer, Turan, and Iqbal, 2022 ). However, the physiological development of plants and other living things depends on certain heavy metals. However, these products can cause severe danger to both human and environmental health when they are present in excessive amounts. Heavy metals in the environment are absorbed by edible plants and are a sign of a developing environmental problem that may affect food quality and human health downstream in the food chain (Sandeep, Vijayalatha and Anitha, 2019 ; Mwelwa, Chungu, Tailoka, Beesigamukama and Tanga, 2023 ). Because of pedogenetic processes, including the weathering of parent materials, heavy metals are naturally present in the soil environment in amounts considered to be trace (< 1000 mg kg − 1) and rarely toxic (D'Amore, Al-Abed, Scheckel and Ryan, 2005 ; Macías et al. 2022 ). Heavy metals can be essential, e.g., copper (Cu), gold (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), and selenium (Se), or nonessential, such as chromium (Cr), gold (Au), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), platinum (Pt), tellurium (Te), strontium (Sr), uranium (U), and palladium (Pd) (Osma, Serin, Leblebici and Aksoy, 2013 ; Boyd and Rajakaruna, 2013 ). However, when it is in excess, it can become quite harmful to plants (Chacha and Laswai, 2020 ). However, nonessential metals, such as aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), are not necessary for regular biological processes and can become poisonous (Boyd and Rajakaruna, 2013 ). Vegetables grown in heavy metal-contaminated fields or those close to sources of pollution may acquire greater quantities of heavy metals than other types of vegetables. The kinds of sources, the modes of deposition, and the amounts and oxidation states of heavy metals may all affect the biotoxicity of heavy metals (Duruibe, Ogwuegbu, and Egwurugwu, 2007 ). Vegetables absorb heavy metals into various vegetable tissues after they are deposited on their surface (Kachenko and Singh, 2005 ). Because the roots and leaves of herbaceous plants retain larger quantities of heavy metals than do the stems and fruits, leafy vegetables collect more heavy metals (Yargholi and Azimi, 2008 ). The toxicity of consuming contaminated vegetables and subsequent exposure to heavy metals are major concerns (Javid, Manoj, and Khursheed, 2018 ; Ali et al. 2021 ). The presence of these bacteria in vegetable and agricultural soils is thought to be one of the world's most serious ecological issues (Boyd and Rajakaruna, 2013 ; Javid, Manoj, and Khursheed, 2018 ). The main way that heavy metals are exposed to humans is through various food chains, which can also cause important biological processes in plants to be disrupted (Kachenko and Singh, 2005 ). Among the factors that increase a person's risk of heavy metal exposure is eating vegetables grown in contaminated soils (Gebeyehu and Bayissa, 2020 ; Idowu, 2022 ). Heavy metals can accumulate in the kidneys and liver of humans who consume polluted food. This disturbance of many biochemical processes can result in disorders of the heart, neurological system, kidneys, and bones (Sharma, Agrawal, and Marshall, 2009). The concentration and oxidation states of heavy metals, their manner of deposition, the chemical composition of vegetables, their physical characteristics, and the rate of ingestion all affect how biotoxic heavy metals are (Duruibe, Ogwuegbu and Egwurugwu, 2007 ). Consuming food supplemented with heavy metals can severely deplete the body of several vital nutrients, which can lead to a decline in immune function, altered physico-social behavior, intrauterine growth retardation, and malnutrition-related impairments (Waisberg, Joseph, Hale, and Beyersmann, 2003 ; Arora et al., 2008 ). According to the reports of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, nonessential heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr) are major cancer-causing agents (Kim, Kim, and Kumar, 2005). Tin mining in Butura, Bokkos, experienced tremendous success in the early 1900s, brought about economic benefits, and made a substantial contribution to the global industrialization of nations. Tin has detrimental social and environmental repercussions despite its economic significance for the area, state, and nation as a whole. Because of the environmental contamination associated with tin mining, hazardous and chemical chemicals are released into the environment during mineral extraction and processing. The mineral comprises the minerals monazite, thorite, xenotime, and zircon (Heiner et al. 2012 ). Similar practices are employed to irrigate food crops in abandoned mining ponds. By increasing the concentration of heavy metals in the soil and increasing the likelihood that crops will absorb them, this approach could seriously endanger the health of consumers. However, it is crucial to examine the concentrations of heavy metals in edible vegetables such as Pepper, Capsicum , potato, Solanum tuberosum and cabbage and Brassica oleracea grown in the Bokkos LGA Plateau State. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were set to determine the concentrations of heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc, (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and potassium (K), in irrigated pepper, potato and cabbage plants. However, the above chemicals were analyzed on irrigated vegetables in March 2024. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Bokkos LGA is located at an elevation of 1,324 meters above mean sea level, and its population is 264,100 (National Population Commission, 2022 ) (Fig. 1 ). Due to the high altitude of the study area, it has a moderate temperature. The maximum temperature is approximately 22°C, while the mean minimum temperature is approximately 180°C (Wuyep, Dadiel, Ogbole, Selzing, and Monday, 2023 ). The study area has two seasons: the wet and the dry season. The wet season extends from April to October, and the dry season occurs during the Harmattan period, which is characterized by dry and dusty blowing from the Sahara Desert from November to March. The weather is generally cold, especially from July to August and from November to February. However, the relative humidity depends on the temperature, and a temperature increase leads to an increase in the quantity of water vapor in the atmosphere. The area has an average rainfall of 1458 mm annually (Wuyep, Jatau and Williams, 2022 ). According to Dung-Gwom, Gontul, Baklit, Galadima, and Gyang ( 2009 ), soils in the study area are ferruginous and characterized by textural clay and the subsurface horizon where they are formed over biotype granite or gneiss. The soil is moderate for its water holding capacity, intensely leached, and has a low organic matter content. Even if the soil is clay in nature, it has little fertility, which can be good for the production of crops. Agriculture is the main economic activity in the study area. A wide variety of crops are cultivated; these include Irish potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage and cucumber. Nine farms were selected randomly from the Butura district to analyze the concentrations of heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and potassium (K), in edible vegetables (e.g., pepper, cabbage and Irish potatoes) considered for this study on irrigated land. Three samples were selected from each of the vegetables grown on