Evaluation of Some Toxic Heavy Metals in Rice and Beans Samples Cultivated in Yobe State, Nigeria

Grains have become an integral part of the human diet due to their nutritional values, thus any form contamination especially by heavy metals is great concern. This research evaluated level Cadmium, Chromium, Lead and Mercury in commonly consumed foods (Rice Beans) across Yobe State, North-eastern Nigeria. A composite sample from each three Senatorial Zones was collected farm harvests designed as ZAR, ZAB, ZBR, ZBB, ZCR ZCB for Zone Rice, Beans, B C Rice Beans respectively. The metal Concentration determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Results mg/Kg local governments indicates respective ranges Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr 0.30 - 4.04, 0.16 0.92, 0.03 0.05 0.02- 0.52 0.14-3.73, 0.05-0.33, 0.05-0.07 0.00-0.14 beans. Comparison results showed that with exception mercury, all are within tolerable set International Standard Tolerable Limits European Regulatory Standard. Potential hazards may be speculated because detected levels on higher side ranges. mercury samples might associated reported cases chronic kidney diseases those areas.