Assessment of the Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Contamination of Date Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Abstract

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in food products represent a public health concern because of their persistence, bioaccumulation potential and adverse effects. This study assessed the contamination levels and potential health risks of selected PTEs in date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) obtained from a major market in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. A total of approximately 50 kg of date fruits was collected, prepared under standard laboratory conditions and analysed in triplicate (n = 3). The concentrations of chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and thallium (Tl) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean, and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate differences among the measured concentrations. The mean concentrations were 27.16 ± 1.63 mg/kg for Cr, 3.95 ± 1.03 mg/kg for Pb, 0.54 ± 0.14 mg/kg for As, 0.47 ± 0.21 mg/kg for Cd and 0.15 ± 0.13 mg/kg for Tl. Chromium had the highest concentration, whereas thallium had the lowest. The concentrations of the investigated PTEs differed significantly (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) were used for human health risk assessment. The THQ values for Cr, Pb, As, Cd and Tl were 15.09, 13.16, 3.00, 0.70 and 3.12, respectively. All metals except Cd had THQ values greater than 1, indicating potential non-carcinogenic health risks. The cumulative HI was 35.07, which exceeded the safety threshold of 1. Comparison with FAO/WHO permissible limits showed that all measured metals exceeded their corresponding reference limits for food commodities, suggesting considerable contamination. These findings indicate the need for routine monitoring and stricter quality control of date fruits marketed in the study area.