The risk of exposure to the population from heavy metals in an area that have witnessed a surge in illegal mining activities, cattle rustling and banditry were evaluated in the current study. Lettuce leaves sample from Gadirge village, Jibia local Government area, Katsina State, Nigeria was evaluated for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The health risks of the evaluated heavy metals in the sample to the population were assessed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Health Risk Index (HRI)) to assess the possible non-carcinogenic effect and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for the cancer risks. The result of the mean concentration values of the evaluated heavy metals Fe and Pb from the sample falls above the Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC) of heavy metals in leafy vegetables. The concentrations of the other metals including Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cd evaluated in the sample were within the permissible values. The result of the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) associated with the evaluated heavy metals exposure through consumption of the sample for adults and children were all lower than 1, with exception of the THQ for the heavy metals Fe and Mn in the adults and children population that was above 1. The combined health risks for all the metals in the sample for the adults and children population represented as the HRI were higher than 1, the result of the Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both the adult and children population has revealed that the heavy metal Ni was beyond the threshold of the safety limit for cancer risk. There is a health risk concern from consumption of the sample as the vegetable may contribute to the disease burden of the population.

The health risk to the population from exposure to heavy metals in an area that have witnessed a surge in illegal mining activities, cattle rustling and banditry were evaluated in the current study. Sorel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) leaves sample from Gadirge village, Jibia local Government area, Katsina State, Nigeria was evaluated for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The health risks of the evaluated heavy metals in the sample to the population were assessed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Health Risk Index (HRI)) to assess the possible non-carcinogenic effect and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for the cancer risks. The result of the mean concentration values of the evaluated heavy metals Fe, and Pb from the sample falls above the Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC) of heavy metals in leafy vegetables. The concentrations of the other metals including Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cd evaluated in the sample were within the permissible values The result of the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) associated with the evaluated heavy metals exposure through consumption of the sample for adults and children all were below 1, with exception of the THQ for the heavy metal Fe in the adults and children population and for Mn in the children population that were above 1. The combined health risks for all the metals in the sample for the adults and children population represented as the HRI were above 1, the result of the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both the adult and children population shows that the heavy metal Ni is beyond the threshold of the safety limit for cancer risk. There is a health risk concern from consumption of the vegetable sample as it may add to the disease burden of the population.

The health risk to the population from exposure to heavy metals in an area that have witnessed a surge in illegal mining activities, cattle rustling and banditry were evaluated in the current study. Cabbage leaves sample from Makiya village, Jibia local Government area, Katsina State, Nigeria was evaluated for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The health risks of the evaluated heavy metals in the sample to the population were assessed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Health Risk Index (HRI)) to assess the possible non-carcinogenic effect and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for the cancer risks. The result of the mean concentration value of the evaluated heavy metal Pb from the sample falls above the Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC) of heavy metals in leafy vegetables. The concentrations of the other metals including Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cd evaluated in the sample were within the permissible values The result of the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) associated with the evaluated heavy metals exposure through consumption of the sample for adults and children were all below 1. The combined health risks for all the metals in the sample for the adults and children population represented as the HRI were below 1, the result of the Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both the adults and children population shows that all the heavy metals have ILCR that falls within the safety limit for cancer risk. Because of the above permissible Pb concentration in the analysed cabbage leaves sample, it can be deduced that the vegetable is not safe for consumption.

The health risk to the population from exposure to heavy metals in an area that have witnessed a surge in illegal mining activities, cattle rustling and banditry were evaluated in the current study. Moringa leaves sample from Jabiyawa village, Jibia local Government area, Katsina State, Nigeria was evaluated for the presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The health risks of the evaluated heavy metals in the sample to the population were assessed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Health Risk Index (HRI)) to assess the possible non-carcinogenic effect and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for the cancer risks. The result of the mean concentration values of the evaluated heavy metals Fe, Cu and Pb from the sample falls above the Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MAC) of heavy metals in leafy vegetables. The concentrations of the other metals including Zn, Ni, Mn and Cd evaluated in the sample were within the permissible values The results of the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) associated with the evaluated heavy metals exposure through consumption of the sample for adults and children were below 1, with exception of the THQ for the heavy metal Cu in the children population that was above 1. The combined health risks for all the metals in the sample for the adults and children population represented as the HRI were above 1. The result of the Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) for both the adults and children population shows that the heavy metal Ni is beyond the threshold of the safety limit for cancer risk. There is a health risk concern from consumption of the sample as the vegetable may contribute to the disease burden of the population.

