Empirical Analysis of Hydrogen Cyanide in Streams used for Commercial Fermentation of Cassava
Abstract: Ilaro, like many other regions in Ogun state, has a history of heavy metal pollution largely emanating from industrial effluent discharges and anthropogenic deposits on prevailing winds of pollutants from industrial activities. One of the biggest contributors to pollution in Yewa South environment is industrial activities, vehicle emission as well as anthropogenic activities. Heavy metal contamination of selected streams in Ilaro was studied as part of a bigger project aimed at setting background standard for contaminations of water, land and air in the Yewa South environment. A total of 10 samples of water used for cassava fermentation was collected from 5 different streams. These areas were chosen for the case study because these streams are used primarily for commercial fermentation process of cassava. To avoid further contamination during sampling, transporting and storage, the samples were kept in air tight containers that had been rinsed with dilute HCl and dried before use and protected from sunlight. The samples were checked with the use of an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer which were measured against standards, samples were analyzed in triplicates and after every 4 samples, a calibration standard was analyzed to check the response and efficiency of the analytical instrument alongside the blank which was used to constantly check for contamination. The metals checked were Zinc, Nickel, Lead, Cadmium and copper out of which all except for zinc were below detectable limit (BDL). For Zinc, results were within the WHO and USEPA guideline limits. The research showed that the streams used for fermentation were not of health concern as at time research was carried out but close monitoring should be ensured to avoid future contaminations of streams.
Keywords: Health Concern: Heavy Metal: Contamination: Cassava: Streams: Nigeria.