a farm at distances of 0 m, 10 m, and 30 m. This approach afforded a composite sample of vegetables at each farm, as recommended by Tiwari, Singh, Patel, Tiwari, and Rai ( 2011 ). Preparation of Vegetable Samples Vegetable samples were transported to the laboratory and washed with distilled water to remove soil or mulch. Excess moisture was removed from the vegetables by air drying the samples. Thereafter, a porcelain mortar with a pestle was used to grind the sample, which was sifted through a sieve of 10 mesh. Digestion Procedure : To analyze the concentration of heavy metals, approximately 1 g of each sample was separated and transferred to a Pyrex beaker. Ten (10) milliliters of a mixture of acids such as HNO 3 , HCO 4 , and H 2 SO 4 at a ratio of 1:1:1 was added to the beaker and maintained in the laboratory for 24 hours. After the lag, the beaker was heated at 95°C using a hot plate until the volume was reduced to 10 ml. Again, 10 ml of the acid mixture was added until it reached 4 ml, and the mixture was heated. Subsequently, 50 ml of deionized water was added, and the digest was filtered. Finally, 100 ml of solution was made by adding double deionized water (Tiwari, et al., 2011 ). The metal concentration was determined via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (model: AA240FS). The parameters considered in Table 2 were compared to those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards. The geographic coordinates of the sampling points (Table 1 ) were recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device (Garmin). Table 1 Coordinate of Sample Collection Points Location Coordinate Hight (m) Butura 1 09.33691 0 N 008.89108 0 E 1365 Butura 2 09.33657 0 N 008.89271 0 E 1368 Angwan Kwano 09.40888 0 N 008.93291 0 E 1364 Mai Dalili 09.40781 0 N 008.93142 0 E 1372 Kuba 1 09.41731 0 N 008.92402 0 E 1384 Kuba 2 09.41650 0 N 008.92503 0 E 1376 PLASU 1 09.37035 N 008.95378E 1395 PLASU 2 09.36909 N 008.95239E 1385 Kunet 09. 338596N 008.952160E 1374 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil as well as the plant’s ability to absorb each metal determine the heavy metal concentration in these vegetables, which varies depending on numerous human and environmental factors. The results of the analysis in Table 2 show that the concentration of cadmium (Cd) ranged between 0.2 mg/kg and 1.6 mg/kg, with a mean value of 1.0 mg/kg. The FAO/WHO permissible limit for determining the cadmium concentration in vegetables is 0.1-1 mg/kg. The concentration of cadmium obtained was within the standard limit, indicating that the vegetables in the study area were not contaminated with cadmium. Islam et al. ( 2018 ) reported that the concentration of cadmium in vegetables growing at different sites in the city of Dhaka varied between 0.03 mg/kg and 0.32 mg/kg, which is considerably lower than that obtained in this study. Cadmium is an endocrine-disruption chemical (EDC) that is responsible for serious health problems, such as chronic renal failure, cancer, cardiac failure, osteoporosis (skeletal damage), destruction of red blood cells, kidney damage and cataract formation in the eye (Rehman, Fatima, Waheed, and Akash, 2018 ; Haque, Morshedul, Khirul, Alam, and Teraq, 2021 ; Zuhra et al., 2024 ). Table 2 Concentration of Heavy Metals on Irrigated Vegetables Parameters Ungwan kwano cabbage PLASU 1 Cabbage PLASU 2 pepper Mai Dalili pepper Kunet Kuba 1 potato Kuba 2 potato Butura 1 potatoe Butura 2 cabbage Mean WHO/FAO Cadmium (mg/kg) 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.1 1.6 0.6 0.2 0.5 1.0 0.1-1 mg/kg Cobalt (mg/l) 0.5 0.4 0.8 0.9 0.5 0.7 0.5 0.9 0.7 0.7 0.1-1 mg/kg Nickel (mg/l) 4.0 4.3 4.3 2.3 4.4 4.4 4.3 5.0 2.4 3.9 1–10 mg/kg Lead (mg/l) 1.7 2.8 1.8 2.5 1.9 2.4 1.8 2.1 2.1 2.1 0.1-2 mg/kg Zinc (mg/l) 28.0 104.0 79.0 101.0 29.0 45.0 100.0 39.0 32.0 61.9 50–100 mg/kg Copper (mg/l) 19.0 5.0 16.0 12.0 3.0 27.0 22.0 9.0 16.0 14.3 5–20 mg/kg Chromium (mg/l) 1.9 1.8 1.9 1.6 1.8 1.4 1.9 1.3 1.3 1.7 0.1-2 mg/kg Arsenic (mg/l) 0.7 1.0 0.2 0.3 0.7 0.4 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.1-1 mg/kg WHO/FAO, 2011 Similarly, the concentration of cobalt (Co) in the vegetable samples ranged from 0.4 mg/kg to 0.9 mg/kg (Table 2 ). The mean concentration of cobalt in all the analyzed vegetable samples was 0.65 mg/kg, which is within the allowable limit of 0.1-1 mg/kg suggested by the FAO/WHO. The cobalt concentration in all the vegetables in this study was greater than that given by Ahmad et al. ( 2018 ), which ranged from 0.02–0.22 mg/kg. Excessive intake of cobalt can result in the overproduction of red blood cells (Kalagbor Barisere, Barivule, Barile, and Bassey, 2014). Considering the concentration of copper (Cu) in the study area, the highest concentration was 27 mg/kg, and the lowest was 3 mg/kg, as shown in Table 2 . The mean copper concentration in all the analyzed vegetable samples was 14.3 mg/kg. This value is within the standard limit of 5–20 mg/kg given by the FAO/WHO. Copper is an essential nutrient required for numerous biochemical and physiological functions, and an insufficient amount of copper may result in the disruption of metalloenzyme incorporation and hemoglobin formation (WHO/FAO, 1996). However, a surplus quantity of copper has been associated with cellular and tissue damage and has numerous deleterious effects on human health (Taylor et al., 2020 ; Haque et al., 2021 ). Similarly, the mean concentration of nickel was 4.0 mg/kg, which is below the permissible limits of the FAO/WHO, indicating that there is no serious health concern associated with nickel in the consumption of vegetables from the study area. Furthermore, the concentration of lead (Pb) varied between 1.7 mg/kg and 2.8 mg/kg, while the mean concentration of lead was 2.1 mg/kg (Table 2 ). The concentrations of lead in the vegetables were higher than the standard concentration limit of 0.1-2 mg/kg set by the FAO/WHO. This could be due to the use of contaminated irrigation water, farm soil or pesticides. The lead concentrations in this study are similar to those reported by Nimyel and Chundusu ( 2021 ) in Mangu, Nigeria; much lower than the values obtained by Mallik et al. ( 2017 ) in Kolkata, India; but higher than those documented by Latiff et al. Bilal, Asghar, Azeem and Ahmad (2018) in Dera Ghazi Khan District, Pakistan. Excess amounts of lead (Pb) in edible vegetables can pose severe risks to human health, such as neurological, hematological and behavioral problems (Kolawole et al., 2022 ). The concentration of zinc (Zn) obtained ranged between 28 mg/kg and 104 mg/kg, with a mean value of 61.9 mg/kg. The zinc concentration was within the FAO/WHO permissible limit of 50–100 mg/kg (Table 2 ). Zinc, like copper, is also necessary in appropriate amounts for normal bodily functions, yet excessive zinc consumption can have harmful effects on human health (Chasapis, Ntoupa, Spiliopoulou, and Stefanidou, 2020 ; Duan et al., 2023 ). In this study, the chromium (Cr) concentration in the edible portions of the sampled vegetables varied from 1.3 mg/kg to 1.9 mg/kg, with a mean concentration of 1.7 mg/kg (Table 2 ); nevertheless, the concentration in all the vegetables sampled was below the permissible limit of 0.1-2.0 mg/kg set by the FAO/WHO ( 2012 ). In Ethiopia, similar findings of low chromium values were reported by Berihun Amare and Raju (2021); however, the chromium concentration was