Cobalt concentrations in the beverages samples
ranged between below detectable limits to 0.144 mg/L
(Table 4). The mean concentration of cobalt in the
samples was 0.059 mg/L. The highest concentration of
cobalt recorded for the samples was 0.144 mg/L. Cobalt
levels determined in the samples were below detectable
limits in 70 % of the samples. Cobalt is beneficial for
humans because it is a vital part of vitamin B12, which is
essential for human health. Cobalt is used to treat pregnant
women suffering from anemia, as it serves as a
catalyst which stimulates the production of red blood
cells. The uptake by plants growing on contaminated
soils accumulates very small particles especially in the
edible portions of the plant such as the fruits and the seeds. Uptake by humans through eating such contaminated
plants result in health effects such as vomiting
and nausea, vision problems, heart problems, and thyroid
damage.