Enhancing the biodegradation process of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peels in dump site

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) peels have been implicated in serious environmental pollution. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of N.P.K (15:15:15) and microbial inoculants on the biodegradation process of cassava peels. Fresh cassava peels were subjected to biodegradation process for twenty weeks. The process was monitored by determining the moisture content, starch and total lipid using the official method of analysis of A.O.A.C, total protein by Kjeldahl method, total soluble carbohydrate by the modified Anthrone method, cellulose by the Nitric acid method, total cyanide by the modified alkaline picric acid method and pH using a Jowrey 3020 pH meter. The results of unsupplemented cassava peels and cassava peels supplemented with inorganic fertilizer N.P.K. (15:15:15) in experimental waste dump sites in which combinations of pure microbial cultures were used to inoculate cassava peels showed that pH increased from 5.89 to 7.03, total soluble carbohydrate concentrations decreased from 2.23% to 0.02%, protein from 5.54% to 0.78%, lipids from 3.00% to 0.1%, starch from 9.65% to 0.02%, cyanide from 0.11% to non-detectable level and cellulose from 8.80% to 0.20% at the end of the 20 weeks of investigation. This is an indication that the addition of inorganic fertilizer or microbial inoculants, or both enhanced the rate of biodegradation of cassava peels.

Keywords: Biodegradation, Cassava peels, Dump site, Environmental pollution, Microbial Inoculant