Description
Estimation of the level of heavy metals and antinutrients in Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut) sold in Ikot Ekpene market.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of some heavy metals (Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and anti-nutrients in tiger nuts bought from Ikot Ekpene market. The results of the analysis for the heavy metal concentration were found to be 0.001? 0.000mg/kg, 0.001? 0.000mg/kg, 0.851? 0.020mg/kg, 0.674 ¬? 0.007mg/kg, 0.0220? 0.001mg/kg and 2.485? 0.001 mg/kg for Pb, As, Cr, Co, Cd and Cu respectively, while the anti-nutrient level revealed the concentration of HCN to be the highest (20.05? 0.60 mg/100g) followed by phytate (14.945? 0.078 mg/100g), tannins (9.572? 0.33 mg/100g) and oxalate (2.4905? 0.01mg/100g). The concentration of all the heavy metals and anti-nutrients were below the permissible limit recommended by WHO/FAO except for Co and Cd as well phytate and tannins levels. The high content of these two anti-nutrients indicate that on regular consumption may reduce the availability of nutrients in the body. Furthermore, the high-level Cobalt will be beneficial to the body being a major component of vitamin B12, while cadmium contents will pose some health challenges since it is toxic even at low concentrations. Therefore, the tiger nut sold in Ikot Ekpene market is contaminated with respect to some heavy metals and as such should not be eaten regularly.
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