Comparative study of the elemental compositions of banana (Musa paradisiaca linn) and plantain (Musa × paradisiaca) stalks cultivated in Ekpoma, Esan west local government area of Edo state

Abstract

The mineral compositions of banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn) and plantain (Musa x paradisiaca) stalks were investigated in this work. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to examine the mineral element compositions. The mineral composition of banana and plantain stalks revealed that phosphorus concentrations were (0.550.13) mg/100g and (3.360.00) mg/100g, respectively; magnesium concentrations were (1.510.07) mg/100g and (2.220.02) mg/100g, respectively; iron concentrations were (2.000.30) mg/100g and (4.410.12) mg/100g, respectively; zinc concentrations were (1.900.01) mg/100g and (6.140.11) mg/100g. These results showed that these wastes have the potential to be good sources of mineral nutrients that can be utilized for more beneficial purposes.