Quantification of heavy metal levels in local rice (Oryza sativa) consumed in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rice is a little solid seed which is the most requested grain crop. Injection of this crop while contaminated can cause harm to the human organs. For this reason, the urge to study the Quantification of heavy metals in rice grain arises. Four towns in Anambra State (Nzam, Omor, Otuocha, Ufuma) were sampled. In the samples of the rice, analysis of heavy metals were conducted using Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometer to determine the heavy metals present in the samples and the mean levels of heavy metals found in rice grains were; For lead: 0.0078mg/kg (Nzam), 0.1250mg/kg (Omor), 0.2070mg/kg (Otuocha). For Arsenic: 14.8889mg/kg (Nzam), 12.8333mg/kg (Omor), 12.8889mg/kg (Otuocha), and 12.3333 mg/kg (Ufuma). For Zinc: 0.7110mg/kg (Nzam), 0.7474mg/kg (Omor), 1.5930mg/kg (Otuocha), and 0.2518 mg/kg (Ufuma). For Iron: 0.6390mg/kg (Nzam), 0.5352mg/kg (Omor), 0.6194mg/kg (Otuocha), and 0.5709mg/kg (Ufuma). For Manganese: 0.0578mg/kg (Nzam), 0.0104mg/kg (Omor), and 0.714mg/kg (Ufuma). For Nickel: 0.0756mg/kg (Ufuma). There is no observed level of Cd, Co, Cu and Cr in the rice grown in these four towns (Nzam, Omor, Otuocha, Ufuma). With the results gotten from this Analysis, some rice samples were within the acceptable limit set by FAO/WHO while some were not within the permissible limit and it is therefore recommended that these four towns should be monitored continuously.