Yam Peel Research Articles

Evaluation of Selected Minerals and Health Risk and Proximate Analysis of Wasawasa (A Street Food)

This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition and the potential heavy metal health risk that may be associated with the consumption of wasawasa, a dish made from locally milled yam peels, by examining the presence of six metals (iron, nickel, chromium, sodium, and magnesium and potassium) in samples procured. Sixteen (16) samples of ready-to-eat wasawasa were collected from Aboabo, Manhyia, Sawaba, Asawase, Adenyase, and Ayigya in Kumasi, since these are the communities where wasawasa is mainly produced, sold, and consumed. The samples were digested with a nitric, perchloric, and sulfuric acid mixture and analyzed using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (Agilent 4210 MP-AES). The average concentrations of metals were Na (8506.88mg/kg), Mg (222.63mg/kg), Fe (84.45mg/kg), Cr (2.31mg/kg), K (1702.08mg/kg, and Ni (1.12mg/kg). Proximate analysis was used to determine Protein, fat, ash, moisture, and fiber content of the local wasawasa, which were found to be 15.667%, 0.45%, 1.00%, 27.54%, and 0.41%, respectively. The hazard index of the heavy metals (Fe, Ni and Cr) for both adults and children were each greater than one, indicating the population is likely to experience non-carcinogenic effects from the consumption of wasawasa.

Exploring agricultural waste substrate for enhancement of <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> cultivation

The proximate composition of the organic waste substrates used in cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus was analyzed, and the results revealed significant variations in various nutritional components among the substrates. Palm Chaff had the highest ash content (7.14%), followed by Oil Palm Empty Bunch (5.08%), Yam Peel (4.29%), and Saw Dust (1.36%). This indicated that Palm Chaff was the richest in minerals, while sawdust had the lowest mineral content. In addition, Yam Peel had the highest moisture content (8.46%), followed by Palm Chaff (5.87%), Oil Palm Empty Bunch (4.62%), and Saw Dust (2.83%). This suggested that Saw Dust was the driest substrate. Furthermore, Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the highest crude lipid content (1.94%), followed by Palm Chaff (1.38%), Yam Peel (1.13%), and Saw Dust (0.04%). Moreover, Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the highest crude protein content (2.56%), followed by Yam Peel (2.1%) and Palm Chaff (2.02%). Saw Dust had the lowest crude protein content (1.74%). Besides, Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the highest crude fiber content (48.27%), followed by Palm Chaff (36.94%), Saw Dust (26.17%), and Yam Peel (14.36%). In addition, Saw Dust had the highest carbohydrate content (67.86%), followed by Yam Peel (69.64%) and Palm Chaff (46.65%). Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the lowest carbohydrate content (37.58%). These findings offered valuable insights into the suitability of each substrate for cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus Additionally, it enabled growers to make informed decisions about substrate selection based on the specific nutritional needs and growth requirements of the mushrooms. The impact of various organic waste substrates on the growth dynamics of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom), revealed significant variations in several key parameters. In primordial Formation, the number of early-stage fruiting bodies formed varied between 12 and 36 across different substrate formulations. The highest primordial formation was observed in treatment A + B + C + D (36), while treatments involving individual substrates or their combinations had the lowest primordial formation (12). Furthermore, in Fruiting Body Production, the number of mature mushrooms produced varied across treatments. Treatment A + C resulted in the highest number of fruiting bodies (26), while treatments involving combinations of substrates (B + C + D, A + B + C, A + B + C + D, C + D) had the lowest number of fruiting bodies (3). Overall, the findings highlight the influence of specific substrate combinations on various aspects of mushroom growth dynamics. However, the choice of growth substrates did not significantly impact the overall weight and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus in this study. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing mushroom cultivation practices.

