ISSN 2348-313X (Print) International Journal of Life Sciences Research ISSN 2348-3148 (online) Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp: (67-70), Month: January - March 2021, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
DETERMINATION OF LEAD AND CADMIUM IN HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA (CALYXES, SEEDS, AND LEAVES), GROWN IN JAMAICA’S MINED BAUXITE RICH SOIL D. A. Chambers1, P. A. Gyles1 1
Department of Biology and Chemistry, Northern Caribbean University, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica W.I.
Correspondence to: P. A. Gyles, Dean of Graduate Studies Northern Caribbean University, Manchester, Jamaica WI, Tel: 8769637149; E-mail: pgyles@ncu.edu.jm
Abstract: Presence of lead and cadmium in sorrel have been reported in other parts of the world. This study sought to explore presence as applicable to local grown and consumption of traditional red variety as samples were grown in mined bauxite rich soils reported to have these cumulative toxins. Seeds had higher concentrations of cadmium; leaves had higher concentrations of lead. All samples had trace amounts of lead and cadmium. While the heavy metals reported in earlier studies (iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper) could enhance human health, the potential toxicological effect of lead and cadmium present in known consumable portions of plant recommend moderate consumptions, modern methods to grow void of these toxins, or possible isolation of nutraceutic compounds to gain maximum health benefits. Cyanidin and delphinidin for example were reported to inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor in cancer cells, both of which were reported present in sorrel calyxes. Sorrel calyxes and leaves extracts were reported effective against cancers. The presence of these anthocyanins and their reported effect on cancerous cells underscores the plants nutraceutic potentials, whilst presence of lead and cadmium urge caution. Keywords: Sorrel, Nutraceutical, Extract, Heavy Metals, Anthocyanins.
1. INTRODUCTION Presence of lead and cadmium in sorrel have been reported in other parts of the world 1; however, this study sought to explore presence as applicable to local grown and consumption. Sorrel plants used in study were cultivated in the parish of Manchester, Jamaica, mined for bauxite over several years 2. The presence of cadmium and lead in sorrel extracts was indicative of bauxite mining zone3, and of such, the potential toxicological effects of these elements were of concern in this known nutraceutical plant. In other studies, ―significant correlations were found between soil and agricultural produce concentrations for cadmium and lead in Jamaica (r2 ≥ 0.5)‖4, which raised concern on rate and quantity of consumption once grown in bauxite rich soil, or method of growing this nutraceutical plant void of lead and cadmium. Soil test prior to planting may be warranted, or isolation of nutraceutic compounds for maximum health potential. Per the World Health Organization, (WHO), ―cadmium levels in fruit, meat and vegetables are usually below 10µg/kg‖5, or 0.01ppm. The main consumable portions the calyx reported an average of 5.16µg/L or 0.00516ppm in this study. There is no identified safe blood lead level; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that doctors begin monitoring children who have a blood lead level measured as 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or
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