Remediation of Cassava Effluent Contaminated Soil Using Organic Soap Solution: Case Study of Soil Physical Properties and Plant Growth Performance

Abstract

The remediation of cassava effluent contaminated soil, using organic soap solution was evaluated, in this research. Soil parameters and bean growth performance investigated were moisture content, pH, temperature, germination rate, leaf colour, number of leaves and seedling height. The research was carried out in natural environmental condition, with the research divided into two units, namely; Control Unit (CU) and Amendment Unit (AU). Under the AU, the cassava effluent contaminated soil was treated with organic soap solution; while under the CU, the contaminated soil was left untreated. From the results obtained, the organic soil solution was observed to improve the soil physical properties and bean growth performance. The results showed that there was appreciable level of degradation of the cassava effluent in the soil, arising from organic soap solution. The soil pH, temperature and moisture content in the CU were significantly better than in the AU. In terms of bean growth performance, the bean seeds planted in the AU performed better than those planted in the CU. Iron bean was found to be lesser tolerant to the effluent to the butter bean.