HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF TRACE METALS IN FLUTED PUMPKIN (TELFAIRIAOCCIDENTALIS) HARVESTED FROM AN ABANDONED WASTE DUMPSITE AT IKOT ABASI STREET, UYO.

ABSTRACT This study assessed the concentrations and human health risks of trace metals (cadmium, zinc, iron, lead, and chromium) via the consumption of Telfairiaoccidentalis harvested from an abandoned waste dumpsite and a control site at IkotAbasi Street, Uyo. The metal concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer while the human health risk was assessed using USEPA models. The range for the result was cadmium (2.61± 0.07 - 2.70 ± 0.057 mg/kg), zinc (41.24 ± 0.0.028 - 44.22 ± 0.141 mg/kg), Iron (64.92± 0.084 - 70.415± 0.021 mg/kg) lead (1.75 ± 0.045 - 1.83 ± 0.042 mg/kg), and chromium (16.30 ± 0.141-17.385 ± 0.021 mg/kg). All the investigated metals exceeded the WHO permissible limits. The Daily intake of metals (DIM) at dumpsite and the control ranged from 0.005- 0.118mg/kg/day while the value of the hazard quotient ranged from 0.236-16.667. The hazard index was 26.565 at the dumpsite and 24.536 at the control site. The findings from the study indicate potential adverse health effects for consumers of contaminated Telfeiriaoccidentalis harvested from an abandoned waste dumpsite with HQ values of Cd, Cr and Pb greater than one.Poor waste management and indiscriminate-disposal of waste were identified as primary sources of soil contamination,at the investigated sites.Regular monitoring of agricultural soils, relocation of farming from polluted sites, and enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure food safety and sustainability is advocated.