Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Evaluation of Mineral and Vitamin Compositions of Clariasscopoli, 1777and Heterobranchusgeoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1808 Species from River Galma, Zaria, Nigeria
by Yashim, E.Y, Aken'Ova T. O. L., Auta, J., Adeyinka, I. A., Atawodi, S. E. and Oniye, S.J.

Abstract:
This study present an evaluation of minerals and vitamins in some species of Clarias and Heterobranchus investigated from River Galma, Zaria-Nigeria to ascertain their composition in the fish species. Representative members of three (3) Clariasspecies and two (2) Heterobranchus species were sampled for mineral and water soluble vitamins extractions. The mineral contents were extracted from the whole fish using mineral digestion method and mineral determination by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, Flame Photometery, Spectrophotometry, Micro-wave plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer while vitamins were harnessed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography using UV technique. Minerals including Ca, Mg, Na, P, K, Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Se and vitamins B1, B2, B3 B6 and C were analysed. The minerals calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and phosporus recorded high values (106302.5-424.34Mg/Kg) while the micro mineral: chromium, copper and zinc were low (0.33-62.5Mg/kg). Selenium was below detection limit. The catfish species are good sources of vitamins C (ascorbic acid), B3 (Nicotinamide) and B6 (Pyrodixine) with varying composition of vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and B2 (Riboflavin): 0.83-2.75Mg/g, 13.4-125.38 Mg/g, 1.2-29.11 Mg/g, 2.42-69.54Mg/g and 6.41-8.44Mg/g respectively. The values were found to be significantly different (P< 0.05). The catfish: Clariasgariepinus, C. anguillaris, C. galmaensis Heterobranchusbidorsalis and H.longifilisare good sources of micro and macro minerals as well as water soluble vitamins which are all within acceptable values for consumption.

Keywords: Minerals, Water soluble vitamins, Clarias and Heterobranchus species

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