ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METALS IN LETTUCE OBTAINED FROM IRRIGATION SITE OF AJIWA DAM KATSINA STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study presents an analysis of heavy metal contamination in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) sourced from irrigation sites adjacent to the Ajiwa Dam in Katsina State, Nigeria. The objective of the ;research was to assess the levels of heavy metals-specifically lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr)-in lettuce samples, given the increasing concern regarding agricultural produce safety and the potential human health risks associated with heavy metal ingestion. Sampling was conducted at various points along the irrigation channels to ensure a representative assessment ofthe contamination leveIs associated with both agricultural practices and the potential influx of pollutants from nearby activities. The collected lettuce samples were subjected to rigorous laboratory analysis using Atomic Absorplion Spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the concentrations of the specified heavy metals. The results demonstrated that the concentrations of heavy metals in the lettuce exceeded permissible limits set by international standards, such as those provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Specifically, lead and cadmium levels were fouind to be significantly elevated, suggesting a direct correlation with the irrigation water quality and regional industrial activities. These findings are consistent with those of previous studies indicating similar patterns ofheavy metal accumulation in crops irrigated with contaminated water (Garg et al., 2018; Ali et al., 2019). The potential health implications of heavy metal consumption through contaminated vegetables were also evaluated, highlighting the risks of chronic exposure, including neurotoxicity and renal impairment (Singh et al., 2013; Maret,2017). The study emphasizes the urgent need for monitoring and regulating irrigation practices in regions vulnerable to industrial effluent discharge to safeguard public health and ensure food safety.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.