Metal Ions in Carica Papaya Fruits from Farms around a Mechanic Site in Ketaren-Gwari, Minna, Niger State. Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a global phenomenon which has raised a lot of concern. This informed the need to study the effect of mechanic activities on metal ions content of Carica papaya fruits from various farms around the mechanic site. The study can be used to determine the safety of consuming the fruits. The mechanic site is located at the bank of a tributary of River Suka, Kateren Gwari area Minna, Nigeria, which is used for irrigating the farms. Fresh Carica papaya fruits were collected from the farms. Dried samples were digested with a conc. HCIO4 –HNO3 – H2SO4 (2:12:1) mixture and analyzed for the presence of copper, iron, chromium, zinc, magnesium, manganese and lead using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while sodium calcium and potassium ions were determined with the aid of a flame photometer. The result of the analysis showed that the highest concentration of K, Zn and Pb; 50.00±0.75 mg/kg, 5.812±0.087 mg/kg and 0.606±0.009mg/kg respectively were recorded at the site of activity. Farms located upstream recorded the highest concentration of Ca (0.915±0.014 mg/kg), Na (12.20±0.18 mg/kg), Mn (0.495±0.007 mg/kg), Cr (0.915±0.014) mg/kg) and Fe (0.178±0.003) mg/kg). While Mg and Cu levels, (55.77±0.084 mg/kg) and (0.625±0.009 mg/kg respectively, were the highest downstream.