Protein and Mineral Element Content of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Water from Different Species

Chuku; L.C.; Kalagbor G.I

Abstract

Protein and Mineral Element Content of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Water from Different Species

Chuku, L.C. and Kalagbor G.I

The mineral element content of coconut water from three (3) different species was determined in samples gotten form Rivers State. Ca, Na, K, Fe, Cu, S, P and Cl were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) excluding chloride which was determined by titration method. The concentration of this mineral element studied lies within the ranges (ppm) with Ca (25-55), Na (40-85), K (110-165), Fe (0.542-1.625), Cu (0.000-0.018), S (10.35- 30.00), P (0.01-0.53), Cl (2050.00-2565.00). The protein content (i.e. % total protein) was determined as crude protein using the macrokjeldahl Markham distillation method. The values ranged between 0.30-0.40, 0.10-0.20, and 0.49-0.55 for the three different species respectively.