Gobal Advanced Research Journal of Environmental Science and Toxicology (GARJEST) ISSN: 2315-5140
August 2012 Vol. 1(5), pp. 132-136
Copyright © 2012 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Level of heavy metals in some edible plants collected from selected dumpsites in Ekiti State, Nigeria

O. S Adefemi*, O. A Ibigbami and E. E Awokunmi

Department of Chemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. P.M.B. 5363, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: adefemisamuel@yahoo.com

Accepted 18 August, 2012

Abstract

The study considered level of heavy metals in various sections of vegetables harvested from Atikankan, Aba–Egbira and Moshood road dumpsites in Ekiti State, Nigeria with a view to monitoring the pollutional status of these dumpsites.  Amaranthus cruentus and Talinum fruticosum were the two vegetables used. Heavy metal concentrations varied among different plants. The concentration of heavy metals analyzed was found to range from Cd (Nd to 0.90µg/g), Pb (0.10 to 0.40µg/g), Mn (0.10 to 1.00µg/g), Zn (0.70 to 3.60µg/g), Fe (0.20 to 2.00µg/g), Cr (0.20 to 1.30µg/g), Cu (0 .20 to 2.50µg/g), Ni (0.20 to 2.10µg/g) and Co (0.20 to 1.40µg/g) respectively in all the dumpsites. Cd was not detected in the root of Amaranthus creuntus and leaf of Talinum fruticosum (Moshood road dumpsite). The extent of metal contamination in plants samples was greater in Atikankan than other dumpsites. However, concentration of Cd exceeds the WHO/FAO limits for human consumption in Talinum fruticosum.

Keyword: dumpsites, edible plants, heavy metals, selected