Assessment of the Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Contamination of Date Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
G. O. Anibasa Ogunlade *
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
J. I. Ajanya
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
A. A. Jerome
Department of Science and Environmental Education, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
E. I. Otteh
Department of Computer Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
J. Daudu
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
O. S. Aniki
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
B. E. Anda
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
P. T. Ameh
Department of Microbiology, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
M. V. Aregbesola
Department of Computer Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
S. A. Jayden
Department of Computer Science, Federal University, Lokoja, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in food products represent a public health concern because of their persistence, bioaccumulation potential and adverse effects. This study assessed the contamination levels and potential health risks of selected PTEs in date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) obtained from a major market in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. A total of approximately 50 kg of date fruits was collected, prepared under standard laboratory conditions and analysed in triplicate (n = 3). The concentrations of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and thallium (Tl) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean, and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate differences among the measured concentrations. The mean concentrations were 27.16 ± 1.63 mg/kg for Cr, 3.95 ± 1.03 mg/kg for Pb, 0.54 ± 0.14 mg/kg for As, 0.47 ± 0.21 mg/kg for Cd and 0.15 ± 0.13 mg/kg for Tl. Chromium had the highest concentration, whereas thallium had the lowest. The concentrations of the investigated PTEs differed significantly (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) were used for human health risk assessment. The THQ values for Cr, Pb, As, Cd and Tl were 15.09, 13.16, 3.00, 0.70 and 3.12, respectively. All metals except Cd had THQ values greater than 1, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. The cumulative HI was 35.07, which exceeded the safety threshold of 1. Comparison with FAO/WHO permissible limits showed that all measured metals exceeded their corresponding reference limits for food commodities, suggesting considerable contamination. These findings indicate the need for routine monitoring and stricter quality control of date fruits marketed in the study area.
Keywords: Potentially toxic elements, date fruits, Phoenix dactylifera L., chromium, lead, cadmium, arsenic, thallium, estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index, food safety