above the FAO/WHO maximum allowable limit, as documented by Gebeyehu and Bayissa ( 2020 ). Additionally, the concentration of arsenic (As) in the vegetable samples ranged between 0.2 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg, with a mean value of 0.6 mg/kg (Table 2 ). Exposure to arsenic is of considerable concern due to its deleterious effects on human health, including on carcinoma; dermatological, neurological and neurobehavioral disorders; and hematologic disorders (leukopenia, anemia, and eosinophilia) (Joseph et al., 2015 ; Rahaman et al., 2022 ; Tchounwou, Udensi, Isokpehi, Yedjou, and Kumar, 2023 ; Lee & Davis, 2023 ). These values do not exceed the WHO guidelines; thus, consuming vegetables from these areas does not pose any health risk. In general, the concentration of lead in the sampled vegetables appeared to be greater than the standard limits, which may pose a serious health risk to the consumers of these vegetables. Conversely, the concentrations of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, arsenic and nickel are within the maximum permissible limits established by the FAO/WHO since their concentrations are below the standard limits. Thus, no health risk is associated with the consumption of these heavy metals. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The study showed that the concentrations of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, arsenic, zinc and nickel were within the standard limits set by the FAO/WHO, except for lead, which is higher than the allowable limits for vegetables. These patients may have hematologic disorders, behavioral problems or neurological complications. Therefore, these findings indicate a significant risk for the human populace consuming these vegetables, which have high concentrations of lead, as well as for ruminants through the food chain. In general, the study concluded that the use of contaminated water from mining ponds for irrigation has resulted in high concentrations of heavy metals (lead) in farmlands and, consequently, vegetables growing there. 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Biotransfer of heavy metals along the soil‒plant-edible insect-human food chain in Africa. Science of The Total Environment , 881 , 163150. National Population Commission, Nigeria, (2022). National Population Commission, Nigeria. Nagajyoti, P.C., Lee, K.D., and Sreekanth, T.V.M. (2010). Heavy metals, occurrence and toxicity for plants: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 8, 199-216. Nimyel, N. D., and Chundusu, E. S. (2021). Assessment of heavy metals levels in soils and vegetables in some farms around mining sites in Mangu local government area Plateau State, Nigeria. European Journal of Advance Chemistry Research, 2 (5), 1-10. Osma, E., M. Serin, Z. Leblebici, J., and Aksoy, A. (2013). Assessment of heavy metal accumulation (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in vegetable and soils. P olish Journal of Environmental Studies 22,1449–55. Pandey, G. and Madhuri, S. (2014). Heavy metals causing toxicity in animals and fishes. Research Journal of Animal, Veterinary and Fish Science, 2(2), 17-23. Rahaman, M. S., Mise, N., and Ichihara, S. (2022). Arsenic contamination in food chain in Bangladesh: A review on health hazards, socioeconomic impacts and implications. Hygiene and Environmental Health Advances, 2, 100004. Rehman, K., Fatima, F., Waheed, I., and Akash, M. S. H. (2018). Prevalence of exposure of heavy metals and their impact on health consequences. Journal of Cell and Biochemistry, 119 (1), 157-184. Sagagi , B. S., Bello, A. M., and Danyaya , H. A. (2022). Assessment of accumulation of heavy metals in soil, irrigation water, and vegetative parts of lettuce and cabbage grown along Wawan Rafi, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194(10), 699. Sandeep, G., Vijayalatha, K.R., and Anitha, T. (2019). Heavy metals and its impact in vegetable crops. Int ernational Journal Chemical Studies, 7 (1), 1612-162. Sharma, R. J., Agrawal, M., and Marshal, F. M. (2009). Heavy metals in vegetables collected from production and market sites of a tropical urban area of Indian. Food Chemistry and Technology, 47, 583–91. Singh, B.R., and Steinnes, E. (2020). Soil and water contamination by heavy metals. In Soil processes and water quality (233-271). CRC Press. Tauqeer, H. M., Turan, V., and Iqbal, M. (2022). Production of safer vegetables from heavy metals contaminated soils: the current situation, concerns associated with human health and novel management strategies. In Advances in bioremediation and phytoremediation for sustainable soil management: principles, monitoring and remediation , 301-312. Tchounwou, P.B, Udensi, K., Isokpehi, R. D., Yedjou, C. G. and Kumar, S. (2023). Arsenic and cancer. In Handbook of Arsenic Toxicology , (pp. 607-630). Academic Press. Tiwari, K, Singh, N., Patel, M, Tiwari, M., and Rai, U. (2011). Metal contamination of soil and translocation in vegetables growing under industrial wastewater irrigated agricultural field of Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Ecotoxicology Environment, Saf , 74, 1670–1677. Taylor, A. A., Tsuji., J. S., Garry, M. R., McArdle, W. J., Goodfellow, W. L., Adams, W. J., and Menzie, C. A. (2020). Critical review of exposure and effects: Implications for ingested copper. Environmental Management, 65, 131-159. Violante, A.U.D.N., Cozzolino, V.U.D.N., Perelomov, L.P.S.U., Caporale, A.G., and Pigna, M.U.D.N. (2010). Mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals and metalloids in soil environments. Journal of soil science and plant nutrition , 10 (3), 268-292. Waisberg M, Joseph, P., Hale, B., and Beyersmann, D. (2003). Molecular and cellular mechanisms of cadmium carcinogenesis. Toxicology , 192, 95–117. Weldegebriel, Y., Chandravanshi, B.S., and Wondimu, T. (2012). Concentration levels of metals in vegetables grown in soils irrigated with river water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ecotoxicology Environment Saf, 77, 57–63. WHO/FAO/IAEA, (1996). Trace Elements in Human Nutrition and Health , World Health Organization, Geneva. Wuyep S.Z., Rampedi I.T., and Ifegbesan A.P. (2021). The role of urban vegetable production in Jos (Nigeria) as a source of livelihood. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development , 21 (8),18533- 18551. Wuyep S.Z., Dadiel S., Ogbole A. S., Selzing P. M., and Monday S. N. (2023). Ecological impact of artisanal tin mining in Butura, Plateau State, Nigeria. Research Square, 1-19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3700738/v1 Wuyep, S. Z., Jatau, S., and Williams, J.J. (2022). Deforestation and management strategies in Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria . Environmental Issues and Natio nal Development, Remedy production printing press , Jos,372-384. Yargholi, B., and Azimi. A.A. (2008). Investigation of cadmium absorption and accumulation in different parts of some vegetables. American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences 3, 357–64. Zhou, G, Luo, J., Liu C., Chu, L, Ma J., and Tang Y. (2011). A highly efficient polyampholyte hydrogel sorbent based fixed-bed process for heavy metal removal in actual industrial effluent. Water research, 89, 151-160. Zuhra, N., Akhtar, T., Yasin, R., Ghafoor, I., Asad, M., Qadeer, A. S., and Javed, S. (2024). Human health effects of chronic cadmium exposure. In cadmium toxicity mitigation, Chemical, Springer Nature, 4, 65-102. Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4874960","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":337224077,"identity":"913389fb-754d-44ab-8927-0f6131214154","order_by":0,"name":"Solomon","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAw0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBADGX4GBjbStPBINpCsxeAAsVoMbuQYPi74Y8NjfCP52YMPFQzy/GIHCGoxNp7ZlsZjdiPN3HDGGQbDmbMT8Gsxu5FjJs3bcBioJQHIaGNIMLhNWIv5b54/h3mMZ6R/I1qLGTMP22EeA4kcIm2xP/OsWBrkF4kzb8okZ5yRIOwXyfbkjZ+BISbH356+TeJDhY08vzQBLQwMHAbMYFoArFKCkHIQYH8A0cJ/gBjVo2AUjIJRMBIBALEEPzu2S6AmAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4983-5538","institution":"Department of Geography, Plateau State University Bokkos, Nigeria","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"","middleName":"","lastName":"Solomon","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-08-07 13:05:34","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4874960/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4874960/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":62120655,"identity":"7d015340-5791-4625-94a2-d3ad78016149","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-09 13:53:34","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":129658,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eNigeria showing Butura\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4874960/v1/433c95912b0bd24041d56e38.png"},{"id":62120656,"identity":"335636c2-12ce-4223-8292-6d8441f14163","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-09 13:53:38","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":542190,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4874960/v1/35faf2b4-f157-4e31-9160-9b87ca31e786.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssessment of Heavy Metals in Vegetables Grown on Irrigated Land in Butura, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe human diet must include vegetables since they are essential for maintaining normal physiological functioning and supplying nutrients (Wuyep, Rampedi, and Ifegbesan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Edible plant portions known as exotic vegetables are typically consumed raw or prepared in combination with other varieties of food (Chacha and Laswai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Due to the presence of certain nutritional elements that are necessary for human survival, vegetables are consumed more often. They are also known as protective foods since they help prevent sickness in humans (Heiner et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). They are known to be a vital part of our diet since they provide enough fiber, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements (Hu, Chaffai, and Koyama, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; Gharibi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Chacha and Laswai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite their nutritional value, these vegetables can become contaminated by heavy metals found in the soil, water, and atmosphere. In the soils where these vegetables are cultivated, the excessive use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers has a substantial impact on the uptake of heavy metals in high quantities by crops (Sagagi, Bello, and Danyaya, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Heavy metals are metallic components that are highly dense and toxic to humans (Clemens and Ma, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Kolawole, Ukwede, and Igwemmar, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Heavy metal buildup in vegetables is a result of the extensive use of herbicides, fertilizers, and irrigation water from mining ponds. When heavy metal-contaminated wastewater is used for irrigation for an extended period of time, the concentration of heavy metals increases above allowable limits (Yargholi, and Azimi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, because of their toxicity, ubiquity, persistence, nonbiodegradability, and bioaccumulation, heavy metals are now a global health problem (Diagomanolin, Farhang, Ghazi-Khansari and Jafarzadeh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e). The toxicity and cumulative nature of heavy metals make their excessive accumulation in ecosystems a major environmental concern (Ali et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Tauqeer, Turan, and Iqbal, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). However, the physiological development of plants and other living things depends on certain heavy metals. However, these products can cause severe danger to both human and environmental health when they are present in excessive amounts. Heavy metals in the environment are absorbed by edible plants and are a sign of a developing environmental problem that may affect food quality and human health downstream in the food chain (Sandeep, Vijayalatha and Anitha, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Mwelwa, Chungu, Tailoka, Beesigamukama and Tanga, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBecause of pedogenetic processes, including the weathering of parent materials, heavy metals are naturally present in the soil environment in amounts considered to be trace (\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1000 mg kg\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1) and rarely toxic (D'Amore, Al-Abed, Scheckel and Ryan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e; Mac\u0026iacute;as et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Heavy metals can be essential, e.g., copper (Cu), gold (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), and selenium (Se), or nonessential, such as chromium (Cr), gold (Au), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), platinum (Pt), tellurium (Te), strontium (Sr), uranium (U), and palladium (Pd) (Osma, Serin, Leblebici and Aksoy, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Boyd and Rajakaruna, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). However, when it is in excess, it can become quite harmful to plants (Chacha and Laswai, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). However, nonessential metals, such as aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), are not necessary for regular biological processes and can become poisonous (Boyd and Rajakaruna, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVegetables grown in heavy metal-contaminated fields or those close to sources of pollution may acquire greater quantities of heavy metals than other types of vegetables. The kinds of sources, the modes of deposition, and the amounts and oxidation states of heavy metals may all affect the biotoxicity of heavy metals (Duruibe, Ogwuegbu, and Egwurugwu, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Vegetables absorb heavy metals into various vegetable tissues after they are deposited on their surface (Kachenko and Singh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e). Because the roots and leaves of herbaceous plants retain larger quantities of heavy metals than do the stems and fruits, leafy vegetables collect more heavy metals (Yargholi and Azimi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe toxicity of consuming contaminated vegetables and subsequent exposure to heavy metals are major concerns (Javid, Manoj, and Khursheed, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Ali et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The presence of these bacteria in vegetable and agricultural soils is thought to be one of the world's most serious ecological issues (Boyd and Rajakaruna, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Javid, Manoj, and Khursheed, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The main way that heavy metals are exposed to humans is through various food chains, which can also cause important biological processes in plants to be disrupted (Kachenko and Singh, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2005\u003c/span\u003e). Among the factors that increase a person's risk of heavy metal exposure is eating vegetables grown in contaminated soils (Gebeyehu and Bayissa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Idowu, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeavy metals can accumulate in the kidneys and liver of humans who consume polluted food. This disturbance of many biochemical processes can result in disorders of the heart, neurological system, kidneys, and bones (Sharma, Agrawal, and Marshall, 2009). The concentration and oxidation states of heavy metals, their manner of deposition, the chemical composition of vegetables, their physical characteristics, and the rate of ingestion all affect how biotoxic heavy metals are (Duruibe, Ogwuegbu and Egwurugwu, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2007\u003c/span\u003e). Consuming food supplemented with heavy metals can severely deplete the body of several vital nutrients, which can lead to a decline in immune function, altered physico-social behavior, intrauterine growth retardation, and malnutrition-related impairments (Waisberg, Joseph, Hale, and Beyersmann, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Arora et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). According to the reports of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, nonessential heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr) are major cancer-causing agents (Kim, Kim, and Kumar, 2005).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTin mining in Butura, Bokkos, experienced tremendous success in the early 1900s, brought about economic benefits, and made a substantial contribution to the global industrialization of nations. Tin has detrimental social and environmental repercussions despite its economic significance for the area, state, and nation as a whole. Because of the environmental contamination associated with tin mining, hazardous and chemical chemicals are released into the environment during mineral extraction and processing. The mineral comprises the minerals monazite, thorite, xenotime, and zircon (Heiner et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Similar practices are employed to irrigate food crops in abandoned mining ponds. By increasing the concentration of heavy metals in the soil and increasing the likelihood that crops will absorb them, this approach could seriously endanger the health of consumers. However, it is crucial to examine the concentrations of heavy metals in edible vegetables such as Pepper, \u003cem\u003eCapsicum\u003c/em\u003e, potato, \u003cem\u003eSolanum tuberosum and\u003c/em\u003e cabbage and \u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c/em\u003e grown in the Bokkos LGA Plateau State. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were set to determine the concentrations of heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc, (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and potassium (K), in irrigated pepper, potato and cabbage plants. However, the above chemicals were analyzed on irrigated vegetables in March 2024.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eThe\u003c/b\u003e Bokkos LGA is located at an elevation of 1,324 meters above mean sea level, and its population is 264,100 (National Population Commission, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Due to the high altitude of the study area, it has a moderate temperature. The maximum temperature is approximately 22\u0026deg;C, while the mean minimum temperature is approximately 180\u0026deg;C (Wuyep, Dadiel, Ogbole, Selzing, and Monday, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR64\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). The study area has two seasons: the wet and the dry season. The wet season extends from April to October, and the dry season occurs during the Harmattan period, which is characterized by dry and dusty blowing from the Sahara Desert from November to March. The weather is generally cold, especially from July to August and from November to February. However, the relative humidity depends on the temperature, and a temperature increase leads to an increase in the quantity of water vapor in the atmosphere. The area has an average rainfall of 1458 mm annually (Wuyep, Jatau and Williams, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). According to Dung-Gwom, Gontul, Baklit, Galadima, and Gyang (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e), soils in the study area are ferruginous and characterized by textural clay and the subsurface horizon where they are formed over biotype granite or gneiss. The soil is moderate for its water holding capacity, intensely leached, and has a low organic matter content. Even if the soil is clay in nature, it has little fertility, which can be good for the production of crops. Agriculture is the main economic activity in the study area. A wide variety of crops are cultivated; these include Irish potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage and cucumber.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNine farms were selected randomly from the Butura district to analyze the concentrations of heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and potassium (K), in edible vegetables (e.g., pepper, cabbage and Irish potatoes) considered for this study on irrigated land. Three samples were selected from each of the vegetables grown on a farm at distances of 0 m, 10 m, and 30 m. This approach afforded a composite sample of vegetables at each farm, as recommended by Tiwari, Singh, Patel, Tiwari, and Rai (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePreparation of Vegetable Samples\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eVegetable samples were transported to the laboratory and washed with distilled water to remove soil or mulch. Excess moisture was removed from the vegetables by air drying the samples. Thereafter, a porcelain mortar with a pestle was used to grind the sample, which was sifted through a sieve of 10 mesh.