Trace Metal Levels in Raw and Heat Processed Nigerian Staple Foods from Oil- Producing Areas of Rivers and Bayelsa States

The levels of some trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd) were quantitatively determined in raw and heat processed staple food cultivars (yam, cassava, cocoyam and maize) from oil producing areas of part of the Niger Delta and compared with a non-oil producing area of Ebonyi State as control. The survey was conducted to evaluate the role of foods as exogenous source of these metals among the inhabitants. The data showed that metal levels in all the raw staple foods from oil producing areas were significantly higher at (p 0.05) than those from non-oil producing areas. However, lead levels of all the raw staple foods in all the studied areas were below detectable levels. Exceedingly higher levels of these metals characterized the raw staple food cultivars from oil producing areas than those from non-oil producing area and on heat treatment the levels were reduced. These high levels are indicative of extensive pollution in these areas understudied suggesting possible health risks in consumption of food cultivars from such areas.