Assessment of trace elements in soumbara seasoning from the Abidjan Market (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

This study aims to assess the level of contamination by trace elements (TMEs) in soumbara sold on markets (Abidjan Cty) to evaluate the risks of exposure for consumers. Seventy-five samples taken from the markets (Abobo market, Adjamé market, Cocody market, Treichville market, and Port-Bouët market) were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES) from Spectro Arcos (USA). The results showed the presence of lead, cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, nickel, and cobalt in the samples analysed. The average lead content varied from (0.012±0.011) mg/kg (in soumbara sold on the Adjamé market) to (0.015±0.014) mg/kg (in soumbara sold on the Cocody market). The cadmium content was (0.019±0.012) mg/kg in soumbara sold on the Adjamé market. In soumbara sold on the Port-Bouët market, the content was (0.015±0.012) mg/kg. The average manganese content in soumbara sold on the Treichville was (1.663±1.447) mg/kg. The average iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and nickel content exceeded the required General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed from Codex Alimentarius (CXS 193-1995), with the other trace elements present in trace amounts. However, the Risk Quotient (AHM/DHTP) for all the trace elements was less than 1. Consumption of soumbara sold in Abidjan markets would not present a health risk to consumers.