ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN GARRI BOUGHT AT OKESA, ADO-EKITI METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT Concern over heavy metal contamination in food is growing because of the possible health effects. The safety of garri from contamination by dangerous compounds, such as heavy metals, is crucial because it is a staple food that is widely consumed in Nigeria. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) concentrations were measured in three garri samples that were sold at Okesa market in Ado-Ekiti using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The findings indicated that the following elements were present: lead (0.0180 – 0.0187 ppm), nickel (0.0063 – 0.0075), manganese (0.1313 – 0.1377 ppm), arsenic (0.0063 – 0.0085 ppm), cadmium (0.0017 – 0.0023 ppm), copper (0.2840 – 0.2893 ppm), chromium (0.2147 – 0.2153 ppm), iron (0.4713 – 0.4760 ppm), and nickel (0.0063 – 0.0075 ppm). With the exception of lead, the amounts were within the WHO-established acceptable limits. It is advised that regulatory agencies conduct routine checks for heavy metal contamination in food products, including garri, especially in marketplaces where food is sold directly to customers, in order to mitigate the hazards to public health caused by this contamination.