Assessment of trace metal contaminants and consumer preference in in tomato varieties produced in two mining communities of Nigeria.

Tomato varieties (Solanum lycopersicum L) produced in areas prominent for mining activities contribute more deposits of metal contaminants. In turn, affects the quality and value of the products. Highlighting the level of metal contaminant in consumer's most preferred tomato variety is also necessary for health and well-being. This study specifically aimed to investigate, i) the variability between 6 metal contaminants in UTC, Yowlings, Derica tomatoes; ii) we also explored relationship between the metal contaminants and tomato quality, and lastly, we ascertained which socio-economic factor specifically determined preference for a particular variety of the tomatoes. The metal contaminants examined and found present using ICP-OES were nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). We found a good agreement between most of the analyte and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Certified Reference Material 1573a (CRM 1573a) values. Although this study's recovery for the analyte was between 83.22 to 111.00%, we also found contrary to our prediction that Cr, Ni, Cd concentrations were higher in Derica, UTC and the Yowlings varieties during the rainy season. A two-way ANOVA between tomatoes and planting seasons was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) in contrast to the mixed model (GLMMs) analysis that indicated a significant (P < 0.05) relationship between lycopene concentration, size of tomatoes and concentration of metals screened. We also found using a principle component analyses (PCA) and correlation matrix that the concentration of Pb in the tomato varieties was significantly related to the As level. Despite As and Cr concentrations being higher in Derica tomato variety, most farmers, retailers and market consumers preferred it. Suggesting that even a preferred variety of tomato such as the Derica could contain metal contaminants that could be harmful to human health. Thus, the need to monitor the production procedures involved prior to supplying of the Derica tomatoes to the market.