Effect of storage on the proximate composition of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> seed used in water purification

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of storage time and mode of storage on the proximate composition of Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds used in water purification. MO seeds were stored for a period of 150days in various forms, namely Winged seed in bottles (WS_BO), Winged seed in cellophane bags (WS_CB), Seed pod in baskets (SP_BA), Shelled seed in bottles(SS_BO), Shelled seed in baskets (SS_BA) and Winged seed in baskets (WS_BA). Proximate analyses were carried out at 30-day intervals to monitor the bio-composition and hence the health status of the stored seed as storage time increased. Results show that the storage time for MO seeds had significant effects on the proximate properties, unlike the mode of storage. The increase in moisture content was attributed to ambient moisture content due to the rainy season. Carbohydrates and Fibre contents generally increased as storage time progressed, while minimal reductions in lipid content, 0.43%-2.25%, were observed. The ash content persistently decreased until 120 days of storage but increased afterwards. This study has shown that storage time and not storage mode has a significant effect on MO seed stored for a period of 150 days.