Biochemical Characterization of Cassava Processing Waste Water and its Effect on the Growth of Maize Seedlings

Abstract

The effect of cassava processing wastewater from four hybrid varieties of cassava (TMS 92/0057, NR 8082, TMS 92/0326 and TMS 30572), on the germination and early seedling growth of maize was studied in the laboratory. The physicochemical properties of the effluents and elements were analyzed using standard methods. The wastewater from these cassava varieties were highly acidic 4.0, 4.0, 4.10 and 4.20 in contrast to WHO allowable limit of 6.5-8.5 had a low BOD ranging from 1.6 – 2.45, while their HCN ranged from 12.96 – 16.86 mg/lwhich was observed to be very high as against FAO/WHO admissible maximum limit of less than 10mg/kg. The germination percentage, growth parameters and biomass were significantly (P= 0.05) reduced with increase in the acidic level of the effluents. Higher concentrations of the wastewater were inhibitory to the germination and early seedling growth of maize. The waste water from the four hybrid varieties of cassava increased the level of trace metal elements in Zea mays. Hybrid TMS 92/0326 was less toxic and is recommended to farmers. This study suggests that higher concentrations of cassava processing effluent could be detrimental to the germination and early seedling growth of Zea mays.

Keywords: Biochemical, Characterization, Cassava. Wastewater, Maize