DETERMINATION OF TOXIC METALS IN EDIBLE SALT DEPOSITS IN AWE AND KEANA AREAS OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

In Awe and Keana Areas of Nasarawa State in Nigeria are large deposits of edible salts mined for commercial and food purpose. Salt samples from Awe (AWS1 and S7) and Keana (KNS2 and KNS4), mudu salt form open market (CM1) and NAFDAC approved iodized salt (IDZ1) were comparatively analysed for their toxic metallic content using X-ray fluorescence method. Cd and Mn were not detectable in the entire samples; and where detected, levels were well below their NIS maximum limits. Cu concentration of the salts ranged from 0.08% to 0.17%. These values are below the 2.0% limit by NIS. Mg contents ranged from 1.19% (in K4) to 4.21% (in CM1). Percent magnesium of AWS1, CM1 and IDZ1 samples exceeded the 3.0% maximum limits of NIS.

Author

1Etonihu, A. C., 1Ocheme, E. S., 2Etonihu, J. C., 3Obumselu, F. O. And 4Nweze, N. O. 1Department of Chemistry, Nasarawa State University, Keffi 2Microbiology Unit, Govt. College, Keffi 3 Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe Universi