Studies on Chemical Properties of Three Utilized Agrowastes in Nigeria

Studies on chemical properties of three utilized agrowastes were conducted in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University. The agrowastes investigated were sawdust, wood ash and cassava bran. Proximate composition of the assessed agro-wastes gave the following highest values for moisture (9.52±0.003), lipid (4.23±0.04) and carbohydrate (64.11±0.02) in cassava bran. Fibre and protein were highest in sawdust while ash content was highest for wood ash. Mineral assessment showed that sawdust had highest concentrations of iron (1.52±0.03), phosphorus (12.02±0.02) and potassium (11.01±0.02). Wood ash recorded highest values for calcium and magnesium. Highest value for sodium (0.70±0.00) was observed for cassava bran. Anti-nutrient screening revealed phytate, tannin and saponin with the highest values recorded in cassava bran. However, polyphenol and flavonoid recorded (2.81±0.02) and (4.21±0.01) for sawdust respectively. The cyanide concentration of the assessed cassava bran (2.52±0.03) was within the acceptable limit of FAO and WHO. In general, these agrowastes materials still possess essential nutrients and anti-nutrients that can be further utilized.