Assessment of Contamination Levels and Estimation of Dietary Intake of Heavy Metals from Selected Imported Fruits and Vegetables in Ghana

Author

Eric Dzimado

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Silva, Juan L.

Committee Member

Matta, Frank B.

Committee Member

Schilling, M. Wes

Date of Degree

5-7-2016

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Food Science and Technology

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Abstract

Levels and dietary intake of heavy metals were assessed and evaluated in thirty two samples of fruit and vegetables collected from supermarkets in Accra, Ghana using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Differences (p <= 0.05) existed in Pb, Cd and Ni concentrations across the commodities collected. Levels of Pb, Cd and Cr exceeded safe limits established by FAO and EU. Washing reduced Cr in cabbage by 59% (p <= 0.05) but only reduced Pb in grapes by 12% (p ˃ 0.05). Estimated daily and weekly intake through fruit and vegetable consumption were below provitional tolerable dietary intake established by the FAO. Although estimated dietary intake obtained in this study were below the maximum established limits, increased comsumption of these fruit and vegetables may bring about adverse health implications for the exposed population.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/19277

Recommended Citation

Dzimado, Eric, "Assessment of Contamination Levels and Estimation of Dietary Intake of Heavy Metals from Selected Imported Fruits and Vegetables in Ghana" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 773.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/773