Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metals Accumulation in Okra Grown in Waste Water and Deepwell Sites at Ibadan

Okra grown at two different production sites (wastewater and deep well irrigated sites) in Ibadan was analyzed for heavy metal contamination. Cr and Pb in both sites and  Mn in Iletitun were below detection limits in the water, but occurred at different concentration in the soil with Podo having several folds more in all heavy metals tested but the concentration was below the maximum permissible limit set by Great Britain. Okra planted in Podo site accumulate higher of concentrations heavy metals. Roots had higher concentration of Cr, Pb and Fe. Concentrations of essential elements (Zn, Mn and Cu) were higher in the root. Transfer factors (TF) of non essential element (Cr and Pb) were several times higher in Podo. Transfer factor for Cu and Zn were higher at Iletitun. Okra grown in polluted site accumulated heavy metals above both Indian and WHO/FAO recommended limits. There is a need to adopt technology that will reduce the uptake of heavy metals by the crop to reduce health risk.