Assessment and chemical analysis of macro elements, heavy metals, proximate compositions and pesticides contamination on rice cultivated from Kura LGA, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Six rice brands BG-213, Notore, Das, Kwandala, Jeep and Jamila brands were collected from various locations in Kura local government area of Kano, Nigeria. Rice brands were analyzed for proximate compositions, macro elements, heavy metals and pesticides using standard analytical techniques. Results of proximate compositions analyses indicate that the average mean value of moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, ash content and crude fiber in rice brands were; 10.27, 9.17 3.82, 1.93 and 0.34 % respectively. The average mean concentrations of macro elements (Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg)) are; 53.5 mg/kg and 46 mg/kg, while mean levels of Heavy Metals: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were; 11.87, 4.04, 0.06, 0.00, 0.044 and 0.00 mg/kg respectively. Pearson Correlation Coefficient analysis performed on rice brands using MATLAB student version VI software shows results of macro elements and heavy metals were at a significant level of p≥0.05. The GC/MS analysis of organochlorine pesticides in rice brands revealed that the level of pesticides was below the detection limit (BDL) this indicates that brands of rice obtained from the Kura local government area were safe and free from heavy metals and pesticides contamination could be attributed to restriction or regulation for compliance on the application and economy because most of these pesticides are very costly.