Babagana A., Abubakar B., Yakubu M., Zara M.B., Mustapha M., Aisha A.M., Aisha Z.A., Babagoni M., Saadatu Y.H. and Salisu I.
Department of Chemistry, Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s Email: babaganaali80@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100132
ABSTRACT
This preliminary cross-sectional field survey assessed lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in nine leafy vegetable samples collected from a garden in the same locality as, but not immediately adjacent to, Shokari abattoir, Jere LGA, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, on 26 May 2026. Samples comprised two varieties of Moringa oleifera (PKM 1 and PKM 2) and single lots each of spinach, mint, onion leaf, sorrel, cabbage, lettuce, and water leaf (full scientific names in Table 1), digested and analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) at RUWASSA Water Quality Control Laboratory. Cadmium and chromium were below the method detection limit (BDL) in all nine samples; lead was BDL in seven samples and quantifiable at 0.001 mg/L (digest basis) in cabbage and water leaf only. No measured value exceeded FAO/WHO (2024) permissible limits under an approximate, indicative fresh weight conversion. Supporting water-quality data from the same locality showed Pb and Cd within Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) limits. The study is limited by single-replicate sampling, undisclosed instrument detection limits, a digest-basis (mg/L) unit not directly equivalent to the regulatory mg/kg fresh-weight basis, and the absence of soil data. These findings represent a preliminary baseline only and should not be generalised without replicated, validated follow-up work.
KEYWORDS
Heavy metals,
Leafy
vegetables,
Abattoir,
Food safety
Flame AAS.