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Abstract
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Article Information:
Heavy Metal Contamination of Green Leafy Vegetable Gardens in Itam Road Construction Site in Uyo, Nigeria
O. Otitoju, M.I. Akpanabiatu, G.T.O. Otitoju, J.I. Ndem, A.F. Uwah, E.O. Akpanyung and J.T. Ekanem
Corresponding Author: O. Otitoju
Submitted: September 21, 2011
Accepted: November 04, 2011
Published: April 15, 2012 |
Abstract:
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Human exposure to heavy metals is a subject of public health concern that have attracted the
attention of researchers, health and nutrition experts all over the world. Green Leafy Vegetables (GLVs) are
important part of diets in the South-South Region of Nigeria. Consumption of vegetables exposed to heavy
metals contamination may lead to serious health complications. In this investigation, we estimated the
concentrations of some heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Al, Cd, Fe and Zn) in GLVs harvested from vegetable gardens
in the residential areas along Itam road construction site, Uyo, Nigeria. The results showed that Pb, Hg, Al and
Cd concentrations were significantly high (p<0.05) in all exposed GLV samples than the control but Teliferia
occidentalis had higher values of heavy metals than Talinium triangulare. However, zinc and iron levels in the
GLV exposed samples were not significantly (p>0.05) higher than the control. Our findings showed that heavy
metal contamination of edible vegetable is high at road construction sites and may impact negatively on the
health of human and animals living in such environment. We suggest that health impact assessment be carried
out at construction sites in order to suggest necessary measure that can alleviate the effects of such
environmental contaminants.
Key words: Health impact, heavy metals, nutrition, toxicity, , ,
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Cite this Reference:
O. Otitoju, M.I. Akpanabiatu, G.T.O. Otitoju, J.I. Ndem, A.F. Uwah, E.O. Akpanyung and J.T. Ekanem, . Heavy Metal Contamination of Green Leafy Vegetable Gardens in Itam Road Construction Site in Uyo, Nigeria. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (04): 371-375.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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