QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE CONCENTRATION OF POTASSIUM BROMATE AND SOME SOME HEAVY METALS IN SELECTED BREAD SAMPLES PRODUCED WITHIN KADUNA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates the concentration of potassium bromate (KBrO₃) and selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni) in bread samples obtained from Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. Twenty samples were randomly collected from industrial and small-scale bakeries across four local government areas. Potassium bromate was analyzed using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, while heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Results showed potassium bromate concentrations ranging from 0.015 to 0.030 mg/kg (mean: 0.022 mg/kg), slightly exceeding WHO and US FDA limits (WHO, 2020). Lead (mean: 0.174 mg/kg) and nickel (mean: 0.146 mg/kg) exceeded permissible limits, while cadmium and chromium were within safe ranges. The findings indicate non compliance with food safety regulations, particularly among bakeries. small-scale Continuous consumption poses serious health risks including carcinogenicity and organ toxicity.