Abstract:
Heavy metals were analyzed in soils, food crops and male scalp hair samples collected from two age
group subjects; adults (18 - 45 years) and old age (46 - 55 years) males from polluted and relatively less
polluted areas in Eldoret Municipality environs, Kenya. The samples used were collected from same sites as the
individuals who had stayed in the sampled regions for more than five years. The samples were digested using
acids and analyzed using Atomic Absorbtion Spectrometry (AAS). The results revealed that the consumption of
food crops grown on contaminated soils have significantly increased the concentrations of selected metals in the
human hair. Pd and Cd concentrations in soils and food crops showed elevated levels above the WHO
recommended limits. Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in male scalp
hair samples collected from polluted area as compared to control area. In conclusion, consumers in the study
area are exposed to high health risks associated with bioaccumulation of heavy metals through ingestion of
heavy metals resulting from contamination of food crops grown in the study area and should be sensitized on
the dangers of heavy metals on their health.
