EFFECTS OF CASSAVA PROCESSING WASTEWATER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing the effects of cassava processing wastewater on Maize performance. The field experiment was carried out at the Botanical Garden at site III, Delta State University, Abraka. The Maize (Local variety) used for this experiment was gotten from Abraka Main Market, Abraka, Delta State. Cassava effluents were collected from 2 different locations and were used to make a bulk sample. There were 5 levels of treatments in the experiment with 4 replicates each. The parameters measured were height of plant, stem girth, leaf area, number of leaves and number of buds for a period of 7 days. The results showed that the control treatment attained the highest height, stem girth, leaf area and number of leaves at 31.6±1.0, 2.56±0.19, 34.54±1.46 and 5.8±0.44 respectively. However, The 100% sample attained the lowest height at 25.8±0.76, 2.02±0.24, 23.7±1.43, 3.8±0.83. Seeds grown in 100% and 75% concentration showed signs of wilting after 2 days while those of 50% and 25%
showed signs of wilting after 4 days. Acidity increased with increasing concentration of effluent. This study thus established that cassava processing wastewater is toxic and hinders the growth of maize plant, hence, recommends proper disposal of cassava wastewater because of its toxicity to maize