ABSTRACT

Fruits and vegetables are edible plant products that are good for health. Precise quantitative analyses of heavy metals present in them are important for accurate nutritional labeling, determination of compliance with the stipulated standard . This study therefore provides data and information on the concentration of copper in fruits and vegetables sold in roadside markets situated in Umuahia metropolis. Therefore, 16 samples consisting of three fruits and a vegetable samples purchased from three roadside markets in Umuahia metropolis and a control from a mall also in Umuahia metropolis were analyzed for the concentration copper in them using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Results gotten indicated that the control had the lowest concentration of O.0004±O.00032(PPM),the concentration of copper in samples from the three roadside markets. Ahaeke, Isigate and U bakala gaveO.0021±O.0017,O.0012±O.00025,O.0062±O.00032(PPM) respectively that roadsides are major sources of contamination of these edible items. The results further indicated that the fruits and vegetables collected from the chosen markets have copper concentration within the safe limits prescribed by WHO/FAO(4OPPM) . The study will bring awareness to consumers of these items about what they are taking and the health implication .Taking necessary precautions towards proper care of their fruits and vegetables before consumption. This will indeed be a good way of reducing substantial quantity of contaminants from getting to the human body thereby avoiding health problems, with its attendant positive economic implications.