Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Fruit Samples from Three Major Markets during the Wet Season in Enugu State

The effect of seasonal changes on heavy metals concentration in three commonly edible fruits in Enugu State was analyzed. Banana, pineapple and watermelon samples were collected during three rainy season months (June, July and August) from three markets in the three districts of Enugu state (Enugu North, Enugu West and Enugu East). Heavy metals evaluated during the study include lead, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, zinc and copper. Metals in the samples were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) at specific wave lengths and values reported in mg/kg. The result of the study showed the maximum and minimum values of heavy metals observed in all the samples were; 0.28 – 0.03 mg/kg, 0.22 – 0.01 mg/kg, 0.13 – 0.01 mg/kg, 0.64 – 0.33 mg/kg, 0.69 – 0.01 mg/kg and 13.88 – 1.42 mg/kg for lead, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, copper and zinc respectively. The quantity of metals in all the samples, on average, reduces as the rainy season month progresses. The order of heavy metal concentrations in the fruit samples from the markets were in the following decreasing order; Nsukka market> Ogbete market> Ezeagu market. Banana fruit showed the highest concentration of heavy metals while watermelon showed the least heavy metal concentration. Values obtained were compared to WHO maximum permissible limit for each metal. Environmental pollution should be prevented in market areas to avoid food poisoning from consumption of contaminated food.