Assessment of Minerals, Vitamins and Parasite Contamination in Fruits and Vegetables in Selected Markets of Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria
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Abstract
The presence of parasites in fruits and vegetables poses a serious risk to consumers. A total of Fifty (50) parasite infested samples were collected, comprising Twenty-five (25) fruits and twenty-five (25) vegetables. These samples were washed thoroughly with rapid shaking in 250ml normal saline (0.85%NaCl w/v) for the removal of egg, cyst, or larvae. Each preparation was centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5mnutes. A drop of lugols iodine was added and observed under light microscope at x10 and x40 objectives. The leafy vegetables and fruits were then rewashed, cut into pieces and dried under shed at room temperature for 4 weeks. Different methods and solvents were applied for the determination of vitamins and minerals in the selected fruits and vegetables. Ascaris lumbricoides was found on tomatoes and the larva of strongeloides on pumpkin and spinach. Vit.B2 was found in citrus (0.13mg/100g), Banana (0.77 mg/100g), watermelon (0.18 mg/100g), pumpkin (0.39 mg/100g) and spinach (0.30 mg/100g). Vit.B9 was found in Citrus (24.03 mg/100g), Banana (29.20 mg/100g), Tomato (15.81 mg/100g) and Spinach (10.57 mg/100g). Vit.E was present in Pumpkin (1.74 mg/100g) and Spinach (0.28 mg/100g) and absent in other fruits and vegetables. Setting up proper measures can help in reducing the risks associated with the consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables, promoting good health of the people. Based on the findings, it is recommended that steps be taken to ensure the safety and quality of fruits and vegetables available in local markets through regular monitoring and food safety rules.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ananias Amen, Ruth Peter Diah, Jackson Soyinka Melantso, Maxwell Samson Monshari (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Ananias Amen, Federal Polytechnic Bali, Nigeria.
Department of Biochemistry/Chemistry, Federal Polytechnic Bali.
Ruth Peter Diah, Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai.
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai.
Jackson Soyinka Melantso, Federal Polytechnic Bali, Nigeria.
Department of Biochemistry/Chemistry, Federal Polytechnic Bali.
Maxwell Samson Monshari, Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai.
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai.
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