Seasonal Variations in Trace Metals Contents of Some Vegetables Grown on Irrigated Farmlands along the Bank of River Benue within Makurdi Metropolis

The seasonal variation in trace metals contents of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin), Amaranthus hybridus (Spinach) and Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) were assessed in other to determine the impact of human activities at the river bank. The results of the study indicate mean level of zinc to range between (2.67-0.53) mgkg-1 Talfairia occidentalis, (0.65-0.27)mgkg-1 Amarantus hybridus and (0.24-0.44 mgkg-1 for the first season, while in the second season, a range of (0.65-0.2) mgkg-1, (4.21- 0.19) mgkg-1 and 0.03-0.34 mgkg-1 for T.occidentalis, A.  hybridus and A. esculentus was obtained respectively. The average levels of lead  for the two seasons was found to range between 0.08 - 0.26 mgkg-1 and 0.01- 0.16 mgkg-1 for T. occidentalis, 0.04-0.14 mgkg-1 and 0.11- 0.27 mgkg-1 for A. hybridus and 0.09 – 0.18 mgkg-1 and 0.06 – 0.17 mgkg-1 for A. esculentus. The level cadmium in T. occidentalis, A. hybridus and A. esculentus was found to range between 0.01 - 0.20 mgkg-1 and 0.02 - 0.13 mgkg-1,  0.04-0.11 mgkg-1 and 0.06 - 0.14 mgkg-1, and  0.7 - 0.17 mgkg-1 and 0.04 - 0.15 mgkg-1 for the first and second seasons  respectively. Copper levels were observed to be between 0.02- 0.10 mgkg-1 and 0.01- 0.07 mgkg-1 in T. occidentalis, A. hybridus, 0.02 - 0.07 mgkg-1 and 0.02 - 0.17 mgkg-1,  While   A. esculentus had 0.07 - 0.12 mgkg-1 and 0.08 - 0.26 mgkg-1 for first and second seasons respectively. Chromium levels in the three vegetables was found to be between results in T. occidentalis (0.06-0.14 mgkg-1 ),  A. hybridus (0.02-0.44 mgkg-1), A.  esculentus (0.2-0.40 mgkg-1) during the first season, while in the second dry season, Chromium content of the vegetable varied as followed, T. occidentalis (0.01-0.02mgKg-1), A. hybridus (0.03-0.07mgkg-1),  A. esculentus (0.01-04 mgkg-1). There was significant difference (p<0.05) in chromium content of the plants. The result of the study revealed that the three vegetables were not harshly contaminated; hence the values obtained were far below the permissible levels accepted by the WHO/FAO. The implication is that farming activities at the river bank have not impacted sternly on the surrounding environment. Keyword: Heavy Metals, Vegetables, Farms, irrigation, Makurdi,

Chemical Analysis of Prosopis Africana (Guill &Perr.) Seeds

The seeds of Prosopis africana (Guill. &amp; Perr.) were collected and analysed for proximate, anti-nutritional factors, elemental, oxide composition and amino acid profile using standard procedures to evaluate the seeds' nutritional potentials. The results of the proximate composition indicated the following: ash content (3.94%), moisture (8.56%), protein (32.27%), lipids (2.36%), crude fibre (6.75%), and carbohydrate (46.12 %). The results of anti-nutritional factors showed that Prosopis africana seed contained oxalate (0.27 mg/100g), saponin (10.5 mg/100g), alkaloid (7.5 mg/100g), and tannin (16.24 mg/100g). Amino acid profile of the seeds was found to contain; lysine (2.77 mg/100g), methionine (1.86 mg/100g), isoleucine (3.46 mg/100g), leucine (13.26 mg/100g), phenylalanine (4.82 mg/100g), valine (4.13 mg/100g) and non-essential amino acids; arginine (3.62 mg/100g), serine (2.81 mg/100g), aspartic acid (4.58 mg/100g) and glycine (7.12 mg/100g). Elemental composition of the seeds showed potassium (1.397 mg/Kg), calcium (0.405 mg/Kg), Sulphur (1.679 mg/Kg), zinc (0.008 mg/Kg), cadmium (0.002 mg/Kg), phosphorus (0.545 mg/Kg), chlorine (0.021 mg/Kg), manganese (0.01 mg/Kg), silicon (0.202 mg/Kg), and antimony (0.007 mg/Kg); While the oxides composition were: MnO (0.013%), CaO (0.567%), Al O (0.061%), ZnO (0.01%) and SiO (0.433%). The 2 3 2 results of the study revealed that Prosopis africana seed contained high protein content which can be use to supplement the high cost conventional sources. However, the value of anti-nutritional factors suggests that proper processing methods should be adopted before it could be consumed.</jats:p

Phytochemical Screening, Antimicrobial Activities and Nutritional content of Jatropha Tanjorensis Leaves

The leaves of Jatropha tanjarensis were collected and assessed for their phytochemical compositions and antimicrobial activities using methanolic and hexane extracts as to determine the bioactive components and their effects on microorganisms. Also, the nutritional potential was investigated through the determination of proximate composition using standard procedures. The result of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of saponins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars, steroids, alkaloids and flavonoids in methanolic extract, the same observation was recorded in n-hexane extract except that reducing sugars were absent and phlobotannins were present. The antimicrobial activities of the leaves extract show that it have some antimicrobial properties. Results of the proximate composition and mineral analysis revealed that the plant is a good source of fiber and minerals. Therefore, leaves of Jatropha tanjarensisapart from being used as antimicrobial agents, can serve as good sources of fiber and minerals when used as vegetables.</jats:p