Effect of Gas Flaring on the Phytochemical and Nutritional Composition of Treculia africana and Vigna subterranean

Aims: The effect of petroleum exploration and exploitation activities on the phytochemical and nutritional composition of African breadfruit (Treculia africana) and Bambara groundnuts (Vigna subterranean) harvested from polluted and unpolluted environment were studied.

Study Design: Plant samples were collected from Izombe, an environment highly polluted by gas flaring and Eziobodo, an environment not known for gas flare exposures. Both locations are within the (Niger-Delta) rain forest region of Imo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: The processed samples were subjected to proximate and phytochemical screening. The vitamins, micro and macro minerals contents were determined using standard biochemical methods and equipment.

Results: Some of the phytochemicals and nutritional contents showed varying levels of significant difference (P<0.05) in samples from the two localities. Bambara groundnuts from polluted area was significantly lower (P<0.05) in moisture, ash, protein and carbohydrate when compared to samples from unpolluted environment. The concentrations of antinutrients such as oxalate, phytate, tannin and cyanogenic glycoside were significantly higher (P<0.05) in samples from polluted areas when compared to samples from unpolluted areas. The results showed increased accumulation of microminerals and reduced macrominerals in samples from polluted environment. Riboflavin, vitamins A, C and E were also significantly higher (P<0.05) in samples obtained from unpolluted environment.

Conclusion: Data obtained revealed that T. africana and V. subterranean are highly nutritious and their nutrient composition are responsive to pollution due to gas flaring.