ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to determine the elemental composition of Talinum triangulare leaves. The sample for study was collected from the local market in Ikot Ekpene local government area. Standard analytical method were used in carrying out the analysis. The result of the analysis revealed the following: Cu (1.79±0.34 mg/100g), Zn (11.39±1.44 mg/100g), Ca (81.93±0.32 mg/100g), K (21.49±0.23 mg/100g), Fe (3.68±0.37 mg//100g),  Mg (50.41±1.69 mg/100g), Mn (1.43±0.11), Na (0.77±0.14). the high concentration of  copper when compared to the RDA indicate that the plant is a good source of copper, therefore the it is recommended that the leaves should be added to meal to enrich the nutritional composition of the food or food material.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page    –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         i

Certification          –         –         –         –         –         –         –         ii

Dedication   –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         iii

Acknowledgement           –         –         –         –         –         –         iv

Abstract       –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         v

Table of Contents  –         –         –         –         –         –         –         vi-vii

CHAPTER ONE 

 INTRODUCTION

1.1           Background of the Study –         –         –         –         –         1-3

1.2           Aim and Objectives of the Study         –         –         –         3

1.3           Scope and Limitation of the Study       –         –         –         3

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1     Description and Distribution of Waterleaf     –         –         4-5

2.2     Taxonomy of Waterleaf   –         –         –         –         –         5-6

2.3     Elemental Composition of Waterleaf             –         –         6

2.4     Biological Uses and the Function

of Talinum triangulare    –         –         –         –         –         7-9

2.5     Mineral Element    –         –         –         –         –         –         10

2.5.1  Calcium (Ca)         –         –         –         –         –         –         10-11

2.5.2  Phosphorus (P)      –         –         –         –         –         –         11-12

2.5.3  Potassium (K)        –         –         –         –         –         –         12-13

2.5.4  Cobalt          –         –         –         –         –         –         –         13-14

2.5.5  Copper (Cu)          –         –         –         –         –         –         14-15          

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1     Materials and Method      –         –         –         –         –         16

3.2     Sample collection and Preparation       –         –         –         16

3.3     Analysis of the Sample-Digestion Method     –         –         17

3.3.1  Digestion of the Sample for Elemental Analysis      –         17

3.3.2  Instrumental Analysis Using AAS.

Basic & Calibration Curve        –         –         –         –         18

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1     Results         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         19

4.2     Discussion   –         –         –         –         –         –         –         20-22

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

5.1  Conclusion      –         –         –         –         –         –         –         23

5.2     Recommendation   –         –         –         –         –         –         23-24

References

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Fresh waterleaf are important sources of nourishment and a vital ingredient in healthy and balanced diets. Fresh vegetables are highly recommended in any diet virtually without quantitative restriction and the roles of vegetables in maintenance of good health are well known (Osuagwe, 2008). Water leaf form an indispensable constituent of diet in Africa generally and west Africa in particular. Generally they are consumed as cooked compliments to the major stables like cassava, cocoyam, guinea corn, maize, millet, rice and plantain (Oguntona, 1998) they are noted to occupy an important place among the food crops as they provide adequate amount of vitamins and minerals for human. Waterleaf are important as food both from economic and nutritional stand point. Their nutritive significance is their richness in minerals and vitamins which is essential is the maintenance of human health (Bolaji et al; 2008). The importance and awareness of nutrition is public health issues has resulted in the increase demand of knowledge of the biochemical nutrients of foods. They are good sources of carotene, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, folic acid and minerals like calcium, iron, and phosphorous (Fasuyi, 2006).

Waterleaf also contain phytochemical which are nutritionally and medicinally useful but at times reduce the bioavailability of nutrients in human system (Fasuyi , 2006)  

Waterleaf are eaten raw or processed. Any methods selected for processing vegetables should be such that does not adversely affect the colour, texture, flavour, and nutritional values especially the vitamins and minerals (Edeoga et al., 2006) The processing method used for vegetables therefore depends on the end product desired and storage facilities available (Cruess, 1985).

Water leaf (Talinum triagulare) is a highly perishable vegetable. It needs special processing methods to prevent decomposition. These processing methods either change the nature and constituents of the vegetable positively or negatively. This work is aimed to evaluate the minerals in water leaf (Talinum triagulare)

Talinum comprises of about 40 species, with most of them found in Mexico and Southern United States, while a few (about seven species) in tropical Africa [4]. Talinum triangulare is sometimes confused with Talinum portulacifolium, but the latter specie differs by its paniculate inflorescence which has terete axis, with sepals not prominently veined and smooth seeds (Joshua et al., 2012).

1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study

 The aim of this study is to investigate the elemental composition of Talinum triangulare, leaves

The objectives of this study are

      i.          To determine the micro-element composition of the plant

    ii.          To determine the Macro-element composition of the plant

  iii.          To make useful recommendation base on result of the study

1.3 Scope and Limitation of the Study

 This study only focused on the elemental analysis of Talinum triangulare leave, this study is limited by time and financial constraint.