Nutritional Composition and Chemical Contaminants in Tapioca Processed Near Gas-Flare Sites in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of gas flaring on selected potentially toxic metals (PTMs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in tapioca processed in flare-impacted environments of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Samples collected from gas-flaring locations and a non-flare-exposed control site were analyzed for mineral composition, PTMs, proximate properties, cyanide, vitamin C, and VOCs using standard analytical methods. Results showed significant differences in moisture, protein, ash, carbohydrate, cyanide, crude fibre, and vitamin C, while pH showed no significant difference. Mineral concentrations exhibited low variability, with Fe (3.61–4.21 mg/kg), Ca (10.69–12.77 mg/kg), K (14.48–17.93 mg/kg), Na (8.27–10.81 mg/kg), and P (21.21–22.27 mg/kg), showing no consistent elevation in flare-exposed samples. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 0.11 mg/kg. Lead concentrations near regulatory limits raise concerns about chronic exposure. Mercury was undetectable, whereas arsenic (≤0.01 mg/kg) and nickel (0.08–0.10 mg/kg) were within acceptable safety limits. The concentrations of VOC were below 0.002 mg/kg in each sample. The findings indicate that gas flaring has minimal influence on macro-mineral composition but may contribute to localized lead enrichment, potentially through atmospheric deposition during open-air drying. Controlled drying systems, enhanced environmental monitoring, and further research integrating soil–air–plant interactions and exposure assessment models are recommended to minimize contamination risks.