NUTRITIONAL AND HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION OF CEREAL AND VEGETABLES CULTUVATED IN SUSUMA IRRIGATED FARM LAND AROUND DAMATURU
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the nutritional composition and heavy metal concentrations in cereals and vegetables cultivated in Susuma irrigated farmland around Damaturu, Nigeria. Samples of wheat, Roma thumb potato, red thumb potato, sweet potato, maize, and okra were analyzed for proximate nutrients and elemental contents. Nutritionally, carbohydrates dominated the composition, with levels ranging from 80.84% in okra to 84.91% in Roma thumb potato. Moisture content varied from approximately 9.34% in maize to 12.40% in Roma thumb potato, while crude protein content ranged between 0.59% in red thumb potato and 3.64% in maize. Elemental analysis showed potassium as the most abundant mineral across all samples, peaking at 546.8 mg/100g in sweet potato. Other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and iron were present in varying amounts, reflecting the vegetables' nutritional value. Heavy metals including lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and mercury were detected, mostly within or marginally exceeding safe limits, with chromium and nickel concentrations notably higher in some samples. These findings highlight the dual role of these crops as essential nutrient sources and potential heavy metal exposure risks, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and improved agricultural practices for food safety in the region.
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