Abstract

Sarpong K, Dartey E and Owusu-Mensah I

Trace metal levels were assessed in edible parts of thirteen (13) common vegetables sold at seven (7) selected markets; Kumasi, Asante-Mampong, Obuasi, Nkenkesu, Akomadan, Daboase and Nobekwaw in Ghana. The vegetable samples were analysed for Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The concentration of Pb registered in Lactuca sativa (1.82 mg/kg), Daucus carota (1.72 mg/kg), Solanum melongena (1.44 mg/kg) and Cucumis sativus (1.37 mg/kg) all from Obuasi were above the FAO/WHO MPL of 0.3 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Zn in the vegetable samples were all below the FAO/WHO MPL of 100 mg/kg with the exception of Piper nigrum from Kumasi which recorded a mean Zn value of 298.78 mg/kg. The highest mean Fe concentration of 698.79 mg/kg was registered in Lycopersicum esculentus, above the WHO/FAO MPL for Fe of 425 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Cu recorded for all the vegetables were below the FAO/WHO MPL of 73 mg/kg for Cu. The overall mean concentration of trace metals in the vegetables analysed appeared to be within safe limits laid down by FAO/WHO.