| Popis: |
This study sought to determine the influence of commercial milling machines on metal contamination of locally produced groundnut paste, and the potential risk associated with consumption. A total of 30 composite groundnut samples were collected from 9 markets within the Kumasi Metropolis and 1 nearby district market. Metal content was determined with X-ray Florescence Technique, which allowed scanning for 25 elements from Sulphur to uranium as stated on the ThermoFisher Scientific website [45] . The samples contained essential elements; Molybdenum, Zinc, Iron, Calcium and Potassium with mean concentrations of 4.64±0.58 mg/kg, 25.24±1.94 mg/kg, 486.44±333.42 mg/kg, 2023.26±485.98 mg/kg and 22,867.25±5309.73 mg/kg respectively, and non-essential elements; Niobium, Zirconium, Strontium, Titanium and Rubidium with mean concentrations of 3.36±0.66 mg/kg, 3.30±0.46 mg/kg, 6.01±1.19 mg/kg, 64.27±18.04 mg/kg and 6.71±1.24 mg/kg respectively. When compared to control samples processed using porcelain pestle and mortar, results suggest an increase in metal concentration due to the milling process. Health risk assessment indicated no likely health hazard. Metals such as Chromium, Nickel, Cadmium and Lead were not detected. |