This work contributes to the monitoring of heavy metal pollution of Agricultural soils, Katsina State Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The heavy metal contamination of the soil samples were analyzed based on the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The health risks of the evaluated heavy metals were estimated using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI)) to evaluate the possible non-carcinogenic effect and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for the cancer risk to the population. The results of the study had revealed that in the soil samples all the evaluated heavy metals lie within acceptable limits as set by the regulatory agencies. The evaluated soil samples pollution indices had revealed that the I-geo values for the soil samples were within the range of unpolluted to moderate pollution. Also, the heavy metal enrichment factor (EF) value for the soil samples have indicated that only the heavy metal Fe showed significant enrichment, with the soil samples being moderately contaminated with Fe. The pollution load index (PLI) also indicated unpolluted to moderate pollution. With the potential ecological risk index (PERI) values presenting low ecological risks. The calculated non-cancer risk indices in both the children and adults population for all the heavy metals were less than 1. With the exception of the ILCR for the heavy metal Pb in children from Daura zone that was in limits that environmental and regulatory agencies considered as unacceptable risk, risk values for all the heavy metals falls within the range of the threshold of the safe limit and limits regarded as safe by the regulatory agencies (10-7 to 10-4). The results of pollution indices have indicated that the Agricultural soil samples have low contamination and low health risks by the heavy metals evaluated.

This research was carried out to assess how poisonous are Nickel and Arsenic as heavy metals contaminated around Kankara and Dutsinma Kaolin mining sites. Nine (09) samples were collected randomly from the mining sites for the study. The analysis of such elements was done using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence {EDXRF} at Central Laboratory, Umaru Musa Yar-adua Universitty, Katsina, and The health hazards were evaluated using numerous Statistical and USEPA models. The result obtained was used to calculate the risk assessment of Nickel and Arsenic in the body via inhalation, ingestion, and body contact. In which the most associated environmental and health risk of priority have Their average concentrations as 20.02, 12.59, 54.03, 1344.4, 21.94, 140.00, and NA which is not identified element in the studied area. All results were below the USEPA threshold limit for non-carcinogenic risks of 1.0 indicating that the exposed population ages are unlikely to experience any adverse non-carcinogenic risks. The overall total excess lifetime cancer risk for heavy metals was 8.5555E-06 (a maximum of 9 people/1 million may be affected) for children and 7.5773E-05 (a maximum of 8 people /1 million may be affected) for adults. These values were within the USEPA threshold of 1E-04.

The amount of radiation dose received by patient undergoing Head computed tomography examination in General Amadi rimi orthopedics and specialist hospital, Katsina has been estimated. Computed tomography dose output was used to determine the effective dose and organ dose of non-contrast to the head region of 30 patients. The tube potential ranged from 127 kVp to 130 kVp, while the mAs ranged from 130 mAs to 140. The aims of this study are, first, to assess the mean effective doses received by patients undergoing Head CT examinations and compare them with other studies. Mean values of CTDIvol. was (43.1mGy), the mean DLP values was (1206 mGy.cm), the mean effective dose (HEDLP) value was (2.4 mSv). The result was compared with the European Union reference dose level and other published factor. HEDLP was slightly higher than the values reported from the literature for the united nation and European union report by 0.4 factor. It was concluded that patient organ doses could be substantially minimized, optimized and justified. The high variation in the doses in this study may be due to differences in imaging protocols such as large range of mAs and scan length and also algorithms of the scanner.

Local preservation of vegetables involves drying to enhance shelf life. The drying processes could, in turn, contaminate the vegetables with environmental heavy metals. Ingestion of foods contaminated with heavy metals may lead to an increase in the chances of incurring cancer and other health disorders in the consumer population. This study investigated heavy metals contaminations and health risks associated with the consumption vegetables from Turaji, Tsagero District, Rimi Local Government Katsina State, North west Nigeria. The vegetables were three samples of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) as fresh tomato, tomatoes sun-dried along tarred road side, and tomatoes air-dried on farmland soil; three samples of Capsicum annuum (sweet pepper) as fresh sweet pepper, sweet pepper sun-dried along tarred road side and sweet pepper air-dried on farmland soil. The samples were grinded, ashed and digested with HNO3 and HCl separately using standard methods. The heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Fe, Cr, Cd, Mn, Zn, and Pb) contents of the samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Daily intake, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks as well as hazard indices of the heavy metals were determined. Results of the study showed that the vegetables analyzed generally have low levels of the heavy metals, with Ni being below detection level (BDL) in all the samples. All of the detected heavy metals concentrations were below the maximum permissible limits as set by the regulatory agencies. The calculated target hazard quotient (THQ) Health risk indices (HRIs) of the evaluated heavy metals in all the samples were therefore, less than 1. The Incremental Life time Cancer Risk (ILCR) to the population from consumption of the samples lies within the safe limit (≤10-4). From the results, these vegetables are hence, safe for human consumption.

