Assessment of lead concentration in cocoyam (colacasia esculenta) harvested in Lubigi Wetland Kampala District

Abstract

Heavy metal concentration in colacasia esculenta was investigated in lubigi wetland in Kampala district and some from upland soils around Kampala region and near by market (Kalerwe). Samples of the plant (colacasia esculenta) were analysed for total Pb concentrations using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer(AAS). Excessive accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils may not only result in environmental contamination, but lead to elevated heavy metal uptake by crops, which may affect food quality and safety. The heavy metal concentrations in cocoyam were high in the yams got from the market due to different areas of origin where some were got from areas prone to Lead disposal and others from areas free from lead. The samples got from Lubigi wetland did not reflect any Lead available since the concentrations were ˂0.005 which is below the detectable levels. In the areas of Bwaise also lead samples indicated low levels of the metal since it was also ˂0.005 . These findings are indicative of potential health hazards faced by the indigenous population who feed on these crops. There is need to closely monitor the great danger posed by the bioaccumulation of these trace heavy metals on the health of the population animals and plants in the area.