Oti Wilberforce J.O. reports that samples of Cola Acuminata (Kolanut), Grracinia kola (bitter Kola) and Solanum melongena (garden egg), commonly used during ceremonies, were collected from Abakpa Market, Abakaliki, during festive period in April, 2010 and they were analyzed for total metal contents using Proton Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Technique.
The results (in mg/Kg) revealed the range Pb (0.88 to 1.64), Cd (0.71 to 1.24), Zn (14.02 to 86.02), Cu (6.92 to 8.84), Mn (0.98 to 8.60), Co (2.21 to 8.48), Cr (0.86 to 2.41), Ni (18.22 to 42.28), and As (0.88 to 1.46). High Pollution Indices of Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, and As were observed in the investigated fruits and as a result, they were not considered fit for human consumption.
Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p<0.05 showed variations in the heavy metal levels between and within groups. Regular evaluations of these ceremonial edible fruits should be implemented ASAP and required.
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