Abstract:
Cassava is a dominant staple food for many developing countries, particularly, in humid and subhumid tropics. In this study the nutritional composition, mineral, 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.
Nutritional compositions such as crude fat, protein and fiber as well as mineral contents were
considered in this study. Accordingly, the crude fat, protein and fiber content of the studied
cassava root ranging from1.38-3.06%, 1.32-1.90% and 1.58-2.96%, respectively. The
concentration of the mineral elements; calcium, magnesium iron, and copper analyzed were
ranging from 153-436 ppm, 65-207 ppm, 54.23-427 ppm, and 1.38-7.26 ppm respectively. In
addition to the above parameters, the recovery of the mineral and heavy metal determined were
between 80.80-120.58%.Wet sample digestion method was used for mineral and heavy metal
determination purpose and titration method for cyanide. The results of nutritional composition of
analyzed cassava root samples were rich in crude fat, protein, fiber and carbohydrate, as well as
in mineral contents. The level of cyanide as compared to the limits set by WHO was low and it
may not cause harmful effect on human health.
