Heavy Metal Contaminants in Cereals Used for the Health Mix Preparation

Abstract

Metals and other elements are naturally present in food or can enter food as a result of human activities such as industrial and agricultural processes. Some metals which cause particular health effects to humans are: mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), tin (Sn) and arsenic (As). Heavy metals, in general, are non- biodegradable, have long biological half-lives and have the potential for accumulation in the different body organs leading to acute as well as chronic toxic effects. The key objective of this study was therefore to estimate the heavy metal content (As, Cd, Pb, and Hg) in cereal used for health mix preparation. A total of 6 cereal grains (Fried gram, Maize, Millet, Ragi, Rice and Wheat) was assayed for heavy metal content using the Perkin Elmer Optima, 5300 DV, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results indicated that the mean of heavy metals Arsenic and Mercury were below detection limit (BDL) in all cereal grains analyzed. Pb was found in maize at 0.04 ppm and Cd showed the highest range in Maize (0.038ppm), Millet (0.003 ppm), Ragi (0.003 ppm) and Rice (0.003 ppm). The obtained results declared that concentration of major studied metals were exceeding than the below detection limit as per standards. Hence, proper controls are essential to ensure the safety of ingredients used in health mix preparation.