Profiling of Selected Nigerian Local Rice Varieties for their Essential Trace Elements Content

Abstract

Rice is a staple food crop which are widely grown across continents. This study evaluates the essential trace element content of selected locally grown rice varieties in Nigeria. Eighteen local variety samples originating from 10 rice producing states in Nigeria were obtained from popular markets. Samples were dried, homogenized and later digested using proportionate amount of HNO3/H2O2. The concentrations of the four elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The method used was validated using a certified reference material. The result showed the following ranges of concentrations: Cu (1.00 ± 0.02-5.00 ± 0.14), Fe (10.85 ± 0.50-38.40 ± 0.99), and Mn (1.95 ± 0.65-32.10 ± 0.24) mg/kg. The prominent Cu, Fe and Mn in the studied local rice suggests their nutritional potentials as food for sourcing essential trace elements. The values of the essential trace elements are quite below the WHO permissible limit indicates consumption safety. The rice from Idanre and Lafiagi have substantial content of Cu. Ofada and Ikirun rice are rich in Fe content. Substantial amount of Mn is found in Abakaliki and Efon-Alaaye rice. The studied local rice could play a beneficial role in management of mineral deficiency diseases.