Determination of potassium bromade in bread samples from Gashua and Nguru communities of Yobe state, Nigeria

This study was aimed at determining the level of potassium bromate in some selected bread samples consumed in Gashua and Nguru areas council of Yobe State-Nigeria, with the view of ascertaining the level of dietary exposure of consumers of bread in Gashua and Nguru to the risk of Potassium bromate. Breads was collected from fourteen (14) different bakeries in Two local government (Nguru and Bade local government area): Bread samples were bought directly from the bakeries in the selected areas of Gashua (Bade) and Nguru local government area) of Yobe State. Sample collection and preparations were conducted using standard procedures. Studies were conducted between the period of three months (October, December and March). Bread sample from study areas were collected and the levels of potassium bromate (KBrO3) was determined. The results of potassium bromate in bread samples obtained in this study were 12.16 μg/g and 0.0001μg/g for highest and the lowest level of KBrO3 found in bread samples consumed in Nguru and Gashua town. The potassium bromate levels in the bread samples were determined using a spectrophotometer at 620 nm. The concentration was calculated from the linear regression curve obtained from the standard solutions of Potassium bromate. The overall Results of the studies for the three months showed that potassium bromate was detected in all the months and was highest among samples collected in Gashua having 0.75±1.76 mg/g and Nguru 0.66 ±1.98 mg/g. For the three month not detected the highest value was found in Gashua with -0.23 ±0.41 mg/g, while the least value is found in Nguru -0.33 ±0.41 mg/g. The mean and standard deviation showed the following values in Nguru 3.01 ±3.41 mg/g and 2.47 ± 2.54 mg/g in Gashua for the first month and 0.00 ±0.00 mg/g for both Nguru and Gashua for the third month. The quality of bread in Gashua and Nguru local government area of Yobe state have not been monitored, thus there is no information concerning the level of potassium bromate in this area, since there is high rate of consumption of bread. Routine monitoring of potassium Bromate in these study areas is necessary for the prevention, and control of the intake, so as to minimize health risks.