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Articles

CJPLS: VOL. 13, NO. 1, JUNE 2025

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Local Cassava Chips Associated with Vehicular Traffic in Makurdi Metropolis, an Agrarian City

Submitted
February 1, 2025
Published
2025-03-05

Abstract

In the present study, we investigated the levels of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) using cassava chips dried by select road junctions as an indicator for heavy metals associated with automobile emissions in Makurdi Metropolis. Fresh cassava tubers were obtained and processed like the locals' producing cassava chips, which were sun-dried at the selected junctions. Metal analysis was carried out using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (Agilent 4210 MP-AES). The analysis revealed varying concentrations of heavy metals at road junctions. Lead concentrations ranged from 1.26 mgkg-1 to 5.18 mgkg-1, exceeding safe limits set by WHO and NAFDAC. The levels of Cadmium in cassava chips exposed at some Junctions were also found to be above the maximum permissible levels set by local regulatory agencies. Copper concentrations ranged from 2.50 mgkg-1 to 2.78 mgkg-1, falling within permissible limits but varied across sampling points. Chromium concentrations 0.001 mgkg-1 to 0.245 mgkg-1. No permissible limit was found for chromium concentration from the local regulatory authorities. The findings highlight the significant contribution of vehicular emissions to environmental metal pollution in the studied area. Therefore, consuming cassava chips dried at these Junctions poses risks of toxic metals poisoning. Public awareness campaigns on the dangers of heavy metal exposure and the promotion of alternative drying methods for agricultural produce are recommended to safeguard public health.

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