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eDigestion Procedure\u003c/b\u003e: To analyze the concentration of heavy metals, approximately 1 g of each sample was separated and transferred to a Pyrex beaker. Ten (10) milliliters of a mixture of acids such as HNO\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, HCO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e, and H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eSO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e at a ratio of 1:1:1 was added to the beaker and maintained in the laboratory for 24 hours. After the lag, the beaker was heated at 95\u0026deg;C using a hot plate until the volume was reduced to 10 ml. Again, 10 ml of the acid mixture was added until it reached 4 ml, and the mixture was heated. Subsequently, 50 ml of deionized water was added, and the digest was filtered. Finally, 100 ml of solution was made by adding double deionized water (Tiwari, et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe metal concentration was determined via an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (model: AA240FS). The parameters considered in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e were compared to those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards. The geographic coordinates of the sampling points (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) were recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device (Garmin).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoordinate of Sample Collection Points\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoordinate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHight (m)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eButura 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.33691\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.89108\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e E\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1365\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eButura 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.33657\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e N\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.89271\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e E\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1368\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAngwan Kwano\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.40888\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.93291\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1364\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMai Dalili\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.40781\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.93142\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1372\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKuba 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.41731\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e N\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.92402\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1384\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKuba 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.41650\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.92503\u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e E\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1376\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePLASU 1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.37035 N\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.95378E\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1395\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePLASU 2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09.36909 N\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.95239E\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1385\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKunet\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e09. 338596N\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e008.952160E\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1374\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS AND DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe physical and chemical characteristics of the soil as well as the plant\u0026rsquo;s ability to absorb each metal determine the heavy metal concentration in these vegetables, which varies depending on numerous human and environmental factors. The results of the analysis in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e show that the concentration of cadmium (Cd) ranged between 0.2 mg/kg and 1.6 mg/kg, with a mean value of 1.0 mg/kg. The FAO/WHO permissible limit for determining the cadmium concentration in vegetables is 0.1-1 mg/kg. The concentration of cadmium obtained was within the standard limit, indicating that the vegetables in the study area were not contaminated with cadmium. Islam et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e) reported that the concentration of cadmium in vegetables growing at different sites in the city of Dhaka varied between 0.03 mg/kg and 0.32 mg/kg, which is considerably lower than that obtained in this study. Cadmium is an endocrine-disruption chemical (EDC) that is responsible for serious health problems, such as chronic renal failure, cancer, cardiac failure, osteoporosis (skeletal damage), destruction of red blood cells, kidney damage and cataract formation in the eye (Rehman, Fatima, Waheed, and Akash, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Haque, Morshedul, Khirul, Alam, and Teraq, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Zuhra et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR68\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConcentration of Heavy Metals on Irrigated Vegetables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"12\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eParameters\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUngwan kwano cabbage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePLASU 1 Cabbage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePLASU 2 pepper\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMai Dalili pepper\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKunet\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKuba 1 potato\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKuba 2 potato\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eButura 1 potatoe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eButura 2 cabbage\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWHO/FAO\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCadmium (mg/kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1-1 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCobalt (mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1-1 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNickel (mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;10 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLead (mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1-2 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eZinc (mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e101.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u0026ndash;100 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCopper (mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;20 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChromium (mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1-2 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eArsenic (mg/l)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1-1 mg/kg\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eWHO/FAO, 2011\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, the concentration of cobalt (Co) in the vegetable samples ranged from 0.4 mg/kg to 0.9 mg/kg (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The mean concentration of cobalt in all the analyzed vegetable samples was 0.65 mg/kg, which is within the allowable limit of 0.1-1 mg/kg suggested by the FAO/WHO. The cobalt concentration in all the vegetables in this study was greater than that given by Ahmad et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), which ranged from 0.02\u0026ndash;0.22 mg/kg. Excessive intake of cobalt can result in the overproduction of red blood cells (Kalagbor Barisere, Barivule, Barile, and Bassey, 2014).