The concentrations of some heavy metals and anions were determined in vegetable samples (spinach (Amaranth caudatus), lettuce (lactuca sativa), Cabbage (Brassica olemcea) and Onion (Allium cepa) which were freshly harvested within four agricultural locations(Mirnga, Zira, Wangaga and Malang) in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria. Metal concentrations in the vegetable samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), while anions were determined by Smart

more »

... ometer (model 2000). The results for vegetable samples showed that leaves contained much higher concentrations of heavy metals and anions than roots and stems.The concentrations of Cr detected in the vegetable samples ranged from 0.23 to 3.22mg/kg; 0.23 to 3.43mg/kg Mn; 0.23 to 3.45mg/kg Fe; 0.21 to 3.54mg/kg Ni; 0.25 to 4.56mg/kg Pb; 0.87 to 8.34mg/kg Zn; 0.34 to 5.44mg/kg Cd and 0.21 to 3.22mg/kg Cu. These valueswere higher than those recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the WHO/EU joint limits. The high levels of these heavy metals place the consumers of these vegetable crops grown within the study area at health risk with time unless an urgent step is taken by relevant agencies to address this issue.