Physicochemical Properties, Heavy Metals and Aflatoxins Content of Crude Palm and Groundnut Oils Produced and Marketed in Benue State, Nigeria

The study aims at assessing the physicochemical properties, heavy metals, and aflatoxins content of crude palm groundnut oils produced sold in Adikpo, Wadata, Otukpa areas Benue state, Nigeria. Specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification peroxide moisture content, smoke point are properties evaluated. metals analyzed include; Lead, Nickel, Copper, Iron, Arsenic, Iron. Total were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Findings revealed that most from these deviated Food Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) standard range. A high amount Cadmium (0.89 mg/kg, 1.01 0.92 mg/kg) was detected local oil samples but lesser respectively, while Copper within FAO/WHO safe limits. arsenic region not as those higher than recommended maximum limit 0.1 mg/kg. Nickel 0.50 mg/kg permissible limit, Lead Aflatoxin range 9.05 ppm to 10.13 ppm, a 2.03 2.74 recorded oil. locally lower quality, suggesting refining should be adopted quality seeds used for extraction oils.