Waste Management in Cassava Processing Mill Industry in Kwale, Niger Delta, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VI, Issue VI, June 2021|ISSN 2454-6194

Waste Management in Cassava Processing Mill Industry in Kwale, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Peter M. Eguvbe¹*, Salem Azagbaesuweli², Joy O. Obielumani³, and Edith A. Enemose^4
1 & ²Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, National Open University of Nigeria, 14-16 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria (Emevor Community Study Centre).
³Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
⁴Department of Chemistry, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko

Abstract:
Background and Objective: Kwale is one of the major cities in the Niger Delta Nigeria, that is a major producer and processor of cassava. This study investigated the waste management practice that is adopted by cassava processors in kwale in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The six quarters dominant in processing cassava were selected for the study. The survey involved the application of a well structured questionnaire which was administered to cassava processors of the selected quarters, which includes 30 male and 30 female respondents. The frequency distribution tables/percentages and descriptive statistical method was used for data analysis. Results: Results from the analysis revealed that the major products of cassava are Garri (50%) and Fufu (50%). It also revealed that cassava peels, cassava sieveates, cassava wastewater and starch content constitute 100% of the wastes produced and the different disposal methods adopted by cassava processors. Results showed that 100% of the respondents are aware of the negative impact of cassava waste on the environment. Conclusion: The findings also showed that the cassava wastes generated can be converted to secondary beneficiary products. The study therefore recommends proper management of cassava wastes.
Keywords: Cassava processing mill, waste management, cassava processors, environmental pollution, cassava wastes
Introduction
Kwale is one of the major cities in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, that is a major producer and processor of cassava1. Kwale and its environs are located with several cassava processors which require adequate cassava waste management to avoid pollution hazards, degradation of the environment and also convert cassava wastes into secondary products for use by man, industries and farm animals.
Today, there is a worldwide concern for healthy environment in our cities and towns. Environmental pollution caused by poor waste management has become the order of the day. Agricultural, industrial and municipal wastes have been on the increase in Nigeria for the past decades2. Agricultural products such as “Cassava” (Manihot esculenta Crantz), have been noted to contribute so much waste to the environment in Nigeria.

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