Heavy metal contamination in food crops presents potential environmental and public health risks. This study assessed the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in fruits cultivated on Dakasoye farmlands, Kano State, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Most metals were found within FAO/WHO permissible limits, indicating generally low contamination levels. However, elevated Pb concentrations in some fruit samples suggest localized contamination concerns. Significant differences in metal levels among fruit types were observed (p < 0.05). Estimated daily intakes (EDI) and associated health-risk indices (HQ, HI, CF, PLI, and CR) were largely within acceptable thresholds, implying minimal health risks, though continued monitoring of Pb is recommended.
Nataala et al. (Sun,) studied this question.