Determination of proximate analysis of individual and combined samples of <i>Dioscorea alata</i>, <i>Musa parasidiaca</i> and <i>Xanthosoma sagittifolium</i> peels

This study investigates the proximate composition of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) plant wastes, with a focus on evaluating the impact of the individual and combined plant wastes. Tubers of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) used in this study were obtained from Obibi in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Yams are tubers, plantains are fruits, whereas cocoyam is derived from corms, underground stems, and swollen hypocotyls. All these crops can be propagated by vegetative parts and these include tubers (yams), sucker (Plantain) and side shoots, stolons, or corm heads (cocoyam). Peels from the yam tubers were obtained by using a kitchen knife to carefully remove the peels. The peels were then immediately oven dried at 45oC for 24 hours. The dried peels were then ground through a 40-mesh screen using a Wiley. Analyses conducted isproximate determination using AOAC method. The results highlight the high ash content of Yam and Cocoyam Peel, which contributes to mineral enrichment; the enhanced moisture content of Plantain Peel, which has implications for water retention; and the low fat and oil content of Cocoyam Peel, which suggests that it is appropriate for use as a low-fat organic material. Yam Peel has a high crude fiber level, which indicates that it has the capacity to improve the structure of the soil. On the other hand, Yam and Cocoyam Peel stand out because it has largest protein content, which is essential for the development of plants. Plantain and cocoyam peel have the largest carbohydrate content, making it an excellent source of energy for the bacteria and plants that live in the soil below it. These findings have practical implications for sustainable agriculture by optimizing crop yields in diverse agro ecosystems.

Influence of Mushroom Grown on Yam Peel, Palm chaff, Sawdust, and Oil Palm Empty Bunch as Poultry Feed Admixture for Broiler Chicks Growth Enhancer

This study explores the viability of utilizing mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) grown on diverse organic wastes as an economical and nutrient-rich feed for poultry production. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of mushroom grown on yam peel, palm chaff, sawdust, and oil palm empty bunch as poultry feed admixture for broiler chicks’growth enhancer using appropriate standard methods with thirty (30) broiler chicks on three diets for six weeks: Mushroom Poultry Feed (MPF); Commercial Poultry Feed (CPF), and Mixed Feed (MPF + CPF) respectively. Data obtained show that MPF-fed chickens exhibited a lower growth rate than chickens fed with CPF and MPF + CPF, signifying relatively less efficient weight gain. However, no significant differences were observed among feeding treatments (p > 0.05). The digestibility of MPF, CPF, and MPF + CPF was 81.06%, 82.93%, and 85.86% respectively, suggesting the potential of mixed feed to provide superior nutrients for growth and energy. Regarding chicken meat composition, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in proximate composition, vitamins, and minerals among various feed treatments, emphasizing their interplay. However, the feed type did not significantly impact vitamin content (p > 0.05), highlighting variations more attributable to vitamin types than feed treatments. These findings highlight the potential of valorizing organic waste through mushroom cultivation for sustainable and economically viable poultry feed production.

Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) of Blended Organic Fertilizer from Yam and Sweet Potato Peels

This study shows the production of organic fertilizer by utilization of yam and sweet potatoes peels through Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) Method. Samples are categorized into sun-dried, sundried and autoclaved, Heat-dried, heat-dried and autoclaved, the fermentation process is carried out using alpha amylase and saccharomyces cerevisiae. Investigation of mineral elements (N, Cd, P, Zn, Pb, As, K, Hg.), in the eight varieties of Organic Fertilizer produced shows concentration of Cadmium (Cd) ranges from 0.0015 mg/kg to 0.0033 mg/kg), Nitrogen (N) in Percentage ranges from 2.3450% to 3.8550%; Phosphorus (P) ranges from 2.345 mg/kg to 3.607 mg/kg; Zinc (Zn) ranges from 2.215 mg/kg to 6.335 mg/kg. Lead (Pb) ranges from 0.00 mg/kg to 0.0015 mg/kg, potassium (K) ranges from 3.952 mg/kg to 6.213 mg/kg; Mercury and Arsenic nil. The study shows that Sweet Potato Peel (SDSPP) contains high Cadmium and potassium compare to other organic fertilizer produced. Sundried and Autoclaved Yam Peel (SDAYP) contains high percentage of Nitrogen (N), Heat Dried and Autoclaved Sweet Potato Peel (HDASPP) contains low Nitrogen, Sundried and Autoclaved Sweet Potato Peel (SDASPP) contains low phosphorus, Sundried Yam Peel (SDYP), Sundried and Autoclaved Yam Peels (SDAYP), Heat Dried Sweet Potato Peel HDSPP and Heat Dried Sweet Potato Peel (HDSPP) has zero trace of Lead (Pb) making it free of food intoxication from heavy metals, SDYP contains high phosphorus. These indicate that the samples will make quality organic fertilizer because it contains high Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium (NPK) which are essential elements required in plant structures.

