Effect of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on the nutritional value of ripe guava (<i>Psidium guajava</i>) fruits grown in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The effect of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution on the nutritional value of two varieties of ripe edible guava (Psidium guajava) fruits harvested from a petroleum hydrocarbon–polluted locality, Umudike, in Egbema were investigated. The results obtained were compared to identical guava fruits from an unpolluted area of Uvuru in Aboh Mbaise which served as control. There was no significant difference (P≥0.05) observed in the proximate compositions from the two guava fruit varieties and from the two localities respectively. The proximate compositions include ash, carbohydrate, crude protein, crude fibre, fats and moisture content. Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution did not affect significantly the mean values of mineral elements in the guava fruits from the two localities. The mineral elements were calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The glucose concentrations in Psidium guajava fruit samples from both environments were essentially similar. However, the mean value concentrations in mg/100g and iu/100g for ascorbic acid and β-carotene respectively from Umudike in Egbema were lower 173.28 + 0.77 for red variety and 164.75 + 0.89 for white compared to those from Uvuru Mbaise which gave 189.20 + 1.23 for red and 180.29 + 1.18 for white variety respectively. The β-carotene concentrations of 204.60 + 7.92 for red and 173.47 + 8.80 for white compared to those from Mbaise which gave 249.60 + 13.19 and 228.54 + 23.57 for red and white varieties respectively. The results revealed that ascorbic acid and β-carotene proved responsive to pollution due to petroleum hydrocarbon found in Egbeme. The biochemical implications of these findings were discussed. © 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Ascorbic acid, glucose, b-carotene, environment, biochemical, proximate, mineral compositions.