EFFECT OF AGRO-WASTE COMPOST MATURITY ON THE NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS

This study was conducted in the Department of Botany Laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Anambra State, to evaluate the nutritional and antinutritional composition of Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated on composted agro-waste substrates. Substrates, including sawdust, Rhizophora wood ash, and rice bran, were composted for five months prior to mushroom cultivation. Nutrient and antinutrient contents were determined using standard methods of the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Proximate analysis revealed significant levels of moisture (33.36 ± 0.05%), ash (0.96 ± 0.04%), lipids, fiber, carbohydrates, and protein. Mineral and vitamin analyses showed elevated calcium content (276.67 ± 1.23 mg/100g), along with appreciable amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and thiamine (0.77 ± 0.06 mg/100g). Antinutritional screening detected glycosides, oxalates, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and lignans. The results indicate that P. ostreatus cultivated on five-month composted agro-waste substrates exhibits enhanced nutritional quality, highlighting its potential as a functional food