Environmental Impact of Cassava Processing Waste on Soil Quality in Benue South, Nigeria

Cassava processing plays a critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, but it generates substantial waste that poses environmental risks, particularly to soil quality. This study investigates the environmental impact of cassava processing waste on soil quality in Benue South, Nigeria, focusing on the accumulation of cyanide, heavy metals, phosphates, and nitrates. The study was conducted across three Local Government Areas—Otukpo, Ohimini, and Okpokwu—using soil samples collected at varying depths from cassava processing effluent discharge points. Analytical methods included colorimetry for cyanide detection and atomic absorption spectroscopy for heavy metal analysis. The findings reveal significant contamination by heavy metals, particularly lead, and elevated cyanide levels near processing sites, highlighting the adverse effects of cassava waste on soil health. Phosphate and nitrate concentrations were also assessed, indicating potential risks to soil fertility and groundwater quality. The results underscore the urgent need for improved waste management practices in cassava processing communities to mitigate environmental degradation. This research contributes valuable baseline data for future interventions aimed at promoting sustainable cassava processing and waste utilization, with potential benefits for both environmental health and rural economies.