ABSTRACT
Biomass derived from cassava peel was subject to a comprehensive characterization, including an assessment of its physicochemical properties and surface chemistry. This evaluation involved the utilization of the Boehm titration method and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, along with SEM, EDX, and BET methods to analyze surface morphology, elemental composition, specific surface area, and porosity. The measured physico-chemical properties of the cassava peel biomass yielded the following results: pH (7.18 ± 0.03), electrical conductivity (EC) of (3.02 ± 0.01 mS/cm), bulk density of (0.33 ± 0.01 g/ml), specific surface area measuring (377.33 m2/g), pore volume of (0.209 cm3/g), and pore size at (2.123 nm). Furthermore, the cassava peel biomass was found to be rich in essential nutrients, including Nitrogen (24.00 mg/kg), Phosphorous (59.75 mg/kg), Potassium (316.25 mg/kg), Sodium (80.50 mg/kg), Calcium (11.25 mg/kg), and Magnesium (93.50 mg/kg). Notably, the analysis revealed that the concentrations of specific heavy metals, namely Nickel (Ni = 4.5 mg/kg), Cadmium (Cd = BDL), Lead (Pb = 1.2 mg/kg), Chromium (Cr = 3.0 mg/kg), and Copper (Cu = 20.5 mg/kg), all fell below the threshold values considered safe for soil. The FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of characteristic peaks at 3060.06, 2850.51, 2192.15, 1623.40, and 1540.99 cm-1, corresponding to functional groups such as Carboxylic acid,Alkyne, conjugated Alkene, and Nitro compounds. Additionally, the phenolic group constituted the highest percentage (53%) of the total surface acidic functional groups. Overall, the characteristics of the cassava peel biomass make it a promising material for potential application in the bioremediation of hydrocarboncontaminated soil, given its favorable physicochemical properties, nutrient content, low heavy metal concentrations, and functionalities.
