Abstract

HEAVY METAL TOXICITY OF ALLIUM SATIVUM USE IN THE COVID-19 ERA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO NIGERIAN STATES

Ngozi Amanda Onwuka*, Mmedara Iniemem Mkpong, Nkechi Jovita Onyeukwu, Adedoyin Adedayo Tologbonse

ABSTRACT

The widespread use of garlic against the corona virus infection in Nigeria and the paucity of data on its potential toxicity justify the need for this study. Therefore, the study was designed to analyze the presence of heavy metals and to perform a risk assessment in garlic samples obtained from select locations in two Nigerian states of Akwa Ibom and Enugu. Concentrations of five heavy metals–Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, and Nickel–in garlic samples obtained from nine towns in Akwa Ibom State and two towns in Enugu State were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer after acid digestion. Data obtained were used to evaluate Estimated Daily Intake of the heavy metals, Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index. The concentrations of Arsenic, Lead and Mercury were higher in garlic samples obtained from Akwa Ibom State, while concentrations of Cadmium and Nickel were higher in garlic samples obtained from Enugu State. There is potential risk from Arsenic and Cadmium exposure through garlic consumption in both states; and Nickel exposure through garlic consumption in Enugu state only. HazardIndex for Akwa Ibom and Enugu States were 5.71853 mg/kg and 6.41773 mg/kg respectively. Increased consumption of garlic poses a toxicological risk to human health.

Keywords: COVID-19; risk assessment; heavy metals; garlic, toxic.