Total Carotenoids, Tocopherols and Free fatty Acids Levels of Palm Oils Produced from small Scale Mills in Ovia - North East Local Government area of Edo State-Nigeria

This research was conducted to determine the total carotenoids, tocopherols and Free Fatty Acid(FFA) levels of oils produced from small scale mills and to evaluate their antioxidant effects. The study areas were located in Ovia-North East Local Government area of Edo State. The methods of harvesting, processing of the fruits and the storage of the oils were observed because of the positive effects the latter have on quality. Samples of palm oil were collected in duplicates with 100ml screw cap glass sample bottles from the storage drums of the ten (10) small scale mills.The total tocopherols and carotenoids of the oil samples were determined by the AOCS methods. The moisture content of the oils was determined with an electronic moisture analyser.The Free Fatty Acid was determined by the titrimetric method of sodium hydroxide. The results indicated that most of the oils were prone to oxidation and hydrolysis as their moisture (between 0.15 ± 0.01% and 0.53 ± 0.03%), tocopherols (between19.50 ± 0.10mg/100g and 51.0 ± 0.00mg/100g) and carotenoids (between 24.40 ± 0.10mg/100g and 65.0 ± 0.20mg/100g) values  suggest. Statistical analysis revealed that significant difference exists between the mean of each of the parameters of the oil sample analyzed. The FFA results indicated that the oils were oxidized which suggested that the the carotenoids and tocopherols did not play their expected roles because their antioxidant limit exceeded.Keywords: Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Moisture, Free FattyAcids, Small Scale Mills, Palm oi

Physicochemical, heavy metal and mineral elements assessment of waters from four rivers along Benin-Agbor road in Edo state, Nigeria

The Benin-Agbor road is a major road linking Edo State and the Eastern states of Nigeria, characterized by daily vehicular movements. The inhabitants of the area depend on the river waters mainly for their domestic purposes. It was against the above background that this research was conducted in order to assess the suitability of the waters from four rivers for drinking purposes and the possible hazards the inhabitants may be exposed to. Twenty-two parameters were determined which have relationship with water quality assessment by using recommended methods. Results from the sampling sites indicate that some of the parameters were within the permissible limit recommended by World bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), whereas other parameters were above the permissible limit like the iron with a range of 2.08 ± 0.02mg/L to 19.90 ± 0.20mg/L; manganese 2.20 ± 0.10mg/L to 5.80 ± 0.20mg/L and lead 0.02±0.00mg/L to 0.17±0.00mg/L. The physicochemical parameters like PH, colour, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total solids and chemical oxygen demand of the waters of the four rivers ranged between 6.50 ±0.10 and 6.30±0.10; 49.70±0.20 and18.00±0.00(Hazen); 80.00±0.10 and 19.30±0.00 (μ/cm);14.60 ± 0.20 and 4.25 ±0.20(NTU);10.50 ± 0.30 and4.30 ± 0.00(mg/L);26.00 ± 0.00 and 8.80 ± 0.20(mg/L) respectively. The continuous ingestion and accumulation of the excess heavy metals like lead whose concentration was higher than the permissible level in drinking water might result in serious health disorders.Keywords: Physicochemical, Anion, Cation, River waters, Edo Stat

Sugar and macrominerals composition of sap produced by Raphia hookeri palms

Mature Raphia hookeri palms located in the experimental fields of the Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research Nigeria were selected, and tapped daily at the base of the inflorescences. The exudates (saps) were collected and the sugars and macromineral composition were determined. Maximum sucrose quantity (9.5%) was obtained about 28 days after initiation of tapping. The sucrose concentration was correlated with the sap volume. Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and nitrogen were present in the varied concentrations throughout the duration of the tapping operation. The concentration of the macrominerals were of the order of K>Mg>N>P>Na. Statistically, significant differences (

Concentrations of formaldehyde in rain waters harvested at the Nigerian institute for oil palm research

Formaldehyde has been recognized as one of the most important pollutants and a carcinogen that is present in the air, water, foods, soils, fabrics, cosmetics, cigarette smoke and treated wood. Related health effects and hazards are linked to formaldehyde, depending on mode of exposure which includes: weakness, blindness, vomiting et cetera. Additionally, occupational exposure through vapours, results in a temporary reversible decrease in lung function. Ocular exposure to formaldehyde could result in permanent alterations to vision or blindness. At concentrations below maternal toxicity, formaldehyde is considered not to be a reproductive or developmental toxicant. Sufficient evidence is now available for the carcinogenicity of formaldehyde in both humans and animals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classed formaldehyde as a group 1carcinogen. Rain water is harvested and used for domestic and industrial purposes in Nigeria. Scarce information isavailable in the developing countries like Nigeria, relating to the sources of exposure to formaldehyde and other toxic substances. It was against the above background that samples of rain water were collected between April and October, 2008, 2009 and 2010 at the meteorological research unit of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in order to monitor the concentrations of formaldehyde, which were subsequently consumed by ingestion and thus generate data on same for the populace of the area of study. The chromotropic acid method described by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was adopted for the determination of formaldehyde in the rain waters. Results indicated that the concentration range of the formaldehyde in the rain waters varied from month to month throughout the six months duration of analysis. The values detected were below the toxicity level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other world bodies for drinking water. In conclusion, the results of the rain waters collected for the period of assay suggests that the values did not cause any toxicity effects and thus were fit for human consumption based on the low formaldehyde concentrations.  Key words: Formaldehyde, Rain Water, NIFOR, Toxicit

Changes in oxidation indices and minor components of low free fatty acid and freshly extracted crude palm oils under two different storage conditions

This article reports on the changes of oxidation indices and minor components of low free fatty acid (FFA) and freshly extracted crude palm oils after storage at ambient (28 ± 1 C) and 60 C for 77 days. The changes in peroxide value (PV), FFA, extinction coefficient at 233 and 269 nm (K 233 and K 269), bleachability index (DOBI), carotene and vitamin E contents were monitored. PV, FFA, K 233 and K 269 of both oil samples increased as storage progressed while the values of carotene and vitamin E contents decreased. At the end of storage period at 60 °C, the carotene content of low FFA crude palm oil was 4.24 ppm. The storage conditions used led to the loss of entire vitamin E fractions of both oil samples as well as a reduction in DOBI values except for freshly extracted crude palm oil stored at ambient temperature

Use and cultural significance of Raphia palms

The genus Raphia (Palmae / Arecaceae) contains 22 species and represents a major multiuse resource across tropical Africa and Madagascar. Raphia species provide goods that range from food to construction material and medicine. Its species play a vital cultural role in African societies. Despite its importance, the taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany of this genus remain poorly understood. Here, we review the multiplicity of uses, products and cultural importance of Raphia species across its distribution. We provide a near exhaustive list of all products derived from Raphia species, classified by species and major use categories. We record nearly 100 different uses, traded and commercialized at local, regional, and national levels. Most species have several uses. Raphia wine is the most important product, followed by grubs and fiber extraction. Our review improves our understanding of the uses and cultural importance of Raphia species. If Raphia resources are managed responsibly, they will contribute to alleviate poverty, fight against hunger and conserve tropical biodiversity, especially in Africa