SELECTED HEAVY METAL CONTENT OF ANAMBRA-GROWN OIL PALM BUNCH ASH (NGU): HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT.

Abstract

Edibles can be contaminated by heavy metals as described in various patents. The study determined the potential human health risk associated with the consumption of palm bunch ash (PBA) from Anambra State, Nigeria. Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Human health risk assessment employed Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Carcinogenic Risk. The EDI values (5.14x10-6 – 5.22x10-4, 9.97x10-5 – 1.23x10-3, 4.14x10-7 – 5.91x10-4, 4.29x10- 7 – 1.36x10-2) mg/kg/day and the THQ values were (9.43x10-3 -5.22x10-1, 7.84x10-4 – 0.586, 5.86x10-3 – 3.83, 1.43x10-6 – 3.90x10-1) for Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn respectively. There was a violation of permissible Tolerable Daily Intakes (PTDI) set by JECFA. Hazard indices of some samples were more than 1, another indication of health concern. The mean concentration of metals in PBA ranged from 0.0041 - 95.012mg/kg. When compared with standards by WHO, EU and USEPA, violation was observed in Cd, Pb and Hg. Cadmium showed very high carcinogenic risk with values of 3.18 x10-3mg/kg/day. Consumption of palm ash from Anambra State Nigeria may pose significant health risk.