NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org
DETERMINATION OF LEAD CONTENT OF PUMPKIN LEAF (TELFAIRIA OCCIDANTALIS) SELECTED FROM TOWNS WITHIN THE THREE ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF DELTA STATE
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.16.011.2 | Article Number: 60F9F811 | Vol.12 (2) - September 2013
Author: Mordi J. C
In recent years, there has been growing interest in monitoring heavy metal concentration of
edible vegetables. Consumption of foods and vegetables contaminated with heavy metal is a major
source of health problem. Therefore, this study was carried out in 15 selected towns in Delta state,
covering the three ecological zones of the state, of five towns from each zone. Lead content of
pumpkin leaf (Telfairia occidantalis) from these towns were determined using the Atomic Absorption
Spectrum (AAS). This study showed significant difference (p<0.05) in lead concentration between
the three zones, with the fresh water swamp forest zone showing the highest mean concentration
(0.39±0.17) when compared with the other two zones 0.20±0.11 and 0.25±13 respectively.
Although this study did not reveal toxic levels of lead concentration over the accepted standard
limits of 0.5mg/100g approved by WHO and FAD, consumers of pumpkin leaf in these towns
should not be exposed to any risk associated with daily intake of 0.2mg/day. Observation from this
investigation reveals that pumpkin leaf cropped within Delta State is relatively safe for human consumption
with respect to lead level.
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