Heavy Metal Contamination in Telfairia occidentalis (Pumpkin Leaves) Cultivated on Waste-Dump Soils in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abstract

Disposal of solid waste poses serious risks to human health and degrades the environment. The objective of this research was to ascertain the concentration of heavy metals in the pumpkin leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) gathered from certain dumpsites in the Port Harcourt Metropolis, namely the Trans Amadi Dumpsite, the East West Dumpsite, the Eastern By-Pass Dumpsite, and the Rukpokwu Dumpsite. Analytical methods for heavy metals were developed utilizing a Perkin-Elmer type 403 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that the amounts of lead (6.88 mg/kg), iron (4891.41 mg/kg), valence (71.71 mg/kg), copper (95.23 mg/kg), zinc (15.0 mg/kg), and manganese (95.23 mg/kg) in the Telfairia occidentalis (Pumpkin Leaves) obtained from the dumpsites exceeded the maximum allowable levels (MAL) for lead (0.3 mg/kg), iron (1000 mg/kg), valence (0.03), copper (40 mg/kg), zinc (50 mg/kg), and manganese (30 mg/kg). The residents of Port Harcourt need to be informed about the risks of eating vegetables produced near the dumpsite so they may avoid eating these products in the future. The farmers who are now cultivating edible crops in the area should be strongly urged to switch to alternative crops that may both provide income and help restore the soil. Additionally, the dumpsite approach should be used.