COMPARATIVE DETERMINATION OF TOXIC ELEMENTS IN LOCALLY CULTIVATED VEGETABLES ALONG RIVER KATSINA-ALA AT TSE-IKYO, GUMA LOCALGOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE.

This study investigates the concentration of toxic elements in vegetables cultivated along River Katsina-Ala at Tse-Ikyo, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, and evaluates the potential health risks associated with their consumption. The research focuses on commonly consumed leafy vegetables fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) and spinach (Amaranthus hybridus) grown in areas vulnerable to environmental pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. Using standard sample preparation and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), the levels of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) were determined and compared to FAO/WHO permissible limits. The results showed that Pb concentrations were 1.35 ± 0.10 mg/kg in fluted pumpkin and 1.50 ± 0.12 mg/kg in spinach, while Cd levels were 0.25 ± 0.03 mg/kg and 0.30 ± 0.02 mg/kg respectively both significantly exceeding the FAO/WHO limits of 0.3 mg/kg for Pb and 0.2 mg/kg for Cd. Arsenic was found at 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg in fluted pumpkin and 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/kg in spinach, close to the maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg. Mercury levels, though lower, were 0.03 ± 0.005 mg/kg and 0.05 ± 0.007 mg/kg, surpassing the safety limit of 0.01 mg/kg. These findings indicate significant contamination, likely from anthropogenic activities and polluted irrigation water, and underscore the potential health risks associated with long-term consumption. The study highlights the urgency of implementing safer agricultural practices and continuous monitoring to safeguard public health.