Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Water and Soil Samples from Cassava Processing Mill in Parts of Edo North, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The problem of contaminated water sources and soil pollution has persisted in the study area emanating from cassava effluents from the processing of cassava in the study area. Physicochemical analysis was carried out in water and soil samples obtained in and around cassava processing mill in the Environment where cassava is been process to determine areas prone to contamination by taking soil and water samples in the various study location at a depth of 1.2 m for soil samples and 10 m for water samples in a hand dug well. The result from the physicochemical analysis of the Soil and water samples shows traces of heavy metals when compared with the standard set by World Health Organization (WHO). It is evident that in some sites investigated, the water and soil has been polluted by the discharge from the cassava effluent. The research thus point out the need for environmental Education and proper management/location of cassava processing sites in the study area by relevant Agencies.