This study aimed at determining the levels of heavy metals; cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in whole cabbage and sections (outer, mid and inner) and soil samples from different farmlands (Obuasi and KNUST [Brunei and Agric]) using standard methods of digestion and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The level of Cd in the soil from Brunei was significantly higher (0.055 mg/kg ±0.002) compared to the samples from Agric (0.013 mg/kg ± 0.000) and Obuasi (0.015 mg/kg ± 0.0003). Soil sample from Obuasi had a significantly lower level of Pb (0.025mg/kg ± 0.024) compared to the samples from Brunei (0.039 mg/kg ± 0.0003) and Agric (0.034 ± 0.0003). In the whole cabbage, the levels of cadmium in the sample from Brunei (0.041mg/kg ± 0.004) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the samples obtained from Agric (0.023 mg/kg ± 0.003) and Obuasi (0.024 mg/kg ± 0.001). Cadmium levels were generally more concentrated in the inner and mid-sections of all samples obtained. The level of Pb and Hg were also generally higher in the mid and outer sections of the samples. It is concluded that the heavy metals were also more concentrated in the mid-sections while the inner section had relatively the least levels of these metals. It can be suggested that the inner whitish bulb of cabbage has least concentration of heavy metals analysed.
