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Physicochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Trace Metals in Some Locally Prepared Herbal Decoctions sold in Yenagoa, Nigeria
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UPLOADED BY-ADMIN, G.O ALADE, E. N. VAIKOSEN , B.U EBESHI
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| Abstract:
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The use of herbal products in Yenagoa and the rate of their increasing promotion on mass media is also alarming. Their
safety is not really clearly understood.The physiochemical properties and heavy metal contaminants (Pb, Cd, Co, Zn and Fe)
in four (4) decoctions marketed by hawkers in Yenagoa and its environs in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria were
investigated. Heavy metals were determined using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). All the decoctions were
acidic and pH values ranged between 6.18 ± 0.004 and 6.96 ± 0.071. The total solids are between 1.96 ± 0.011 and 4.35 ±
0.045 % w/v .The level of Cd were below detection limit (BDL) in all decoctions. Pb and Co were only detected in samples
4 and 1 respectively. The concentrations of Pb and Co were 60.669 ± 1.893 µg/mL and 0.015± 0.001 µg/mL respectively.
The daily consumption of Pb and Co is equivalent to 18200.7µg/day and 4.5 µg/day respectively as prescribed by hawkers.
The Pb content significantly exceeded the WHO acceptable daily intake of 200 – 250 µg/day for an adult. The concentration
of zinc in decoctions ranged from BDL -1.578 ± 0.002 µg/mL and is detected only in sample 4, while Fe content ranged
from BDL – 7.183 ± 0.051 µg/m. Their daily equivalents as prescribed were below the maximum permissible levels
acceptable to FAO/WHO and UK dietary regulatory limits.
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| Keyword:
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Decoctions, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), hawkers, heavy metals
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| DOI:
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