Biochar from Cassava Waste: A Paradigm Shift from Waste to Wealth

Abstract

Waste is unwanted material left after useful parts have been removed and found to affect our environment and health adversely. Waste from agro-allied industries is massive and claims most land, which would have been used for agricultural purposes when used as a landfill, including other environmental and health issues. This chapter will assess wastes generated during the processing of cassava for variety of products and review their properties when characterized. In the course of characterizing the wastes, which emerged during processing, pre-processing, and post-processing depending on the products, various reports on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of cassava wastes will be presented. The properties of cassava waste when subjected to biochemical and thermochemical processes will be compared with those of conventional raw materials for biochar production. This chapter will showcase the potential of cassava wastes for efficient valorization, especially as adsorbents via biochar. It will be of great significance to engineers, farmers, and manufacturers in their quest to manage cassava wastes for the betterment of our environment and health.

The Impact of Green Technology on Sorption Processes

“…Moreover, the use of biochar is environmentally friendly, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change. A lot of reports have been made on the use of biochar for sorption processes [28][29][30]. However, biochar can post threats to the environment if not properly managed after use.…”