Distribution, Characterization and Health Risk Assessment of Manganese in Vegetables and Root Tubers from Gokana, Rivers State, Nigeria

Food safety and toxic metals accumulation in agricultural soil and food crops grown on such soils are major concern globally as a result of their significant health risks. This study was designed to evaluate the Manganese (Mn) level in vegetables, root tubers and agricultural soils in six communities in Gokana, Rivers State, Nigeria. Mn transfer from soil-to-plant, average daily intake, and human health risk were also calculated. The level of Mn in vegetables and root tubers ranged between 2.19±0.23 – 28.4±1.27 mg/kg and 8.11±0.99 – 56.4±2.12 mg/kg, respectively. While Mn in vegetables and root tubers associated soils ranged between 27.1±1.18 - 88.4±1.77 mg/kg and 33.4±1.84 - 92.3±1.39 mg/kg, respectively across the various study sites. The higher bio-concentration factor (BCF) was obtained for cassava from B-Dere, Gbe and Bodo City. About 55.2% of THQ calculated were > 1. In this study, the daily intake of Mn via the consumption of vegetables and root tubers are more likely to pose severe health risks to the exposed population in Gokana and children are more susceptible to Mn toxicity than adults.