Equilibrium and thermodynamics of Chromium (VI) adsorption on inert biomasses of Dioscorea rotundata and Elaeis guineensis

Adsorption equilibrium on bioadsorbents was studied, and fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isothermal models, using yam peels (YP) and oil palm wastes (OPW) as bioadsorbents in the removal of hexavalent chromium present in aqueous solution, in a batch system, evaluating the effect of temperature, adsorbent dose and particle size on the process. Thermodynamic parameters were estimated by the Van't Hoff graphical method. It was found that the highest adsorption capacity was obtained at 0.03 g of adsorbent, 55 ºC and 0.5 mm of particle size. The equilibrium of adsorption on OPW is described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, while that of YP by Dubinin-Radushkevich's model, indicating the adsorption is given by the ion exchange between the active centers and the metallic ion. The thermodynamic study determined that the elimination of YP is endothermic, irreversible, and not spontaneous and that for OPW it is exothermic, spontaneous at low temperatures, and irreversible.

Biogas Production from Plantain and Yam Peels: Modelling using Response Surface Methodology

The world’s growing demand for energy and our concern to preserve the environment have prompted research into alternative sources of energy. Renewable energy from biomass is one such opportunity. The aim of this study is to model the production of biogas from the anaerobic digestion of plantain and yam peelings and cattle dung. A characterisation of these residues showed their good suitability for methanisation with good moisture contents (˃70%), high volatile solids contents (˃75%) and C/N ratios of between 20 and 30. In addition, methanisation trials under mesophilic conditions following a mixing plan generated quantities of biogas ranging from 128 to 565 mL with CH4 contents of between 54.03 and 72.98%. The digester made up of 1/6 plantain peels + 2/3 yam peels + 1/6 cattle dung gave the best biogas yield with 565 mL for 67.52% CH4. The model established from these results is highly significant with an F value (1268.01) having a probability significantly lower than 0.05. In addition to the coefficients R2 (0.9994) and R2 (0.9986) which adjust are very close to unity, there is a good correlation between the experimental results and those predicted. This prediction model is therefore reliable for explaining biogas production. However, further study of the kinetics of anaerobic digestion and biogas treatment remains important.

Optimization of Some Fermentation Conditions for Bioethanol Production from Yam Peels (Dioscorea rotundata) Using Box-Behnken Design (BBD)

Aim: The aim of this research was to optimize the production of bioethanol from a select second generation feedstock (yam peels).
 Methodology: Bioethanol was produced from yam peels using Box Behnken Design (BBD). The independent variables selected for optimization of bioethanol yield were; fermentation temperature (˚C), fermentation time (hours) and yeast concentration (%w/v). A set of 17 experiments were considered by design expert software. All experiments were run in triplicates. Test for bioethanol was carried out using acidified potassium dichromate method and absorbance was taken using a spectrophotometer at 600nm.
 Results: From the experiments carried out above, the optimum conditions under which the highest bioethanol (yield%) was produced were a fermentation temperature of 30̊C, yeast concentration of 5.50%w/v and fermentation time of 96hours under which a bioethanol yield of 45.79% was produced.
 Conclusion: Yam peels may therefore have the potentials to serve as substrates for bioethanol production rather than using food crops such as sugarcane juice and cassava flesh which may lead to food shortages and crisis especially is developing countries such as Nigeria.

Prevalence of yam nematodes in diverse soil communities, and their morphometrics in the Krachi-Nchumuru District of Ghana

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is susceptible to dry rot disease, which limits its yields in farmers fields in West Africa.The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence and characteristics of the plant-parasitic nematode (Scutellonema bradys) on yam from the Volta Region of Ghana. A survey was conducted in KrachiI-Nchummuru District in the Volta region in Ghana, using a semi-structured questionnaire in ten communities. Majority of the farmers (62%) were unaware of nematodes and their damage caused to yam. Most interviewees (84%) mentioned the ‘pona’ yam variety as the most susceptible genotype to rot, especially in storage. Twelve nematode genera were identified in soils, and eight under storage conditions. Soil samples had, for relative abundance, 31.5% of nematodes as Scutellonema bradys and 16.8% as Meloidogyne spp. On the other hand, relative abundances in yam peels for S. bradys, Meloidogyne spp. and Pratylenchus spp. were 88.4, 6.0 and 3.3%, respectively. Body lenghts of female S. bradys ranged from 747.3 to 861.9 um. There was a strong positive correlation between tail length and head region diameter (r = 0.81); and stylet knob height and vulva position (r= 0.68). Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) showed 5 major groups at a dissimilarity of 90%, with sub-groups formed at dissimilarity value of 50%. In-depth survey of communities in the Krachi Nchumuru district revealed that, Scutellonema bradys is a threat to yam production in this region, and results in considerable dry rot disease and yield losses.

