Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Heavy metal contamination in watermelon and orange across urban markets: a year-long assessment
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Laoye Babafemi J., Mabayoje Samson O., Ogunnusi Tolulope A., Akpor Oghenerobor B.
Research Articles | Published: 29 April, 2026
First Page: 0
Last Page: 0
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Keywords: Heavy metals, Public health, Fruits, Contamination
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination of fruits is a growing public health concern globally, precisely in developing urbanizing regions where environmental surveillance is poor. The study investigated the concentration levels of seven heavy metals: As, Cd, Cr, Co, Mn, Ni and Pb in two commonly consumed fruits (watermelon and orange), purchased from four selected urban markets in Ado Ekiti, southwest, Nigeria. These fruits samples were purchase monthly for a period of 12 months. The samples were homogenized, digested and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Overall, majority of the heavy metal concentration levels was within WHO threshold. Although, isolated exceedances were observed, precisely for arsenic, which was well above the 0.10 mg/kg limit in both fruit types from Market 4 during the month of August. Concentration of Cr and Cd showed obvious monthly variations, although their concentration levels remained within WHO threshold in all markets used for sampling. Levels of Mn were the highest during the months of August to October, precisely in orange, while Pb levels were consistently low. Nickel concentrations revealed moderate temporal variations and high peaks were observed during the dry months without exceeding the WHO threshold. As regards spatial analysis, Market 4 constantly revealed elevated levels across months and metals. Seasonal variations was observed as higher metal variability was recorded during the late rainy season and early dry season. This study provides an uncommon multi-market 1 year-long assessment of heavy metals in fruits in southwest Nigeria, which could serve as a base line data for food safety monitoring.
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Author Information
Department of Biological Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria