DETERMINATION OF ELEMENTAL CONSTITUENTS IN THE LEAVES OF YELLOW AND GREEN DWARF COCONUT TREES

ABSTRACT

The present work is mean't to access elemental constituents in the leaves of yellow and green coconut palm of dwarf specie which are currently not available in literature from Benin city environs. The mineral assessment were assayed for using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed that Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) were present in varied concentrations from one site to the other. Additionally, the statistical analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the concentrations of elements in the different palms and for the period collected. Analysis of variance was used to compare the values. From the results it can be concluded that the 2 species of palm have different levels of elements and the different areas studied also have different levels of elements as collected for the period. Potassium (K), element was found as the highest in all the 5 sites and in the yellow and green palm. Analysis on the leaves of the green palm revealed higher values of elements compared to yellow palm. Site 1 was also found to have a higher number of elements than other sites. Some elements increased per week while the others were constant e.g Ni, Pb. They were almost absent in all the species as they are toxic metals and are harmful to plants. This difference in elements could be as a result of supply of elements either from soil minerals and soil organic matter or by organic or inorganic fertilizers. Difference in supply of light, heat, and water as the plants were harvested during dry season. Cultural practices and control of diseases and insects also play important roles. Each type of plant is unique and has an optimum nutrient range as well as a minimum requirement level. Below this minimum level, plants start to show nutrient deficiency symptoms. Excessive nutrient uptake can also cause poor growth because of toxicity, this could also be a reason for variance in elements in the different sites.