A comparative study on the metal loads and related human health risks of toxic metals between the vegetables from Southern and Northern regions of Nigeria consumed in Akwa Ibom State

Vegetables are consumed in both the developing and developed countries of the world due to their high nutritive values, however they also contain some high levels of toxic substances including metals. This research examined the variations in toxic metal loads between the vegetables from the southern and northern parts of Nigeria consumed in Akwa Ibom State. This study also assessed the sources of these toxic metals in the studied vegetables from both regions of the country. The cancer and non-cancer health risks related to the consumption of these vegetables by the adults and children populations were investigated. The results showed higher levels of As, Cd, and Ni in vegetables from the North than in the South; the levels of Cr were higher in vegetables from the South, whereas the levels of Pb varied between the vegetables from both regions. The difference in the variations in toxic metal levels was significant at p < 0.05 for As and Ni. The study identified two major separate factors responsible for the accumulation of toxic metals in the studied vegetables from both regions. The results also revealed that the consumers of these vegetables were not exposed to serious cancer and non-cancer health risks however, were exposed to more Cd via the consumption of Solanum lycopersicum. It was also observed that the consumers were more expose to the carcinogens through the consumption of vegetables from the north and the children were more susceptible.