Proximate Analysis and Elemental Composition of Vigna membranacea Seeds

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the proximate composition and toxic metals composition of Vigna membranacea cultivated in Kano state, Nigeria. The results of proximate composition showed the presence of ash, protein, crude fibre, moisture, Lipid and carbohydrate. From the result obtained, carbohydrate was found to be the dominant nutrient in the seed, followed by ash content, then protein content, then moisture content, crude fibre and finally lipid. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of the following toxic elements: lead (Pb), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni) and Chromium (Cr) with Chromium been the highest while cobalt was found to be lowest. For the non-toxic elements, Zinc (Zn) was recorded to be the dominant element, followed by Calcium (Ca), then Manganese (Mn), then Potassium (K), then Magnesium (Mg), followed by Iron (Fe) with Copper (Cu) been the lowest. The results obtained from the present studies could be a source of valuable information and a guideline for food scientists, researchers and even the legume consumers not only in Nigeria but all over the world where this seed is found.

Keywords: Proximate analysis, Elemental analysis, Vigna membranacea and seeds.

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/91-07

Publication date:October 31^st 2019