Determination of trace metals and phytochemical analysis of some selected vegetables grown within jos north and jos south local government area, jos, Plateau state, Nigeria

Abstract

Trace metals concentration and photochemical analysis were investigated in some selected vegetables grown in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State. The levels of trace metals were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The phytochemical properties were carried out using standard analytical procedures. The concentrations of trace metals were found to be higher in Brassica oleracea; Fe (4.04 ± 0.5mg/kg), Cu (4.45 ± 0.02 mg/kg) and Zn (1.57 ± 0.02 mg/kg). However, low metal concentrations were observed in Curcuma longa; Fe (2.99 ± 0.01 mg/kg), Cu (2.20 ± 0.02 mg/kg) and Zn (1.45 ± 0.03 mg/kg). Cadmium and Chromium were not detected in all the vegetable samples. Phytochemical screening of the methanolic extracts of the vegetables revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenols and terpenoids.