DETERMINATION OF MINOR MINERAL ELEMENTS IN Telfairia Occidentalis SEEDS

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Telfairia occidentalis, commonly known as fluted pumpkin, is a tropical vine grown in West Africa for its edible seeds and leaves. The seeds of Telfairia occidentalis are a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, and minerals. While the major mineral elements in the seeds have been extensively studied, there is limited information on the minor mineral elements present. This study aimed to determine the concentration of minor mineral elements in Telfairia occidentalis seeds through various analytical techniques. The seeds were collected, cleaned, and ground into a fine powder for analysis. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to quantify the minor mineral elements such as zinc, copper, manganese, and iron in the seeds. The results indicated that Telfairia occidentalis seeds contained appreciable amounts of these minor mineral elements, with zinc having the highest concentration followed by iron, manganese, and copper. The concentrations of these minor mineral elements were found to be within safe limits for human consumption, indicating the seeds' potential as a nutritionally valuable food source. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to study the surface morphology of the seeds and to observe any mineral depositions on the seed surface. The SEM images revealed the presence of mineral particles on the seed surface, providing additional insights into the distribution of minor mineral elements in Telfairia occidentalis seeds. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the minor mineral element composition of Telfairia occidentalis seeds, highlighting their nutritional significance. The results contribute to the existing knowledge on the mineral content of this valuable food source and emphasize the importance of incorporating Telfairia occidentalis seeds into diets to enhance mineral intake. Future research could explore the bioavailability and health benefits of these minor mineral elements from Telfairia occidentalis seeds to further elucidate their nutritional impact. Overall, this study underscores the potential of Telfairia occidentalis seeds as a natural source of essential minerals that could contribute to addressing micro-nutrient deficiencies in populations relying on traditional diets.