Evaluation of Fungal Contamination on Livestock Feed Ingredients of Plants origin Stored for Five Years

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the extent of Fungal contamination of livestock feed stuffs of plants origin stored for five years at Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa. The feed ingredients were: wheat offals, cowpea husks, cotton seeds, kidney beans seeds, baobab seeds, bambara nut husks, palm kernel cake, baobab seed meal, rice offals, yam peels, ground nut cake and sweet orange peels. Microbiological quality of these feedstuffs were conducted using standard microbiological technique for food and animal feeding stuffs at Microbiology Unit of Central Diagnostic Laboratory at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study revealed a total of eight fungi spp: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum spp, Rhizopus spp, Mucor spp, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus spp and Aspergillus flavus. From the findings, cowpea husks, cotton seed, kidney beans seed, baobab seed and bambara nut husks were contaminated by Aspergillus niger (28.57%) as the dominant species of fungi followed by: Aspergillus fumigatus (19.05%) (baobab seed, bambara nut husks, blood meal, and baobab seed meal) and baobab seed (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium spp). Wheat offals and palm kernel cake had the highest total fungi counts of 4.0 x 102 cfu/g followed by yam peels, sweet orange peel and bone meal with 3.0 x 102 cfu/g and baobab seed meal had 2.2 x 102 cfu/g. To reduce the growth of mould on livestock feed ingredients stored over long periods of time, regular monitoring of moisture levels of these ingredients should be checked before embarking on storage.

Hydrolysis and Analysis of Agricultural Wastes Using Mineral Acids for Possible Glucose Synthesis

This work focuses on conversion of agricultural wastes into fermentable sugar via acid hydrolysis. Proximate and ultimate analysis was carried out to ascertain the physiochemical properties of the biomass feedstock and fermentable sugar. Mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was used as the media for the conversion of plantain peels and water yam peels into fermentable sugar. Concentration of glucose was analyzed using DNS techniques. Modelling of the process was done using three established kinetic models to determine the rate determining step. Results showed that untreated plantain peels and water yam peels contained 30.1% and 6.4% cellulose but increased significantly to 55.1% and 10.03% after hydrolysis indicating increase in fermentable sugar. In comparing the same conditions of plantain-HCl, plantain-HS, water yam-HCl and water yam-HS at 80°C with acid concentration/sample ratio of 0.5:2 at time 90 mins, plantain peels with HCl yield highest concentration of 4.09mg/l fermentable sugar while at the same condition water yam produced 2.031mg/l. Second order kinetic model appears to be the best fit for the process with better correlation coefficient R2 >99% with HCl and plantain peels at a reaction temperature of 60oC conforming to the rate determining step. The model demonstrated an increasing rate constant with increase in temperature which agrees with the magnitude of the hydrolysis process. This work will help in solving the energy need of our society if commercialized. Also, it can serve as a viable alternative to environmental cleanliness because wastes will become raw materials. Plantain peels and water yam peels demonstrated good potential as a source of fermentable sugar but plantain peels performed better.

Statistical Modelling of Biosorptive Removal of Hexavalent Chromium Using Dry Raw Biomasses of Dioscorea rotundata, Elaeis guineensis, Manihot esculenta, Theobroma cacao and Zea mays

Hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] is a highly toxic and hazardous contaminant that poses serious health risks to both humans and the environment. Its presence in water sources can lead to severe health issues, including various types of cancer and respiratory ailments. Therefore, developing efficient and effective methods for Cr (VI) removal is crucial in ensuring safe and clean water supplies. The aim of this research is the environmentally responsible elimination of hexavalent chromium by bioadsorption using corn residues (CR), palm fiber (PF), and the peels of yam (YP), cassava (CP), and cocoa (CH). The study was conducted with varying levels of pH, bioadsorbent quantity, temperature, and adsorbent particle size at 200 rpm, with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L and 24 h of contact time to improve the adsorption efficiency. The process variables were evaluated and optimized using the statistical technique response surface methodology (RSM). The SEM-EDS analysis revealed that the predominant elements in the structure of the bioadsorbents were carbon and oxygen. Furthermore, the adsorption process led to the incorporation of Cr (VI) into the structure of the biomaterials, as indicated by their EDS spectra. The maximal adsorption efficiency of 99.11% was obtained at pH 2, bioadsorbent dose of 0.03 mg, 30 °C, and 0.5 mm of particle size. Various equilibrium isotherms were utilized to fit and analyze the adsorption data. The assessed maximum adsorption capacities were 38.84, 56.88, 52.82, 138.94, and 240,948.7 mg/g for YP, PF, CP, CH, and CR, respectively. The adsorption data exhibited conformity with the Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models (R2 = 0.95), indicating that the phenomenon occurs in a multilayer. Pseudo-second order and Elovich kinetic models adjusted the kinetics of chromium (VI), suggesting that the mechanism could be controlled by chemisorption. Therefore, the residual biomasses evaluated can serve as a cost-effective adsorbent for Cr (VI) removal, and the use of RSM enables efficient modeling and prediction of the adsorption process.

Equilibrium isotherm investigation on the sequestration of ciprofloxacin from solution via adsorption onto yam peel powder

In this work, the adsorption of ciprofloxacin onto yam peel biosorbent was studied by batch method. The equilibrium isotherm analysis of the adsorption process was evaluated to provide insight into the removal mechanism. A decrease in the percentage removal (75.0 – 60.8%) and an increase in adsorption capacity (6.0 – 24.3 mg/g) with an increase in ciprofloxacin concentration from 20 – 100 mg/L was obtained. The isotherm was analyzed by the Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, and Scatchard models, and the best fit was obtained for the Freundlich model with a R2 of 0.9918. The separation factor in the range of 0.238 – 0.609 and the Freundlich adsorption intensity of 1.492 indicated a favorable adsorption of ciprofloxacin on yam peel. A monolayer adsorption capacity of 42.81 mg/g was obtained for yam peel which was higher than other efficient adsorbents. The Scatchard model gave a linear fit to the uptake data with R2 of 0.9653 and sum square error of 0.008. The isotherm analysis revealed complex adsorption involving multi mechanisms in the overall process. The results of this investigation showed that yam peel could be utilized as an efficient agricultural waste for the adsorption of ciprofloxacin from wastewater.

Waste to energy conversion: a perspective from adult learners in South-East Nigeria

The study identified waste categories that can be turned into energy, energy conversion techniques, and ways that these techniques could support a circular economy in South East Nigeria from the viewpoint of adult learners. In the study, a descriptive survey design was employed. The study was directed by three research questions and two hypotheses. There were 67731 adult learners in the population. The study included a sample size of 605 participants. Mean, t-test, and Pearson correlation were used to examine the data, which was collected using questionnaires. The results showed that wood, sawdust leaves and bark of trees, paper and cardboard, food remains like vegetable stock, yam peels, among others, were the types of waste that can be converted to energy. The study found out that combustion technology, gasified technology, and anaerobic digestion, among others, were some of the waste to energy conversion techniques. The study also noted that waste to conversion techniques foster circular economy. The paper recommends that the government should display political will by designing and enacting laws that facilitate the development of indigenous waste-to-energy conversion technology. This way, even at the household level, these technologies will be inexpensive and accessible.

SCREENING OF FUNGI FROM THE TRICHOCOMACEAE FAMILY (ASPERGILLI AND PENICILLIA) IN PRODUCTION OF HEXOSE SUGARS FROM AGRO-WASTE

