ABSTRACT
Fresh samples were used for
moisture content analysis. Standard methods were used to determine in
triplicate the proximate, macro minerals, phytochemical and heavy metal levels.
Proximate composition of samples revealed that moisture content for all the
samples studied was appreciably high and ranged from51.09±0.57% to 92.32±0.06%.
Talinum triangulare in Orie-Ugba sample recorded the highest (92.32±0.06%)
while Gnetum africanum in Ubani market recorded the lowest (51.09±0.57%). Ash
content for the samples was between 1.14±0.07% and 6.53±0.28% with Pterocarpus
soyanxii in Ubani market recording the highest while Telfairia occidentalis in
Orie-Ugba market gave the least. Crude protein values ranged from 9.24±0.04% in
Gnetum africanum in Orie-Ugba market to 24.48±0.02% in Telfairia occidentalis
also in Orie-Ugba market. However, crude fibre content was maximum in
Pterocarpus soyanxii (12.25±0.06%) obtained from Ubani market and minimum in
Talinum triangulare (3.54±0.19%) obtained from Ubani market. A low (< 9%)
crude lipid composition was observed in the vegetable leaves obtained from the
two markets. For carbohydrate content, values ranged from, 56.24±0.23% to
74.69±0.37% with Talinum triangulare in Orie-Ugba market recording the highest
and Vernonia amygdalina also in Orie-Ugba market recording the lowest. The
result for calorific values ofthe vegetables revealed that Talinum triangulare
from Orie-Ugba market had the highest value (425.95 kcal) although all the
other samples also showed a high percentage of energy content. The
phytochemical screening results showed amounts of alkaloids (0.63±0.02% -
5.13±0.01%), saponins (1.30±0.02% - 9.13±0.06%), flavonoids (2.51±0.01% to
7.79±0.03%), tannins (0.05±0.01% - 0.14±0.01%) and phenols (0.05±0.00% -
0.26±0.00%) in all the leafy vegetables. The macro mineral analysis showed the
leafy vegetables in both markets contain amounts of calcium (0.05±0.00% -
0.26±0.00%), magnesium (0.06±0.00% to 0.55±0.00%), potassium (2.40±0.00% -
10.33±0.00%), sodium (0.29±0.00% - 0.92±0.00%) and phosphorus (2.70±0.00% -
9.40±0.00%). No mercury was detected in any ofthe leafy vegetables from the two
markets while lead, arsenic and chromium levels were below the FAO/WHO limits.
Mean cadmium concentrations in Telfairia occidentalis, Gnetum africanum,
Pterocarpus soyanxii in Orie-Ugba market and Gnetum africanum, Pterocarpus
soyanxii in Ubani market were either above or equal to the limit.
CHIMERE, C (2023). Comparative Assessment of Proximate, Macro Mineral, Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Contents of Leafy Vegetables Sourced from Two Major Markets in Umuahia: - Ezekwe, Chimere. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Sep 08, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/comparative-assessment-of-proximate-macro-mineral-phytochemical-and-heavy-metal-contents-of-leafy-vegetables-sourced-from-two-major-markets-in-umuahia-ezekwe-chimere-7-2
CHIMERE, CHIMERE. "Comparative Assessment of Proximate, Macro Mineral, Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Contents of Leafy Vegetables Sourced from Two Major Markets in Umuahia: - Ezekwe, Chimere" Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 21 Nov. 2023, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/comparative-assessment-of-proximate-macro-mineral-phytochemical-and-heavy-metal-contents-of-leafy-vegetables-sourced-from-two-major-markets-in-umuahia-ezekwe-chimere-7-2. Accessed 08 Sep. 2024.
CHIMERE, CHIMERE. "Comparative Assessment of Proximate, Macro Mineral, Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Contents of Leafy Vegetables Sourced from Two Major Markets in Umuahia: - Ezekwe, Chimere". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 21 Nov. 2023. Web. 08 Sep. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/comparative-assessment-of-proximate-macro-mineral-phytochemical-and-heavy-metal-contents-of-leafy-vegetables-sourced-from-two-major-markets-in-umuahia-ezekwe-chimere-7-2 >.
CHIMERE, CHIMERE. "Comparative Assessment of Proximate, Macro Mineral, Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Contents of Leafy Vegetables Sourced from Two Major Markets in Umuahia: - Ezekwe, Chimere" Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2023). Accessed 08 Sep. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/comparative-assessment-of-proximate-macro-mineral-phytochemical-and-heavy-metal-contents-of-leafy-vegetables-sourced-from-two-major-markets-in-umuahia-ezekwe-chimere-7-2