Mineral Compositions of Sugarcane Juice Cultivated in Papalanto, Ogun State, Nigeria
- October 31, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: Biochemistry, IJRSI
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue X, October 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705
Mineral Compositions of Sugarcane Juice Cultivated in Papalanto, Ogun State, Nigeria
Afolayan Olubisola Arike1*, Afolabi Oluwabukola Racheal1, Kayode Omowumi Titilola2 and Kayode Azeez Abideen Abolanle3*
1Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, P.M.B 50, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria
2Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, P.M.B 1001, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
3Department of Chemical Sciences, Anchor University, P.M.B 001 Ipaja, Lagos State, Nigeria
*Corresponding authors
Abstract:- Papalanto, Ogun State is one of the locations where sugar cane (Saccharium offinarium) is grown and largely cultivated in Nigeria. Mineral compositions of the sugarcane juice in this area is not yet reported. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the mineral content of the sugarcane cultivars in Papalanto, Ogun state, Nigeria. The result of the study shows that calcium is present in both the NPK-treated sugarcane (that is, fertilizers was used for this cultivar) and the untreated sugarcane (no fertilizers added) samples at about the same level. Concentrations of zinc and potassium were found to be significantly higher in the NPK- treated sugarcane samples than the untreated samples. The findings of this research work suggest that the mineral contents of the NPK-treated sugar cane are higher than their untreated counterpart. Consumption of the NPK-treated sugarcane by the people of the area and beyond should therefore be encouraged. Further work is required to detect and explain the biochemical basis for the high mineral contents of the NPK-treated sugar cane.
Keywords: Sugar cane, NPK-treated, Minerals, Zinc, Potassium
Abbreviations: NPK- N=Nitrogen, P=Phosphorus, K=Potassium
I. INTRODUCTION
Several agricultural crops have been tried in the past in Nigeria that absolutely supported the economy. These crops mainly include groundnuts, cotton, sorghum, millet, maize, rice, and sugarcane, among others, from northern parts of the country. Crops such as cocoa, palm kennel, cassava and cashew, to mention a few, are grown in the southern parts of the country [1]. Girei and Giroh, (2012) opined that sugarcane has enormous industrial potentials. Apart from sugar which is the major industrial product obtained from sugarcane, by-products like ethanol, bagasse and molasses are produced, and are also of economic importance[2]. Ahmed (2013), emphasized on the utilization of sugarcane by-products in the paper industry, co-generation of power, and above all, serving as very important source for employment for the teeming population[3].
