Comparison of Elemental Contents of Some Edible Plant Leaves in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The elemental contents of Ficus sycomorus, Celtis interifolia, Balanites eagyptiaca, Vitex doniana and Haemtostaphis barteri leaves were investigated from Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa state. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the elemental level in the plants. For essential elements, sodium was recorded highest in the plant investigated followed by potassium, magnesium and calcium. Zinc was observed highest in Ficus sycomorus followed by Haematostaphis barteri, Vitex doniana. Balanites eagyptisca and Celtis integrifolia. The concentration of copper was recorded highest in Vitex doniana. The levels of cadmium in the plants are in the order: Haematostaphis bareri > Balanites eagyptiaca > Vitex doniana > Ficus sycomorus > Celtis integrifolia. Lead was below the detectable limit of the analytical method used. The elemental compositions of the plants were within the recommended safety limit of WHO, except for cadmium which was slightly above the recommended level.