Assessment of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Tomatoes Processed with Locally Fabricated Milling Machine

Tajudeen Olalekan Popoola; Abdulkarim Baba  Rabiu; Hassan Kobe  Ibrahim; Muhammed  Sanusi; Uthman Olanrewaju  Ojodu; Fatai  Ambali; Muibat Adesola  Adeniran

doi:10.24191/jaeds.v6i1.173

Authors

Tajudeen Olalekan Popoola Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Abdulkarim Baba Rabiu Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Hassan Kobe Ibrahim Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Muhammed Sanusi Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Uthman Olanrewaju Ojodu Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Fatai Ambali Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Muibat Adesola Adeniran Department of of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/jaeds.v6i1.173

Keywords:

heavy metals, food safety, tomato milling, contamination, public health

Abstract

Tomatoes are a staple food in many diets worldwide, often processed using locally fabricated milling machines in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these machines may introduce metal contaminants into tomato products, posing health risks. This study assesses the levels of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, Mg, Ca, Mn,) in tomatoes milled with locally fabricated machines. Samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The analysis showed that the detected metals from Tomatoes sourced from South (TSS) are Fe, Mg and Ca with concentration that varies between 8.08 to 27.44 mg/kg, 112.81 to113.46 mg/kg, 0.66 to 0.75 mg/kg respectively. While for Tomatoes sourced from the North (TSN), the metals detected are Fe, Cu, Pb, Mg, and Ca with concentration varying from 7.56 to 29.28 mg/kg,11.65 to 11.84 mg/kg, 0.011 to 0.08 mg/kg, 140.62 to142.54 mg/kg, and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Result of the analysis revealed that some contaminants might have been introduced during the milling process. Both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk analysis revealed that adult and child exposure to risk is below minimal. The findings highlight the need for improved locally fabricated milling machine design and stricter food safety regulations to mitigate metal contamination.

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