As an alternative to crude oil, the production of hexose sugars from agro-waste may be viewed as an environmentally benign process for sustainable chemicals/fuels production. A range of high-value industrial chemicals and fuels can be accessed from biomass-derived hexose sugars. This work evaluated the production of hexose sugars from yam peels (agro-waste) via enzymatic hydrolysis using different fungi from the trichocomaceae family namely, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tamari, Pencillium citrinum, and Penicillium chrysogenum respectively. The agro-waste (yam peels) samples were inoculated directly with the respective fungi without any form of pre-treatment. Hexose yields of 8.75±0.07%, 8.10±0.07%, 2.75±0.25% and 2.75±0.25 were obtained for A. niger, A. tamari, P. citrinum, and P. chrysogenum respectively when the samples were sterilized for 20 minutes at 121oC. Under the same experimental conditions, the control sample gave a minimal yield of 1.50±0.35%. Regardless of the enzyme employed, the amount of hexose sugars produced increased steadily with an increase in sterilization time (40, 60, 80, and 100 minutes). Optimum hexose yields of 16.90±0.71%, 15.50±0.35%, 7.00±0.01%, 7.00±0.05% were recorded for A. niger, A. tamari, P. citrinum, and P. chrysogenum respectively at 100 minutes sterilization time. Generally, P. citrinum, and P. chrysogenum gave similar but low hexose yields while A.niger and A. tamari afforded high and distinct hexose yields. Amongst the different fungi screened, A. niger was the most efficient enzyme for the hydrolysis giving the highest hexose sugar yields under the different conditions employed. The performance of the different fungi was evaluated against three different concentrations (0.5M, 1.0 M, 1.5M) of HCl and H2SO4 acid-catalysed hydrolysis of the yam peels respectively. At 1.0 M concentrations HCl and H2SO4 respectively, the hexose yields of 6.40 ± 0.40 % and 7.60 ± 0.20% obtained were on par with those obtained for the enzymes P. citrinum (7.00±0.01%) and P. chrysogenum (7.00±0.05%) after 100 minutes sterilization time. Regardless of acid concentrations, A. niger, and A. tamari enzymes were more effective for the hydrolysis than the HCl and H2SO4 acid-catalysed process with A. niger being the most effective for the hydrolysis. Therefore, a combination of the A-niger and any heterogenous green catalyst is a promising strategy for further transformation of hexose sugars obtained from agro-wastes to higher value chemicals like levulinic acid in a one-pot synthesis. The extended sterilization time may also be a suitable pre-treatment alternative to mineral acids.

Application of the novel manta-ray foraging algorithm to optimize acidic peptidase production in solid-state fermentation using binary agro-industrial waste

Peptidases, which constitute about 20% of the global enzyme market, have found applications in detergent, food and pharmaceutical industries, and could be produced on a large scale using low-cost agro-industrial waste. An acidophilic Bacillus cereus strain produced acidic peptidase on binary-agro-industrial waste comprising yam peels and fish processing waste at pH 4.5 with high catalytic activity. A five-variable central composite rotatable design of a response surface methodology was used to model bioprocess conditions for improved peptidase production in solid-state fermentation. Data generated was leveraged as the basis for applying the novel Manta-ray foraging optimization-linked feed-forward artificial neural network to predict bioprocess conditions optimally. Results obtained from the optimization experiments revealed a significant coefficient of determination of 0.9885 with low-performance error. The bioprocess predicted a peptidase activity of 1035.32 U/mL under optimized conditions set as 54.8 g/100 g yam peels, 23.85 g/100 g fish waste, 0.31 g/100 g CaCl2, 47.54% (v/w) moisture content, and pH 2. Peptidase activity was improved 5-fold, and was stable for 240 min between pH 2.5 and 3.5. Michaelis-Menten kinetics revealed a Km of 0.119 mM and a catalytic efficiency of 45462.19 mM−1 min−1. The bioprocess holds promise for sustainable enzyme-driven applications.

Phytoremediation of Crude Oil Polluted Soil Using Dried Yam Peels (Discorea sp) as a Case Study in Niger Delta Environment of Southern Nigeria

This study aimed at enhancing the remediation of crude oil polluted soil using yam peels. 2kg of the soil samples were polluted crude oil at different concentrations ranging from 5%, 10% and 15%. There were three amended and un-amended samples each labeled A-F. The amended samples were A, C and E which contained the following respectively, 5% polluted soil + 150g yam peels, 10% polluted soil + 150g of yam peels and 15% polluted soil + 150g yam peels. The un-amended samples were B, D and F which were called the control samples with 5%, 10% and 15% concentration of crude pollutant. Parameters such as soil moisture content, total organic carbon, pH and total hydrocarbon content were analyzed before and after remediation. The result showed that yam peels enhanced remediation of the soil especially in treatment A. The reduction in Total Hydrocarbon Content was highest in the 5% crude oil polluted soil sample resulting 57.4% and least at 15% polluted control sample resulting 44.2%. The higher the concentration of crude oil in the soil the lower the percentage degraded. Yam peels which are agro waste can enhance biodegradation of crude oil in polluted soil and therefore can act as remediating agent.

