Investigation and Determination of Mineral Nutrient of Composition of Cassava, at Selected Woreda’s of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the oldest root and tuber crops, used by humans to produce food, feed and beverages. It can be produced adequately in drought conditions making it the ideal food security crop in marginal environments. Although cassava can tolerate drought stress, it can be genetically improved to enhance productivity in such harsh environments. Currently, cassava is produced in more than 100 countries and fulfills the daily caloric demands of millions of people living in tropical America, Africa, and Asia. In this study the nutritional composition, toxic heavy metal and cyanide content of cassava root grown in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia were investigated. Cassava samples were collected from five selected Woredas (Districts) of the Zone, where the plant usually grows. The concentration of the mineral elements; calcium, magnesium iron and copper analyzed ranged from 153-436 mg/kg, 65-207 mg/kg, 54.23-127.03 mg/kg, and 0.09-0.36 mg/kg respectively. In addition to the above parameters, the recovery of the mineral and toxic heavy metals determined was between 81-120%. Wet sample digestion method was used for mineral and toxic heavy metal determination purpose. The results of mineral composition of analyzed cassava root samples were rich in mineral contents. The composition of cassava depends on the specific tissue (root or leaf) and on several factors, such as geographic location, variety, age of the plant, and environmental conditions.