COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METAL CONTENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INDUSTRIALLY PRODUCED AND MANUALLY PRODUCED GROUNDNUT OIL
Abstract
Abstract
This study compared the heavy metal content and physicochemical quality of industrially produced and manually produced groundnut oil in Kano State, Nigeria. Six samples (three industrial and three traditional) were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) using acid digestion and spectrophotometry (HACH DR/2010). Physicochemical parameters (Acid Value, Peroxide Value, Iodine Value, and Saponification Value) were determined using AOAC methods. Results showed that industrial oils had significantly higher cadmium (0.009 mg/L) and chromium (0.0167 mg/L) levels compared to traditional oils (0.006 mg/L and 0.0033 mg/L, respectively). All samples exceeded WHO limits for cadmium. Industrial oils also showed higher acid and peroxide values, indicating poorer oxidative stability. Traditional oils had lower iodine values, suggesting differences in fatty acid composition. The study concludes that industrial processing does not guarantee safer products and recommends improved quality control, regulatory monitoring, and consumer awareness to mitigate health risks.
Keywords: Groundnut oil, Heavy metals, Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, Food safety, Physicochemical properties, Industrial processing, Traditional processing, WHO standards, Kano State, Nigeria.
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