Analysis of Heavy Metal Levels in Some Edible Fruits from Selected Markets in Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of nine heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd) in selected edible fruits namely: avocado, mango, papaya, pineapple, orange and banana purchased from Awassa and Addis Ababa markets. Dry ashing method was used for the digestion of samples. The heavy metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in Addis Ababa market ranged from 0.39–3.13, 3.82–57.07, 1.81–6.76, 1.2–4.04, 0.30–0.67, 0.17–0.50, 0.14–0.39 and 0.09–0.37 mg/kg for Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr and Pb, respectively. In fruit samples collected from Awassa market the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr and Pb ranged from 0.13–0.50, 0.87–11.60, 0.46–1.60, 0.27–1.27, 0.08–0.22, 0.10–0.25, 0.06–0.12 and 0.07–0.18 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Cadmium was not detected in any of the samples. In addition, the mean concentrations of metals in the fruits collected from Addis Ababa market decreases in the following order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Co > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd while fruits collected from Awassa market decreases in the following order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb > Cr > Cd. The levels of metals studied were all below the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. Hence, they are safe for the local consumers.