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

Abstract

Rice is a staple food crop which is widely grown across the continents. This study evaluates the essential trace element contents of some locally grown varieties of rice in Nigeria. Eighteen local variety from 14 rice producing states in Nigeria were obtained from popular markets. Samples were dried, homogenized and later digested using proportionate amount of HNO 3 /H 2 O 2 . The concentrations of the three elements (Cu, Mn, Fe) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The method used was validated using a certified reference. 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 concentration of Cu, Fe and Mn in the studied local rice suggest their nutritional potentials as food for sourcing essential trace elements. The values of the essential trace elements were below the WHO permissible limit which 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 was found in Abakaliki and Efon-Alaaye rice. The studied local rice could play a beneficial role in management of mineral deficiency diseases.