THE EFFECT OF EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES ON MINERAL ELEMENTS IN FLUTED PUMPKIN LEAVES Sunday S. Ekpo 1 , Okhuomaruyi D. Osahon 2 , Joseph G. Atat 1 , Sadiya Umar 3 1 Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria 2 Department of Physics, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria 3 Usmanu Danfodiyo University Corresponding Email: josephatat@uniuyo.edu.ng ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exploration activities on the mineral elements in Telfairia Occidentalis leaves. We have mapped out four locations which include three in Delta state under the influence of exploration activity and the last one in Edo State which is free from this activity. Surfer 19 was used to contour the data measured using Global Positioning System (GPS) device during field work. Hanna pH meter was used to note pH result while electrical conductivity meter measures the amount of salt concentration in the leaves. The result indicates that the leaves content is alkaline with little salt content. When a diet is alkaline, it is essential for the maintenance of good health. These two parameters are linearly related with the correlation coefficient of approximately 0.9. The major equipment used for the analysis of mineral element concentration is Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) 969. The result presents elements like potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium as those with high concentration, but when considered the percentage contribution to recommended dietary allowance, the most appreciable nutrient element among them is magnesium. Magnesium is important element in connection with ischemic heart disease, protein formation and cellular replication. However, the results obtained in our research indicate that the leaves collected in the areas influenced by exploration activities contain high concentration of mineral element than those taken from the free zone. Keywords: Effect, Exploration, Mineral Elements, Fluted Pumpkin Leaves, pH. INTRODUCTION Minerals are those essential elements that support the human body to grow and function so to maintain good health. These include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese and selenium. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride can function as electrolytes. When the body is thirsty, it does not have adequate fluid and electrolytes. Nutrient minerals are elements are not produced biochemically by breathing organisms. Plants obtained their own from the soil; almost all the minerals in a human intake originated from consumption of plants and animals or intake of water (U. S. National Institutes of Health, 2016a). As a set, mineral is one of the four assemblages of needed nutrients (Berdanier et al., 2016). The five most needed minerals in the body are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium (U. S. National Institutes of Health, 2016b). Calcium is a mineral which is present in numerous diets; it is deposited in bones and teeth to support and strengthens them. The body desires calcium to aid muscles and blood carriers contract and expand and to direct messages via the nervous system. Calcium is also used to aid the release of hormones and enzymes which relate nearly all functions in the human body. Magnesium is a mineral which naturally exist in several diets. It benefits the regulation of the body muscle and nerve function, blood sugar level and blood pressure. It also assists the body to produce protein, healthy bones, and DNA. Phosphorus is a mineral that helps keep the bones healthy, blood vessels and muscles functioning. It is frequently present in food with protein content like meat, fish, nuts, beans etc. Potassium helps cells, nerves and muscles discharge their responsibilities perfectly. It supports the body to regulator blood pressure, heart rhythm and the volume of water in cells as well as digestion (U. S. National Institute of Health, 2019). Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis) leaf is an essential leaf that is common in West Africa. It is part of daily nourishments in several homes which is vital as source of vitamins and minerals needed for human wellbeing. It is a vegetable that yields fruits. They are used to increase the nutritional quality of soups. It is vital for protein, oil, fats, minerals and vitamins. The leaves are used in the making of most delicacies in southern Nigeria; one of which is “Edikang ikong soup” in Efiks and Ibibios languages in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States correspondingly. The exterior morphology of vegetables may not be safe from impurities like heavy metals or the microbial flora of the leaves (Modi et al., 2007). Fluted pumpkin seed oil (FPSO) has been told to hold some necessary properties (vitamin A, tannins, linoleic acid, oleic acid and alkaloids) which subdue lipid peroxidation IJRDO Journal of Biotechnology Volume 1| Issue 1| June, 2021 1