Potential Toxic levels of Cyanide and Heavy Metals in Cassava Flour Sold in Selected Markets in Oke Ogun Community, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The present study assessed the potential toxic levels of Cyanide and heavy metals in cassava flour sold in selected township markets in Oke Ogun community. It aimed to determine the levels of Cyanide, Lead, Chromium and Arsenic, assess their health implications on the consumers as well as evaluation of allowable dietary concentrations according to WHO. Samples of finely ground fermented cassava flour were purchased from five (5) selected township markets (Igbeti, Kishi, Iseyin, Igboho and Shaki) using stratified sampling method. The sample were firstly digested appropriately and further analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Data collected were analyzed using statistical package. Results obtained ranged showed that Cyanides (0.010Mg/L − 0.018Mg/L), Lead (0.028Mg/L-0.053Mg/L], Arsenic (0.006Mg/L-0.012Mg/L), and Chromium (0.034Mg/L-0.065Mg/L) respectively. In conclusion, Cassava flour presently sold in Oke Ogun community markets were safe and suitable for human consumption without any dietary risk effects due to less concentration of these metals. It is therefore, recommended that cassava flour sold should be frequently monitored and evaluation on a regular basis.