Impact of Cassava Processing Mill Effluent on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research aims reviewed impact of the Cassava Processing Mill Effluent (CME) on the physco-chemical properties of soils. Collected samples of three chosen areas at the Igbatoro community, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria and labeled as A B C. Soil samples free from cassava mill effluent were likewise gathered from two unique areas marked D and E to serve as control samples at an interval of 15 cm depth from the top. Chemical changes occurred in the soil because of the release of effluent from cassava handling plants; the soil samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory utilizing the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method. The accompanying physical and chemical parameters were investigated; soil texture, soil porosity, particle size, TOC, pH, electrical conductivity, Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, K, Ca, and Na. Results were compared with the result obtained from the control site Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Analysis shows that the soil samples with CME exceeds the WHO and FEPA standards. The result shows that the CME has contaminated the soil and made it unsatisfactory for agricultural purposes; this also affected the environment and the soil organic matter. Based on WHO and FEPA standard regulations, these metals exhibit hazardous concentrations. There was no huge expansion in Pb and Cr grouping of CME samples with the control tests. The chemical concentration of CME and its consequences for the soil propose its true capacity as a bio fertilizer particularly for K and Na contents. Findings shows that the effluent has great effect on the surrounding soil, and which leads to soil pollution, remediation should be practice.