Current Volume 10
Assessment of Soil-To-Cassava Transfer of Trace Metals and Associated Dietary Health Risks from Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Consumption in Delta, Nigeria
Abstract
Trace metal contamination of agricultural soils poses a significant challenge to food safety, sustainable agriculture, and public health, directly impacting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). This study investigated the concentrations, soil-to-crop transfer behavior, and associated health risks of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) in agricultural soils and cassava (Manihot esculenta) cultivated across eighteen locations in Delta Central, Nigeria. Soil and cassava samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Pb in soils were 0.054, 0.525, 0.720, and 2.763 mg/kg, respectively, while corresponding concentrations in cassava were 0.140, 0.370, 0.170, and 1.724 mg/kg. Metal abundance followed the order Pb > Mn > Zn > Cu in soils and Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu in cassava. Soil-to-crop transfer factors indicated relatively higher uptake efficiency for Cu and ZN compared with Mn and Pb. Although measured concentrations were below international permissible limits, Pb levels were consistently elevated in both soils and cassava, resulting in higher exposure indices. The findings highlight the potential for chronic dietary exposure to Pb and underscore the need for continuous monitoring and improved soil management practices to safeguard food safety in the region.
Keywords
Trace Metals, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Health Risk, Pollution Index, Physicochemical, Niger Delta
Citations
IRE Journals:
Charles Chisom Mbonu, Ezekiel Agbalagba, Emmanuel G. Ndoma "Assessment of Soil-To-Cassava Transfer of Trace Metals and Associated Dietary Health Risks from Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Consumption in Delta, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 12 2026 Page 2603-2622 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719131
IEEE:
Charles Chisom Mbonu, Ezekiel Agbalagba, Emmanuel G. Ndoma
"Assessment of Soil-To-Cassava Transfer of Trace Metals and Associated Dietary Health Risks from Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Consumption in Delta, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(12) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719131
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
Important Links
For Authors
Volume 9:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 8:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 7:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 6:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 5:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 4:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 3:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12