This work was carried out to evaluate the heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) pollution load and health risks to the population of some local fruit samples in Katsina state Nigeria. Results from this study have shown that except for the mean concentration of Pb (1.152-1.623) and Cd (0.053-0.092), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Fe (1.728-1.954), Mn (0.321-0.502) and Zn (0.263-0.967 ppm) in the samples were generally below the maximum allowable concentration for these metals. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient below 1(< 1) was recorded for all the evaluated heavy metals for the population, indicating a no non-carcinogenic adverse health effect on the population. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk for the heavy metal Cd was at the threshold risk limit (>10−4) in all the sampled fruits in adults, while Pb for adults and Pb and Cd for children were within the moderate risk limit (>10−3). The cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of the studied fruits was within the moderate risk level (>10−3) in adults and above the level (>10−2) in children. The results of the study have suggested that the intake of the local fruits in Katsina State is of public health concern as it may lead to an increase in the population cancer cases.

The pollution of water bodies with heavy metals can result into the possible contamination of freshwater fish. The levels of the heavy metals Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd were investigated in fish samples (Ameiurus nebulosus, Pylidictis olivaris, Tilapia zilli, Clarias gariepinus) collected from Kwanar-Are dam located at Rimi local government area Katsina State, Nigeria and the health risks of the evaluated heavy metals were estimated. The mean concentration ranges of Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn and Cd were (0.0851-0.4919, 0.3095-0.5039, 0.0366-0.0589, 0.1066-0.3015, 0.1048-0.1417, 0.0128-0.0686 mg/kg) respectively. The risk assessment for non-carcinogenic exposure effect showed that there was no health risk associated with these elements through consumption of the fish samples to the consumer population. However the risk assessment for carcinogenic exposure effect has revealed that the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and the cumulative lifetime cancer risks (∑ILCR) were all above the safe limit for cancer in the children and the adults population for all the fish samples evaluated. The heavy metal Ni presented the greatest cancer risk and the fish sample Clarias gariepinus having the highest cancer risk. There is a degree of concern for consumption of the fish samples for their potentials to contribute to the population cancer risk load.

The level of heavy metals in soybeans samples were evaluated to ascertain their likely health risks to the Katsina State populace. Atomic absorption spectrometry method was employed for the evaluation, while the three senatorial zones of the state were used for sampling. Using methods adapted from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the health risks to the population from the heavy metals in the samples were determined.  The results have revealed the mean concentration (mg/kg) in decreasing order of concentrations to be for Zn (range: 1.204-1.432), Pb (range: 0.658-0.998), Fe (range: 0.563-0.687), Cr (range: 0.128-0.151) and Cd (range: 0.041-0.046), with the concentrations of Mn and Ni below the level of detection. The computed non-carcinogenic health risks from consumption of the samples were below 1 (THQ and HI>1). The cancer risk to the population lies beyond the threshold limit with the heavy metal Pb being the major contributor to the violation. It may be presumed that the Soybean samples in the study may add to the cancer manifestations in the population.

The level of heavy metals in soybeans samples were evaluated to ascertain their likely health risks to the Katsina State populace. Atomic absorption spectrometry method was employed for the evaluation, while the three senatorial zones of the state were used for sampling. Using methods adapted from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the health risks to the population from the heavy metals in the samples were determined. The results have revealed the mean concentration (mg/kg) in decreasing order of concentrations to be for Zn (range: 1.204-1.432), Pb (range: 0.658-0.998), Fe (range: 0.563-0.687), Cr (range: 0.128-0.151) and Cd (range: 0.041-0.046), with the concentrations of Mn and Ni below the level of detection. The computed non-carcinogenic health risks from consumption of the samples were below 1 (THQ and HI>1). The cancer risk to the population lies beyond the threshold limit with the heavy metal Pb being the major contributor to the violation. It may be presumed that the Soybean samples in the study may add to the cancer manifestations in the population.

