ABSTRACT:The concentrations (mg/Kg) of Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in seven different vegetables which were obtained from sharada, kwakwachi and Jakara irrigation gardens in the Kano metropolis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Samples were collected during both dry and rainy seasons. The mean levels of metals obtained ranged widely from 0.34 mg/Kg Cr to 27.35 mg/Kg Fe. The relative abundance of metals in vegetables analyzed followed the sequence Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > Cr. Reductions of metal levels ranging from 8.25% Fe in onion to 45.19% Ni in Okra were recorded in rainy season samples over those of the dry season. @JASEM

ABSTRACT:Widespread and growing use of medicinal plants has created public health challenges in terms of quality, safety and effectiveness. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), concentrations of Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr and Pb, , were determined in samples of neem tree (Azadirachta indica) leaves obtained from Katsina, Dutsinma, Kankara and Funtua along Katsina -Dutsinma -Funtua highway in Katsina state of Nigeria. The mean level of the metals in the various locations along the highway varied between Ni (1.14mg/Kg and 1.92mg/Kg); Zn (2.48mg/Kg and 6.08mg/Kg);Mn (2.67mg/Kg and 4.72mg/Kg); Cu (1.91mg/Kg and 2.99mg/Kg); Cr (0.17mg/Kg and 0.37mg/Kg) and Pb (0.77mg/Kg and 2.25mg/Kg). Samples from Katsina indicated the highest levels of Zn, Ni and Pb while samples from Funtua indicated the highest levels of Cu and Cr. However, the levels of all metals obtained from the samples from various locations along the highway were below the WHO/FDA permissible levels of heavy metals in herbal plants. @JASEM

ABSTRACT:The levels of some heavy metals were determined in Funaria hygrometrica (moss plant) harvested from the streets of Dutsinma town of Katsina State of Nigeria using atomic absorption spectrometry. Over the years the town has witnessed influx of people from neighbouring villages, as a Local government headquarters. The mean level of the metals in the study area varied between Cd (0. -1 and 7.94µgg -1 ). The result shows relatively high levels for Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in the plant. This was attributed to the concentrations of motor vehicles and some industries that have increased in the town over time. Other heavy metals (Cd and Ni) were found in relatively smaller concentrations. The absorption of these metals was related to their concentrations in the atmosphere as a result of industrial and automobile emissions. @ JASEM