Determination of Heavy Metals in Four Mango Fruit Varieties Sold in Minna Modern Market, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored heavy metals contamination in four varieties of mango fruits from Minna main market, Niger State, Nigeria. The contents of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in the selected fruits were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) Shimadzu 7000 F. Digestion of the Mango fruit juice was conducted using wet acid digestion methods of [28, 27]. The results of this study showed that the average concentrations detected ranged from 0.10 - 1.30, 0.59 - 1.84, 0.03 - 0.16 and 0.50 - 0.80 mg/L for Mn, Fe, Cu, and Pb, respectively. The highest mean levels of Mn, Fe, Cu, and Pb were detected in Binta Sugar mango, Kerosene mango, Kerosene mango and Kerosene mango fruits respectively for late February. The average concentration detected ranged from 0.30 - 1.30, 0.80 - 1.60, 0.09 - 0.20 and 0.33 - 0.50 mg/L for Mn, Fe, Cu and Pb respectively for late April. The highest mean levels of Mn, Fe, Cu and Pb were detected in Binta Sugar mango, Julie mango, Binta Sugar and Kerosene mango varieties, and Sherry and Binta Sugar mango varieties respectively. The levels of these metals from the four mango varieties studied were compared with recommended limits established by WHO/FAO in 2011. The values obtained for Mn, Fe, and Cu were below the recommended values but the values of Pb were higher than the established limit. It is essential to ascertain the safety levels of heavy metals in the foods we consume for good nutrition which will further enhance healthy living