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering the concentration of copper (Cu) in the study area, the highest concentration was 27 mg/kg, and the lowest was 3 mg/kg, as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. The mean copper concentration in all the analyzed vegetable samples was 14.3 mg/kg. This value is within the standard limit of 5\u0026ndash;20 mg/kg given by the FAO/WHO. Copper is an essential nutrient required for numerous biochemical and physiological functions, and an insufficient amount of copper may result in the disruption of metalloenzyme incorporation and hemoglobin formation (WHO/FAO, 1996). However, a surplus quantity of copper has been associated with cellular and tissue damage and has numerous deleterious effects on human health (Taylor et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Haque et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, the mean concentration of nickel was 4.0 mg/kg, which is below the permissible limits of the FAO/WHO, indicating that there is no serious health concern associated with nickel in the consumption of vegetables from the study area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the concentration of lead (Pb) varied between 1.7 mg/kg and 2.8 mg/kg, while the mean concentration of lead was 2.1 mg/kg (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The concentrations of lead in the vegetables were higher than the standard concentration limit of 0.1-2 mg/kg set by the FAO/WHO. This could be due to the use of contaminated irrigation water, farm soil or pesticides. The lead concentrations in this study are similar to those reported by Nimyel and Chundusu (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e) in Mangu, Nigeria; much lower than the values obtained by Mallik et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e) in Kolkata, India; but higher than those documented by Latiff et al. Bilal, Asghar, Azeem and Ahmad (2018) in Dera Ghazi Khan District, Pakistan. Excess amounts of lead (Pb) in edible vegetables can pose severe risks to human health, such as neurological, hematological and behavioral problems (Kolawole et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe concentration of zinc (Zn) obtained ranged between 28 mg/kg and 104 mg/kg, with a mean value of 61.9 mg/kg. The zinc concentration was within the FAO/WHO permissible limit of 50\u0026ndash;100 mg/kg (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Zinc, like copper, is also necessary in appropriate amounts for normal bodily functions, yet excessive zinc consumption can have harmful effects on human health (Chasapis, Ntoupa, Spiliopoulou, and Stefanidou, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Duan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). In this study, the chromium (Cr) concentration in the edible portions of the sampled vegetables varied from 1.3 mg/kg to 1.9 mg/kg, with a mean concentration of 1.7 mg/kg (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e); nevertheless, the concentration in all the vegetables sampled was below the permissible limit of 0.1-2.0 mg/kg set by the FAO/WHO (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). In Ethiopia, similar findings of low chromium values were reported by Berihun Amare and Raju (2021); however, the chromium concentration was above the FAO/WHO maximum allowable limit, as documented by Gebeyehu and Bayissa (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the concentration of arsenic (As) in the vegetable samples ranged between 0.2 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg, with a mean value of 0.6 mg/kg (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Exposure to arsenic is of considerable concern due to its deleterious effects on human health, including on carcinoma; dermatological, neurological and neurobehavioral disorders; and hematologic disorders (leukopenia, anemia, and eosinophilia) (Joseph et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Rahaman et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Tchounwou, Udensi, Isokpehi, Yedjou, and Kumar, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Lee \u0026amp; Davis, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). These values do not exceed the WHO guidelines; thus, consuming vegetables from these areas does not pose any health risk. In general, the concentration of lead in the sampled vegetables appeared to be greater than the standard limits, which may pose a serious health risk to the consumers of these vegetables. Conversely, the concentrations of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, arsenic and nickel are within the maximum permissible limits established by the FAO/WHO since their concentrations are below the standard limits. Thus, no health risk is associated with the consumption of these heavy metals.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study showed that the concentrations of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, arsenic, zinc and nickel were within the standard limits set by the FAO/WHO, except for lead, which is higher than the allowable limits for vegetables. These patients may have hematologic disorders, behavioral problems or neurological complications. Therefore, these findings indicate a significant risk for the human populace consuming these vegetables, which have high concentrations of lead, as well as for ruminants through the food chain. In general, the study concluded that the use of contaminated water from mining ponds for irrigation has resulted in high concentrations of heavy metals (lead) in farmlands and, consequently, vegetables growing there. To assess the potential risk of using vegetables grown in metal-contaminated soils or irrigation water, it is necessary to monitor agricultural soils and irrigation water to determine the presence of toxic metals accumulated by crop plants to ensure that crop plants are safe for consumption by humans.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdamu, H. M. Nangbes, J.G., and Hassan, U. F. (2023). Health risk assessment of several heavy metals iniIrrigated \u003cem\u003eBrassica oleracea\u003c/em\u003e L.and Lactuca sativa vegetables of Barkin-Ladi LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria. \u003cem\u003eAmercan Journal of Open Research,\u003c/em\u003e 2, 3, 12-19.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAhmad K, Nawaz K, Khan ZI, et al. (2018). Effect of diverse irrigation regimes on metal accumulation in wheat crops: An assessment-dire need of the day. \u003cem\u003eFresen Environtal Bulleting,\u003c/em\u003e 27(2), 846-855.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAli, M.M., Hossain, D., Al-Imran, A., Khan, M.S., Begum, M., and Osman, M.H. (2021). Environmental pollution with heavy metals: A public health concern. \u003cem\u003eHeavy Metals-Their Environmental Impacts and Mitigation\u003c/em\u003e, 771-783.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAl-Abed, K. G. Scheckel, R., and Ryan, J. A. (2005). Methods for speciation of metals in soils: a review, \u003cem\u003eJournal of Environmental Quality\u003c/em\u003e, 34, 5,1707\u0026ndash;1745.