Assessment of Heavy Metals and Mycotoxins in Pepper (Capsicum chinense) and Date Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) Sold Along Traffic Congested Areas in Ilorin

Abstract

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) and date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) are widely consumed for their flavour-enhancing properties and nutritional benefits. However, their potential contamination with heavy metals and mycotoxins due to environmental exposure raises safety concerns. This study evaluated the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) in eight pepper and date fruit samples collected from traffic-congested areas in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. The samples were digested using wet acid digestion and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Aflatoxin contamination in exposed pepper (EP), exposed date (ED) and refrigerated pepper (RP), and refrigerated date (RD) samples was extracted using standard methods and determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that Pb concentrations in pepper and date fruits ranged from 13.4–36.4 mg/kg and 8.5–42.8 mg/kg, respectively, while Cd levels varied from 2.3–21.0 mg/kg in pepper and 3.2–35.8 mg/kg in date fruits. As concentrations ranged from 0.5–22.6 mg/kg in pepper and 1.1– 18.9 mg/kg in date fruits, whereas Cr levels were between 9.1–53.5 mg/kg and 16.9–45.9 mg/kg, respectively. While some values exceeded FAO/WHO limits, others remained within permissible levels. Aflatoxin analysis detected no aflatoxins in date samples, while aflatoxin G2 (1.093 ng/g) was found in EP within EU regulatory limits (10.0 ng/g). Fungal analysis identified Fusarium oxysporum as the dominant contaminant of 5 %. These findings highlight potential health risks associated with metal contamination and the presence of fungi in the samples, underscoring the need for regular monitoring and stringent food safety regulations to protect consumer health and ensure compliance with international standards.