[01] Augustine Adeleye Araromi, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. [02] Adefusisoye Adegalu Adebawore, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. [03] Olajide Ayodele, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. [04] Sade Elizabeth Adamolekun, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. [05] Mayowa Akeem Azeez, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. [06] Edward Olorunsola Olanipekun, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is one of the most important vegetable crops grown all over Nigeria. Tomato farming in developing countries is characterized by the indiscriminate application of pesticides and the resultant pollution of agricultural soil with heavy metals that form constituents of these pesticides. These heavy metals have long term toxicity to humans and other biotas in the ecosystem. This problem is exacerbated by a lack of monitoring to regulate the excessive use of chemicals during application. This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of some heavy metals and to compare the effect of washing on tomato samples purchased from two major markets in Ado-Ekiti. The concentrations of some heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cr, Co, Cd, Mn. Pb, Cu, and Ni) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results obtained showed the presence of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cr, Co, Cd, Mn. Pb, Cu, and Ni) in tomato samples and at different concentrations, with some above the WHO/FAO permissible limits. These results suggest that tomatoes from these locations should be washed thoroughly before it is being considered safe for consumption.

Tomato, Heavy Metals, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

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