Over six million cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported globally by the second quarter of 2020. This study assessed the COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes, practices and misconceptions in Katsina state, Nigeria. The study is across-sectional survey of 722 respondents using an electronic questionnaire through the WhatsApp media platform. One thousand five hundred questionnaires were sent to the general public with a response rate of 48%. Among the respondents, 60% were men, and 56% held bachelor’s degree and above. The respondents have good knowledge of COVID-19 (80% correct rate on questions related to knowledge). Being more educated is associated with both higher average COVID-19 knowledge score and positive COVID-19 related practices. Overall, >70% of the respondents have a positive attitude towards successful COVID-19 control. Male were more likely than female (Fisher’s exact test P value < 0.05) to have recently attended a crowded place. Among the respondents, 83% held at least one misconception related to COVID-19. Respondents at all levels of education frequently chose to trust health unit and health care workers for relevant COVID-19 information. In conclusion, although there is high COVID-19 related knowledge among the respondents, misconceptions are widespread among them. These misconceptions have consequences on the short- and long-term control efforts against the disease and hence should be incorporated in targeted campaigns. Healthcare related personnel should be at the forefront of the campaign.

Vegetable fields in Katsina State are increasingly being loaded with heavy metals through various pollution sources such as agricultural activities mining and traffic. Onion bulb samples from the three senatorial zones that constitute to make up Katsina state in the North West of Nigeria were collected and the concentrations of seven heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn and Ni) in all the samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The health risk assessment methods developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) were employed to explore the potential health hazards of heavy metals in the samples on the children and adult population. The highest mean concentration (mg/kg) was observed for Fe, followed by Pb, Zn and Mn. While Cd has the lowest concentration with the heavy metals Cr and Ni being below detection level (BDL). Overall hazard index (Hi) for the heavy metals were within the safety limit. The overall cancer risk to the adults based on pseudo-total metal concentrations exceeded the target value, mainly contributed by Pb. Mn and Zn were the primary heavy metals posing non-cancer risks while Pb caused the greatest cancer risk. It was concluded that consumption of the onion samples from Katsina State may contribute to the population cancer burden.

The proximate and mineral analyses were conducted in the Department of Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, in May 2019. The study was carried out to determine the proximate and mineral composition of the fruit of Ficus polita using standard analytical methods. The fruit on dry weight basis (DW) contains moisture (9.12 %), ash (1.30 %), crude lipid (20.51 %), crude fibre (56.69 %), crude protein (1.19 %), available carbohydrates (11.40 %), and calorific value (234.98 Kcal/100 g). The fruit also contains potassium (324.46 mg/100 g), sodium (164.78 mg/100 g), calcium (91.09 mg/100 g), magnesium (70.06 mg/100 g), iron (3.39 mg/100 g), zinc (0.46 mg/100 g), manganese (0.37 mg/100 g), copper (0.23 mg/100 g), and cobalt (0.11 mg/100 g). The study revealed that F. polita fruit contains an appreciable amount of calorific value, crude fibre, crude lipid, available carbohydrate, and crude protein. The fruit was also found to be rich in minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The fruit should be recommended as a good source of energy, fibre, lipid, carbohydrate, protein, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in maize cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated maize in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards and asses the health risks to the local consumers. Samples of cultivated maize were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through the intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study have shown that with the exception of the heavy metal Pb the concentration values of Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have also indicated that the estimated daily intake of the heavy metals was lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all samples. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children.. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd, for all the samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the hazard index (HI < 1) with highest in the sample from Dabai and lowest in the sample from Funtua. In adults the ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) in all the studied samples, while the ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for the sample from Kafur which is above the limit (>10−2). In children ILCR for Cd in all samples and Pb for samples from Birchi, Katsina and Malunfashi has reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai, Funtua and Kafur is above the limit (>10−2). The trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied maize samples showed: Kafur> Dabai > Funtua> Malunfashi > Katsina. Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in adults of all the studied maize samples reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for sample from Kafur which is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). While the cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in children of all the studied maize samples is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2) except for sample from Katsina which is within the moderate risk limit (>10−3). Among all the studied samples maize sample from Kafur has the highest chances of cancer risks (ILCR 1.297980 × 10−2 in adults, 1.510018 × 10−2 in children) and sample from Katsina has the lowest chances of cancer risk (ILCR 1.68603093 × 10−3 in adults, 7.775840 × 10−3 in children). The study suggests that consumption of the studied maize samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Tomato fruits cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Tomato fruits in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated tomato fruits were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study has shown that with the exception of the mean values for the heavy metal Pb (1.171–1.21 mg/kg), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Zn (0.558- 1.851), Fe (0.880–1.181), Mn (0.458-0.671) and Cd (0.054-0.062) were below the WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all the samples. All the studied tomato fruits showed the risk level (HI < 1). Risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples were in the decreasing order Mn>Zn>Pb>Fe>Cd, for all the tomato fruits respectively. ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd violated the risk. The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed in decreasing order: Daura senatorial zone > Funtua senatorial zone> Katsina senatorial zone for both adult and children. Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied tomato fruits reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adults, while in children it is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). The study suggests that consumption of the studied tomato fruits in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Bioaccumulation of seven heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) in Amaranthus leaf cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the Amaranthus leaf were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient. The possibility of cancer risks in the Amaranthus (L.) leaf through the intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk. The target hazard quotient was (THQ)>1, indicating that the Amaranthus leaf cultivated may pose a non-carcinogenic risk for all the studied metals. Hazard index (HI) was low. The incremental cancer risk (ILCR) for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb in samples from Dabai, Daura, Funtua, Matazu and Zango and Cd for all samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Birchi, Dutsinma, Kafur, Katsina and Malunfashi are beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The study suggests that consumption of Amaranthus leaf cultivated in Katsina may contribute to the population cancer burden.