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlloway, B.J. (2013). Sources of heavy metals and metalloids in soils. \u003cem\u003eHeavy metals in soils: trace metals and metalloids in soils and their bioavailability\u003c/em\u003e,11-50.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArora, M. B., S. Kiran, A. Rani, B., Rani, K., and Mittal, N. (2008). Heavy metal accumulation in vegetables irrigated with water from different sources. Food Chemistry 111:811\u0026ndash;5.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBerihun, B. T., Amare, D. E., and Raju, R. P. (2021). Determination of the level of metallic contamination in irrigation vegetables, the soil, and the water in Gondar City, Ethiopia. \u003cem\u003eNutrition and Dietary Supplements\u003c/em\u003e, 13, 1\u0026ndash;7.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoyd, R. S., and Rajakaruna, N. (2013). \u003cem\u003eHeavy metal tolerance. In \u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eOxford bibliographies in ecology\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e,\u003c/em\u003e ed. D. Gibson, 1\u0026ndash;24. New York: Oxford University Press.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBradl, H.B. (2005). Sources and origins of heavy metals. In \u003cem\u003eInterface science and technology,\u003c/em\u003e 6, 1-27.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBui, M.P.N., Brockgreitens, J, Ahmed, S., and Abbas A. (2020). Dual detection of nitrate and mercury in water using disposable electrochemical sensors. Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 85, 280-286.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChacha, J.S., and Laswai, H.S., (2020). Traditional practices and consumer habits regarding consumption of underutilized vegetables in Kilimanjaro and morogoro regions, Tanzania. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Food Science\u003c/em\u003e, 5,7,12-19.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChasapis, C. T., Ntoupa, P. S. A., Spiliopoulou, C. A., and Stefanidou, M. E. (2020). Recent aspects of the effects of Zinc on human health. \u003cem\u003eArchives of toxicology,\u003c/em\u003e 94, 1443-1460.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClemens, S., and Ma, J.F. (2016). Toxic heavy metal and metalloid accumulation in crop plants and foods. \u003cem\u003eAnnual Review Plant Biology\u003c/em\u003e, 67(1), 489-512.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD\u0026rsquo;Amore, J.J. Al-Abed, S. R. Scheckel, K. G., and Ryan, J. A. (2005). Methods for speciation of metals in soils: a review. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Environmental Quality\u003c/em\u003e, 34, 5,1707\u0026ndash;1745.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiagomanolin, V., M. Farhang, M. Ghazi-Khansari R., and Jafarzadeh. N. (2004). Heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cu) in the Karoon waterway river, Iran. \u003cem\u003eToxicology Letters.\u003c/em\u003e 151,63\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDung-Gwom, J.Y., Gontul, T.K., Baklit, G., Galadima, J.S., and Gyang, J.D. (2009). \u003cem\u003eA field guide manual of Plateau State, Nigeria\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003eDepartment of Geography and Planning, University of Jos, Nigeria.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuan, M. Li, B., Yin, S., Zang, J., Lv, C., and Zhang, T. (2023). Zinc nutrition and dietary zinc supplements. \u003cem\u003eCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,\u003c/em\u003e 63, (9), 1277-1292.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDuruibe, J. O., Ogwuegbu, M. D. C., and. Egwurugwu, J. N. (2007). Heavy metal pollution and human biotoxic effects.\u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Physical Sciences, \u003c/em\u003e2, 112\u0026ndash;8.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAO/WHO (2012). \u003cem\u003eFood Additives and Contaminants, Joint Codex Alimentarius Commission\u003c/em\u003e, FAO/WHO Food standards Programme, Rome, Italy.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGebeyehu, H.R., and Bayissa, L.D. (2020). Levels of heavy metals in soil and vegetables and associated health risks in Mojo area, Ethiopia. \u003cem\u003ePloS one,\u003c/em\u003e \u003cem\u003e15\u003c/em\u003e(1), e0227883.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGharibi F. (2014). Health impact assessment of particulate matter in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Advance Environmental Health Research\u003c/em\u003e, 2, 54\u0026ndash;62.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGebeyehu H. R., and Bayissa, L. D (2020). 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In cadmium toxicity mitigation, \u003cem\u003eChemical, Springer Nature,\u003c/em\u003e 4, 65-102.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Vegetable, Cabbage, Heavy Metals, Irrigated, Irish Potato, Bokkos, Pepper\t","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4874960/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4874960/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVegetables have positive antioxidative properties and are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, if consumed in large quantities, eating vegetables polluted with heavy metals may be harmful to human health. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of heavy metals on irrigated pepper, cabbage and Irish potatoes grown in Butura. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA240FS) was used to analyze cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) levels. Three samples were selected from each of the vegetables grown on nine selected farms at distances of 0 m, 10 m, and 30 m. This forms a composite sample of vegetables at each farm. The study showed that the concentrations of cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, arsenic, zinc and nickel were within the standard limits set by the FAO/WHO, except for lead, which is higher than the allowable limits for vegetables. These patients may have behavioral problems, neurological complications and hematologic disorders. Thus, these findings could lead to a risk for the human population consuming these vegetables. It is recommended that irrigation water and agricultural soils be constantly monitored to determine the concentration of metals accumulated by crop plants to ensure that crop plants are safe for consumption by humans.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Assessment of Heavy Metals in Vegetables Grown on Irrigated Land in Butura, Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-08-09 13:53:29","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4874960/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"c82ee27a-f2e2-4085-aca9-3428a15fa0b0","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 9th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":35719121,"name":"Environmental Chemistry"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-08-09T13:53:29+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-08-09 13:53:29","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4874960","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4874960","identity":"rs-4874960","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}