Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination across Five Selected Roadside Marketed Fruits in Erin-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The contamination of fruits with heavy metals is a growing concern due to potential health risks associated with their consumption. Objectives: This study assessed the level of heavy metals in five selected (apple, orange, African cherry, pineapple and watermelon) fruits marketed by the roadsides in Erin-Osun, Irepodun Local Government, Osun State. Methodology: Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire, and five fruits were randomly collected from two different (Elerin and Oke-Ila) markets in triplicates for 30 samples, digested, and analysed for heavy metals using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted for the laboratory gathered data to gather frequency, mean, standard deviation, and separated means. Furthermore, multivariate (precisely Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and Principal Component) analyses were conducted. Results: The study found that most vendors sourced their fruits from local farms, used fertilisers or pesticides, stored and transported fruits in baskets, and had positive views about the safety of fruits sold by roadside vendors. The results showed that the Zn-level ranged from 0. 10 mg/kg in Apple to 0.35 mg/kg in orange. The heavy metal mean values in some fruit samples were within, while others exceeded WHO permissible limits for safe levels in food. Contaminants of concern were As, Cr, Zn and Pb. Conclusion/ Recommendations: The study revealed that heavy metal levels in the fruits, particularly As and Cr, could pose health risks to consumers. The findings suggested continuous monitoring and regulation of heavy metals in food by adhering to the dietary standards for human health safety.