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in pepper fruits cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated pepper fruits in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of the pepper fruits were collected in the year 2017 from the selected area. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient. The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk. Results from this study has shown that with the exception of the mean values for the heavy metal Pb (1.200-1.333 mg/kg), the mean concentration range (mg/kg) values of Fe (0.901-0.967), Zn (0.899-0.911), Mn (0.250-0.287), Cd (0.053-0.0556) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. With the heavy metals Cr and Ni being below detection level (BDL) The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all the samples. Risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples were in the decreasing order Mn>Zn>Pb>Fe>Cd, for all the pepper fruits respectively. The sequence of risk was the same for both adults and children although the children had higher THQ values in all cases. ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd violated the risk. The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed in decreasing order: Funtua senatorial zone > Daura senatorial zone> Katsina senatorial zone for both adult and children. The Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied pepper fruits reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adults, while in children it is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). Among all the studied samples, pepper sample from Funtua senatorial zone has the highest chances of cancer risks (ILCR 6.863273 × 10−3 in adults; ILCR 1.715815 × 10−2 in children) and pepper sample from Katsina senatorial zone has the lowest chances of cancer risk (ILCR 6.260100 × 10−3 in adults; ILCR 1.565025 × 10−2 in children). The study suggests that consumption of the studied pepper fruits in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

Antinutritional factors are secondary metabolites synthesized in plants, which tend to antagonize nutrition either by causing toxicity or secondary nutritional deficiency of some important nutrients necessary for animal nutrition. Effect of heating regimes on the antinutritional contents of two varieties of rice and maize was determined; boiled for 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. The samples were sun-dried and levels of the antinutrients were determined using reported procedures. Rice (foreign): phytate – 8.92 ± 1.24, Oxalate – 3.15 ± 0.45, Tannins – 4.44 ± 0.89, For rice (Local): Phytate – 6.03 ± 1.07, Oxalate – 2.05 ± 0.26, Tannins – 2.49 ± 0.36, Maize (White): Phytate – 7.23 ± 0.26, Oxalate – 6.45 ± 1.13, Tannins – 4.66 ± 0.17 and Maize (Red): Phytate – 6.90 ± 0.71, Oxalate – 4.05 ± 0.45 and Tannins–8.58±0.13. Heating for 120 minutes decreases the levels of antinutrients to; Rice (Foreign): Phyate – 5.59. ± 0.16, Oxalate – 1.36 ± 0.19, Tannins – 1.57 ± 0.13, Rice (Local): Phytate – 0.29 ± 0.07, Oxalate – 0.33 ± 0.09, Tannins – 0.52 ± 0.31, Maize (White): Phyate – 3.00 ± 0.08, Oxalate – 1.37 ± 0.31, Tannins – 1.92 ± 0.09 and Maize (red): Phytate – 3.01 ± 0.08, Oxalate – 1.27 ± 0.60 and Tannins 3.19 ± 0.23. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance using SPSS 20. For the analysis, there was significant difference (P˂0.05) between rice and maize cereals, but no significant difference (P˂0.05) between both the cultivars of rice and maize. Similarly, there was significant difference (P˂0.05) in the effect of heating on the two cereals, but no significant difference (P˂0.05) in the effect of heat between the red and white maize as well as local and foreign rice. The results showed that decrease in the levels of antinutritional contents is proportional to the heating time in rice and maize samples.