Comparative Study On Concentration Of Some Minerals Found In Garlic (Allium Sativum Linn ) Species Grown In Some African Countries

Abstract

The concentrations of some minerals: K, Ca, P, Mg, Mn and Cu found in garlic species grown in Nigeria, Senegal and Chad were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results showed that Nigerian garlic specie contained the highest concentration of phosphorus (1.29mg/L) and Copper (0.017mg/L). Calcium was found to be highest in Senegalese garlic specie (8.639 mg/L) with the Nigerian specie having the second-highest recorded value (6.930 mg/L). The highest values of Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese content were recorded for Chadian garlic (68.26mg/L), (51.60mg/L) and (0.212mg/L) respectively. The results obtained show that Senegalese garlic is rich in Calcium which is an essential mineral required for bone and teeth development, and also in the regulation of nervous excitability. Nigerian garlic is rich in Phosphorus which is a key component of the nucleic acids and also takes part in bone and teeth development; and Copper which plays an important part in blood clotting. The garlic specie from Chad is rich in Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese. Potassium plays an important role in maintaining pH balance and fluid distribution in the body; Magnesium in proper functioning of the muscles; Manganese is used in proper bone formation. Also from the results, there is reasonable variation in the concentration of the minerals, and this may be attributed to the types of soils on which the different garlic species were grown.