Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Processed Tomato in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: Concentration, Dietary Intake and Exposure Assessment

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Abstract

In this study, the concentration, dietary intake and risk exposure associated with consumption of heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in canned tomato pastes in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, was evaluated. A total of 15 different brands of locally produced and imported canned tomato pastes were obtained and prepared using standard methods. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for quantifying HMs, while Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for quantifying PAHs. The results showed significant differences in concentration of HMs across the different brands. Also, only Pb was present at concentrations above its permissible limits and tolerable daily intake in two samples. For PAHs, 3-ring PAHs were predominant, low molecular weight PAHs were occurred at higher concentrations compared to high molecular weight PAHs, while benzo[a]pyrene exceeded its permissible limit in food. The estimated margin of exposure for indicator PAHs (i.e. BaP, PAH4 and PAH8) indicated potential risk to consumers in PAHs in 6 samples. Therefore, continuous monitoring and screening of both locally manufactured and imported processed tomato pastes is necessary from a public health perspective on food safety.

Keywords: Heavy Metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Tomato Paste, Margin of Exposure,

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