MICROBIAL ASSESSMENT, NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT SELECTED LEAFY VEGETABLES SOLD WITHIN KANO METROPOLIS ADENSONIA DEGITATA, CORCHORUS GENES
Abstract
Leafy vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet, providing vital nutrients and minerals. However, their quality and safety can be compromised by microbial contamination.
inadequate handling, and processing practices. This study evaluated the microbial load. nutritional composition, and elemental content of three selected leafy vegetables (Amaranthus hybridus, Corchorus olitorius, and Solanum nigrum) sold within Kano metropolis.
The results showed varying levels of microbial contamination, with Solanum nigrum having the highest total bacterial count. Nutritional analysis revealed that Amaranthus hybridus had the highest protein content, while Corchorus olitorius had the highest fiber content. Elemental analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) detected varying levels of essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc.
The study highlights the need for improved handling, storage, and processing practices to ensure the safety and quality of leafy vegetables sold in Kano metropolis. The findings also underscore the nutritional benefits of consuming these vegetables, emphasizing their potential role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies.
Keywords: leafy vegetables, microbial assessment, nutritional composition, elemental analysis, Kano metropolis.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.