CASSAVA PEEL-DERIVED NANOPARTICLES FOR ENHANCED HYDROCARBON ADSORPTION AND HEAVY METAL SEQUESTRATION IN ALGAE-BASED AQUEOUS PHASE SYSTEM

1.1 Background to the Study

The increasing burden of environmental pollution is a critical global challenge, necessitating innovative approaches to mitigate its adverse impacts on ecosystems and human health. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have contributed significantly to the contamination of water and soil resources with hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Hydrocarbons, often resulting from petroleum spills, pose severe environmental risks due to their persistence and toxicity. Similarly, heavy metals, introduced through industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and mining activities, are non-biodegradable and accumulate in biological systems, causing severe health complications such as carcinogenesis and organ dysfunction (Singh et al., 2023).

To address these challenges, adsorption has emerged as a promising technique for the removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals from contaminated environments. Adsorption processes utilizing agricultural waste as a raw material have gained considerable attention for their cost-effectiveness and sustainability (Amenaghawon et al., 2022). Cassava peel, an abundant agricultural by-product in tropical regions, holds significant potential as a precursor for developing nanostructured adsorbents. This approach aligns with global efforts to transform waste into value-added materials while addressing pollution concerns (Jorn-am et al., 2022).

The integration of nanoparticles derived from cassava peels into remediation technologies offers enhanced adsorption capabilities due to their high surface area and tunable properties (Khan et al., 2024). Furthermore, the use of algae-based systems in conjunction with these nanoparticles presents a synergistic strategy for pollutant removal. Algae have demonstrated remarkable abilities in nutrient recycling, pollutant adsorption, and bioproduct synthesis, making them ideal partners in advanced remediation systems (Gao et al., 2021).

The advancement of green nanotechnology has further propelled the exploration of bio-based materials for environmental applications. Studies have shown that nanoparticles derived from agricultural residues, such as cassava peels, exhibit superior performance in removing hydrocarbons and heavy metals compared to conventional adsorbents (Nithya et al., 2023). The functionalization of these nanoparticles enhances their interaction with pollutants, improving efficiency and specificity in adsorption processes.

In recent years, research has focused on combining algae-based systems with bio-derived nanoparticles to create integrated solutions for wastewater treatment. Algae provide a renewable and sustainable platform for pollutant removal while simultaneously supporting the growth of bio-based adsorbents (Leng et al., 2018). This dual functionality not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to the development of circular economies by enabling resource recovery from waste streams (Leong et al., 2019).

The application of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles within algae-based aqueous systems is a relatively new approach, but it has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment technologies. By leveraging the adsorption capabilities of cassava-derived nanoparticles and the biological properties of algae, this method addresses the dual challenges of hydrocarbon contamination and heavy metal pollution in water bodies. Research into such integrated systems is crucial to developing low-cost, efficient, and sustainable solutions to address global pollution challenges (Rosales-Mendoza, 2016).

The environmental and economic implications of this approach are significant. Traditional remediation methods, such as chemical treatments and mechanical filtration, often involve high costs and energy inputs, limiting their feasibility for large-scale applications. In contrast, bio-based approaches leverage renewable resources, reducing environmental footprints while providing effective remediation (Sud et al., 2008). Additionally, the valorization of cassava peels aligns with global sustainability goals, promoting waste minimization and resource efficiency (Augustine et al., 2024).

While considerable progress has been made in the development of adsorption technologies, there remains a pressing need for scalable and integrative solutions that can address the complexities of multi-pollutant environments. The combination of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles with algae-based systems represents a forward-thinking strategy to meet these challenges. By exploring the synergistic interactions between these components, researchers can pave the way for innovations in environmental remediation that are both effective and sustainable (Watcharamongkol et al., 2024).

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

Despite extensive advancements in pollution remediation technologies, the contamination of water resources with hydrocarbons and heavy metals remains a persistent and critical challenge. Current methods, such as chemical treatments and conventional adsorbents, are often expensive, environmentally damaging, or inefficient in addressing multi-pollutant scenarios (Ali et al., 2022). The reliance on non-renewable materials for remediation further exacerbates environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives.

