ABSTRACT
The present study assessed the human health risk of metals in selected drinks from Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria. Fifteen different brands of drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, herbal and non-herbal) were purchased from notable markets in Abeokuta between June and August, 2018. A total of sixty drink samples were analysed for metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Human health risks were assessed for cancer risk (CR) and non-carcinogenic indices of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Results showed acidic medium for most of the samples ranging from 3.12 ± 0.29 to 6.14 ± 0.17. The highest concentrations of Fe (5.53 ± 2.81 mg/L) and Mn (6.63 ± 8.33 mg/L) were found in Kunnu and Zobo, respectively. The HQ and HI values of Cu in bottled water indicated non-carcinogenic adverse effects, while the CR of Co in bottled water and bitters demonstrated carcinogenic effects. Regular monitoring of metals in drinks from the study area is recommended.
