Heavy Metal Analysis in Some Common Foods and Drugs Available in Nigeria

Authors: Magaji B*, Ibrahim IB, Usman A and Zubairu MS

DOI: 10.23880/fsnt-16000314

Volume 8, Issue 4

Abstract

Table Sugar, Milo, Antibiotic–Metronidazole, Antimalaria–Artemether & Lumefanthrine are among the most commonly used Foods and Drugs in Nigeria. In this study, analysis of four heavy metals: Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb were done by FAAS technique in the Food and Drug samples. Cr was detected in the Sugar sample only with mean concentration of 0.295 ppm. Similarly, only the antibiotic–Metronidazole sample had about 0.022 ppm concentration of Cd with none in the other three samples. These concentrations of Cr and Cd in Sugar and Antibiotic were found to be below the maximum permissible limits set by WHO/FAO and NAFDAC. Both Cu and Pb were not detected in any of the samples. This is good information because Pb is potentially toxic. The overall outcome of the study has indicated that the analyzed food and drug brands are safe for utilization.

Keywords: Heavy Metal; Drug, Food; Concentration; Acceptable Limit; Toxicity

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