Investigation of Some Elements and Cyanide Content of the Cassava Specie (Accra) Cultivated in Ekowe, Bayelsa State, Nigeria (P10-044-19)

Cassava carbohydrate has become an important source of energy, as it is a staple food for many of the 374 ethnic groups in Nigeria. Little is known of the variety grown and consumed in Ekowe community, Bayelsa State; as such specie “Accra” which is thought to belong to the variety of sweet cassava (manihot palmata). We will determine the processing effects and evaluate the nutrient and anti nutritional/toxic content of the various segments (epicarp, endocarp, mesocarp and the fermented pulp) of the cassava specie. The researcher used atomic absorption spectrophotometric and alkaline picrate methods for the elemental and cyanide analysis respectively. The minerals; Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), and Iron(Fe), levels were low in all segments, and on the other the toxic chemicals components such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Cyanide (CN) content levels of the cassava segments were within the consumption level, recommended by the world health organization. There is no significant difference in the means at P < 0.05. Expectedly, the processing of the cassava pulp (endocarp) by fermentation appeared to lower the toxic levels of the samples. The mineral and chemical concentrations of the various segments in ppm are as follows: EPICARP: Mg 0.23 ± 0.00ᵃ; Ca 7.56 ± 0.06ᵃ; Fe 0.12 ± 0.01ᵃ; Pb 0.48 ± 0.01ᵃ and Cd 0.00 ± 0.00 ENDOCARP: Mg 0.24 ± 0.00ᵃ; Ca 6.98 ± 0.01ᵃ; Fe 0.09 ± 0.01ᵃ; Pb 0.00 ± 0.00 and Cd 0.00 ± 0.00 MESOCARP: Mg 0.06 ± 0.00ᵃ; Ca 0.00 ± 0.00; Fe 0.00 ± 0.00; Pb 0.23 ± 0.00ᵃ and Cd 0.00 ± 0.00 FERMENTED PULP: Mg 0.06 ± 0.00ᵃ; Ca 4.29 ± 0.01ᵃ; Fe 0.03 ± 0.00ᵃ; Pb 0.00 ± 0.00 and Cd 0.00 ± 0.00The cyanide concentration in ppm of the cassava segments (Accra specie) are as follows: EPICARP:1.23 ± 0.01ᶜENDOCARP:1.88 ± 0.01ᶜMESOCARP: 1.50 ± 0.01ᶜFERMENTED PULP: 1.13 ± 0.01ᶜ KEY: Cd (cadmium); Fe (iron); Ca (calcium); Pb (lead); Mg (magnesium). The segments have a nutrient content level below the recommended daily requirement prescribed by the world health organization (WHO). Because of the low content or even the near absence of the toxic chemicals such as Lead, Cadmium, and cyanide, and low content of mineral elements Accra cassava specie is recommended as safe for consumption. however, it should not be used as a nutrient supplement, but its products should be consumed along with other foods rich in magnesium, iron, and calcium. funding was done individually.