Biotechnological conversion of yam peels for enhanced citric acid production: Data-driven machine learning modeling and global sensitivity analysis of the impact of metabolic stimulants

Biotechnological conversion of yam peels for enhanced citric acid production: Data-driven machine learning modeling and global sensitivity analysis of the impact of metabolic stimulants

UTILIZATION OF BOX-WILSON EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN MATRIX IN BIOGAS PRODUCTION: A RESPONSE SURFACE APPROACH.

Biogas is a renewable energy comprising mixture of gases produced from organic matter, mostly waste, by mixture of bacteria anaerobically using a digester as a bioreactor. It can be burnt to generate heat, electricity or be used as vehicle fuel. The residual (digestate) can be used as fertilizer. This study was carried out to optimize the temperature of the reactor and biogas yield from three independent variables (K=3) namely waste biomass (yam peel, potato peel, unripe plantain peel, watermelon waste, cabbage waste, bread fruit husk, melon husk and cow dung) as feed stock, pH and retention time designed according to Box-Wilson (1951) experimental design matrix. The three variables were varied, each into five equal spaced levels; feedstock volume (6, 8, 10, 12 and 14) litres; pH (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) and retention time (7, 14, 21, 28, 35) days. The feedstock was fermented inside locally fabricated biodigester for maximum of 35 days. A total of 21 experimental runs were generated and subjected to response surface data analysis using MINITAB (version 11.21). A Central Composite Rotatable Response Surface Design (CCRRSD) model was employed to study the linear, quadratic, and cross product effects of the three variables on the biogas yield and temperature of the reactor. Six-dimensional response surface contour figures were plotted to visualize the effects of process variables on the responses with MATLAB (version R2007b). Results revealed that at variable combinations of 10, 6 and 35 respectively for feedstock volume, pH and retention time, there was maximum biogas yield (4. 42 litres) at temperature (33oC i.e mesophilic temperature). Minimum values of biogas yield (0.95 litres) at temperature (28oC) were equally obtained at variable combinations of 10, 6, 7 respectively for volume of feedstock, pH and retention time. Regression coefficient and ANOVA analysis also revealed significant (P < 0.05) negative linear correlation of pH on the temperature of the reactor and positive correlation of retention time on temperature of the reactor quadratically. The three variables have positive linear and interactive effect on the volume of biogas yield with negative effect on the interaction of feedstock and pH. Coefficient of determination was given as 62.03% and 64.93% with R values of 0.79 and 0.81 for the temperature reactor and volume of the biogas obtained respectively hence the model gave good fit for such optimization.

Formulation and Nutrient Assessment of Poultry Feed from Domestic Waste and Its Effect on The Growth of Poultry Birds

Poultry feed from locally generated domestic waste in Bayelsa State was formulated and compared with the commercially available feed (Top feed). The waste materials used for the local formulation were; Yam peel, Prawn head, Pineapple peel, Avocado Pear peel, Coconut Chaff, Fish head, Crayfish chaff. Proximate composition, vitamins, mineral and anti- nutrient contents of the local formulae as well as the commercially available feeds was evaluated using standard methods and results obtained were compared with each other. Results shows that the nutrient composition of the local feeds formulated from waste material compares favourably well with that of the commercial feed with anti-nutrient (Tannins, Oxalate, Phytic acid, HCN) within FAO tolerable limits. Thirty (30) days feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of the broilers fed on locally formulated feed from domestic waste compare with commercial poultry feed. Ten Forty-five (45) day old broiler were randomly allotted into two groups of five (5) birds each. The poultry birds were fed ad-libitum for a period of four weeks and weight gain where recorded every three days. Result shows the significant (P< 0.05) increase on the growth rate of birds fed with commercial poultry feed when compared with those fed with locally formulated feed from domestic waste. Despite this significant growth noticed in birds fed with commercial poultry formulae, it is evidence from the result that the locally made formulae contains lots of nutrients which can support growth of poultry birds and also devoid of additives promotion. Thus, utilization or incorporation of at least 20% of domestic waste in poultry feed can help reduce the cost of livestock production and also ameliorate the burden and dangers possess by the disposal and poor management of domestic waste in the environment while at the same time reducing the act of artificial growth substances added to commercial poultry feed.