1. Home
  2. Vol 5, No 2 (2026)
  3. Mohammed

Elemental Composition of Potash (Kanwa) Varieties: Implications for Food Safety and Public Health

Fatima S. Mohammed(1), A. S. Tsumba(2), Dori Ahmed(3),


(1) Federal University of Health Sciences
(2) Federal University of Health Sciences
(3) Federal Polytechnic
Corresponding Author

Abstract


Potash, locally known as kanwa, is widely used in northern Nigeria as a food additive and traditional processing aid. This study evaluated the elemental composition of Jarkanwa, Ungurno, and Mangul varieties marketed in Yobe State. Samples were prepared by microwave-assisted acid digestion and analyzed for major elements, anions, and trace metals. The results revealed clear compositional differences among the three varieties, particularly in potassium, sodium, sulphate, copper, lead, and cadmium. These differences indicate that crude potash products should not be considered chemically uniform. The presence of toxic trace metals and substantial variation in sodium content also raise food-safety concerns. The findings support improved quality control, consumer awareness, and further assessment of dietary exposure associated with crude potash consumption.

Keywords


Elemental composition; Food additive; Food safety; Heavy metals; Kanwa; Potash

References


Afrane, G. (1992). Leaching of caustic potash from cocoa husk ash. Bioresource Technology, 41(2), 101-104.

Babayemi, J. O., and Adewuyi, G. O. (2010). Assessment of combustion and potash production as options for management of wood waste. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 14(1), 73-75.

Cirfat, A. B., Duguryil, Z. P., and Katniyon, H. D. (2022). Analysis of chemical composition of three variants of potash in North Central Nigeria: Implication on public health and attainment of SDG No. 3. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 7(12), 20-23.

Dewi, N. S. (2023). Effect of antioxidant compounds on nitrites as inhibitors of N-nitrosamine formation: A short review. ASEAN Journal of Agricultural and Food Engineering, 2(2), 53-60.

Minka, S. R., Mbofung, C. M. F., Gandon, C., and Bruneteau, M. (1999). The effect of cooking with kanwa alkaline salt on the chemical composition of black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Food Chemistry, 64(2), 145-148.

Oly-Alawuba, N., and Okechukwu-Ezike, N. C. (2020). Quality evaluation of some softening agents used in the South East, Nigeria. Archives of Business Research, 8(4).

Onaji, M. O., Ibrahim, U., and Chia, M. A. (2024). Metals in vegetables from markets in Zaria, Nigeria and risk assessment. Food Additives and Contaminants: Part B, 17(4), 308-318.

Orji, C. E., Okwelogu, I. S., Unekwe, C. P., and Okoyeh, J. N. (2024). Toxicological effects of two major types of potash used as food additives in Nigeria: Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological analysis of major organs in Wistar rats. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 11(2), 1904-1915.

Rabiu, A., and Malami, S. (2019). Toxicity study of potash extract, “Jar Kanwa”: An earthy material consumed for remedy of various ailments in Northern Nigeria. Journal of BioMedical Research and Clinical Practice, 2(4), 197-201.

Rahmah, F. A., Nurlaela, N., Anugrah, R., and Putri, Y. A. R. (2024). Safe food treatment technology: The key to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) zero hunger and optimal health. ASEAN Journal of Agricultural and Food Engineering, 3(1), 57-66.

Sudi, I. Y., Kwaya, M. Y., and Sanda, F. A. (2016). Studies of some essential elements composition of potash deposits found in Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria. American Chemical Science Journal, 10(1), 1-6.

Udujih, H. I., Osuoha, C., Dike-Ndudi, J. N., and Udujih, O. G. (2023). Microbial and heavy metal contamination of commercial potash solution (Ngor) in some parts of Eastern Nigeria. British Journal of Healthcare and Medical Research, 10(6), 25-35.


Full Text: PDF

Article Metrics

Abstract View : 0 times
PDF Download : 0 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Bumi Publikasi Nusantara

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.