Cassava peel, an agricultural waste product, offers a cost-effective and abundant raw material for developing adsorbents. However, its application in nanoparticle form within algae-based systems for hydrocarbon and heavy metal remediation is underexplored. While algae have demonstrated effectiveness in pollutant sequestration, their combination with functionalized bio-nanoparticles has the potential to significantly enhance performance. The lack of comprehensive studies examining the synergistic effects of these components limits the adoption of such integrated systems (Parsimehr & Ehsani, 2020).

This study seeks to address these gaps by exploring the use of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles in algae-based aqueous systems for enhanced hydrocarbon adsorption and heavy metal sequestration. By focusing on the design, characterization, and application of these integrated systems, the research aims to provide innovative and sustainable solutions for addressing complex pollution challenges in aquatic environments.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary aim of this study is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles in algae-based aqueous systems for enhanced hydrocarbon adsorption and heavy metal sequestration. The specific objectives are:

1. To synthesize and characterize nanoparticles from cassava peels, focusing on their physical, chemical, and adsorption properties.

2. To investigate the adsorption efficiency of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles for hydrocarbons and heavy metals in aqueous systems.

3. To evaluate the synergistic effects of combining algae-based systems with cassava peel-derived nanoparticles for pollutant removal.

4. To assess the environmental and economic feasibility of using this integrated system in real-world applications.

5. To compare the performance of the proposed system with existing remediation technologies.

1.4 Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the key physical and chemical properties of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles, and how do they influence adsorption efficiency?

2. How effective are cassava peel-derived nanoparticles in adsorbing hydrocarbons and heavy metals from aqueous systems?

3. What role does the algae-based system play in enhancing the adsorption process?

4. Are there synergistic benefits to combining algae-based systems with cassava peel-derived nanoparticles?

5. How does the proposed system compare with conventional methods in terms of efficiency, cost, and sustainability?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons:

Environmental Impact: The research offers an innovative solution for addressing hydrocarbon and heavy metal contamination, a persistent environmental problem. The proposed system minimizes environmental damage by leveraging bio-based materials.

Sustainability: By utilizing cassava peels, an agricultural by-product, the study promotes waste valorization and aligns with global sustainability goals. The integration of algae further enhances resource efficiency.

Technological Advancement: The research contributes to the development of cutting-edge remediation technologies, combining nanotechnology and bioengineering for improved pollutant removal.

Economic Benefits: The use of low-cost, renewable resources such as cassava peels and algae makes the proposed system a viable option for large-scale applications, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Policy and Industry Relevance: The findings of this study can inform policymakers and industries about effective and sustainable remediation strategies, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly practices.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the synthesis and application of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles for the adsorption of hydrocarbons and heavy metals in algae-based aqueous systems. The research scope includes:

The preparation and characterization of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles, including surface morphology, functional groups, and adsorption capacity.

The evaluation of pollutant removal efficiency for selected hydrocarbons and heavy metals.

The integration of algae into the system to explore potential synergistic effects.

Comparative analysis of the proposed system with existing remediation technologies.

Laboratory-scale experiments to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the system.

This study does not include large-scale field applications or the exploration of pollutants beyond hydrocarbons and heavy metals.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Cassava Peel-Derived Nanoparticles: Nanostructured adsorbents synthesized from the agricultural by-product of cassava processing, designed for pollutant removal applications.

Algae-Based Aqueous System: A water treatment system that incorporates algae for nutrient recycling, pollutant adsorption, and bioproduct synthesis.

Hydrocarbon Adsorption: The process by which hydrocarbons, typically from petroleum contamination, are removed from aqueous systems via adsorption mechanisms.

Heavy Metal Sequestration: The process of capturing and immobilizing heavy metals in contaminated environments to reduce their bioavailability and toxicity.

Synergistic Effects: Enhanced pollutant removal efficiency resulting from the combined application of cassava peel-derived nanoparticles and algae-based systems.

Nanotechnology: The branch of technology focused on manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale, particularly for developing materials with unique properties.

Waste Valorization: The process of converting waste materials into value-added products, contributing to resource efficiency and sustainability.