DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS IN RICE SAMPLES PRODUCED IN THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS OF ADAMAWA STATE (LAMURDE, FUFURE, MADAGALI)

This study investigated the concentration of selected heavy metals in rice samples produced across the three senatorial districts of Adamawa State, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing their compliance with international food safety standards. Rice samples were collected from Lamurde, Fufore, and Madagali and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) to determine the levels of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As). The results showed that cadmium concentrations were above the WHO/FAO permissible limit in Lamurde (1.03 ppm) and Madagali (0.76 ppm), while Fufore (0.09 ppm) was within safe levels. Mercury concentrations were very low in all locations (0.0001–0.0002 ppm), remaining far below the permissible limit. Lead concentrations were critically high in Fufore (1.27 ppm) and Madagali (2.64 ppm), surpassing the safe threshold of 0.20 ppm, whereas Lamurde (0.04 ppm) fell within the limit. Chromium levels were also above the permissible limit in Fufore (2.82 ppm) and Lamurde (1.77 ppm) but were low in Madagali (0.24 ppm). Arsenic concentrations were minimal in all samples (0.0001–0.0002 ppm) and well below the safety limit. These findings indicate that while mercury and arsenic contamination do not presently pose health risks, elevated levels of cadmium, lead, and chromium in some locations present potential hazards to consumers. The study concludes that rice produced in Adamawa State is variably contaminated with heavy metals, and recommends regular monitoring, soil and water testing, farmer education, and stronger regulatory enforcement to safeguard food safety and public health