Research Article Open Access

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF SOME SELECTED NIGERIAN AND IMPORTED ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

Abstract

Heavy metal contents in selected imported and Nigerian beers were investigated. In addition samples from locally produced gin called “ufofop” and 2 commercially marketed gin were also analysed for heavy metal contents. Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer method as contained in AOAC was used for all determinations. The gin ‘ufofop’ was found to contain Cu (3.1625 to 6.212), Zn (0.325 to 5.000), Iron (6.000 to 28.500), pb (3.000 to 6.75) and Al. (0.220 to 0.715) mg.L. Apart from Zinc all other samples of ´ufofop’ contained heavy metal in excess. The metals were traced largely to the use of galvanized metal drums which have generally replaced traditional clay and wooden vessels in many countries. The health hazard of such heavy metals is worrisome. The results obtained from the imported and Nigerian beers as well as the two commercial gins were within recommended limits indicating their suitability for consumption as far as heavy metal is concerned.

H. I. J. UDOTA AND S.J. UMOUDOFIA

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