Cassava Waste Utilization for a Local Circular Economy

Cassava provides a reliable and inexpensive source of carbohydrates for people in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria, where its production, processing, and consumption is most predominant. Many staple foods are derived from cassava. Cassava produces large amounts of waste biomass when processed and the waste is sent to landfill (at best). However, the waste from cassava has potential as a resource for energy recovery. This project will investigate the conversion of Cassava waste into energy sources that could support a local circular economy.

Impact Expand

The key output is an evaluation of the options available for converting waste biomass (particularly from fruit) into usable energy. Further, the project will provide a preliminary design for a pilot sized biomass to energy unit, along with the costs associated with building the unit.

Research Problem Addressed Expand

The project begins by determining the typical composition and amount of the waste Cassava biomass, as well as the source locations. Various options for the conversion of these waste products into usable forms of energy will be identified and compared. Biogas is one prominent option of energy recovery which is of great potential; other options include composting and biomass combustion. A reasonable scale and location for the installation of a pilot plant will be identified. The process equipment required, and the capital and operating costs will be identified.

Supervisors Expand

Dr. Graeme Norval, University of Toronto
Dr. David Olukanni, Covenant University

Students Expand

Michael Fediw, BASc University of Toronto
Martin Li, BASc University of Toronto
Corrine Leng, BASc University of Toronto
Ziad Ashqar, BASc University of Toronto
David Iyiola, BEng Covenant University
Ruth Amoo, BEng Covenant University
Kimberly Adeoti, BEng Covenant University
Osazuwa Iyen, BEng Covenant University
Francis Adegbemi, BEng Covenant University
Emmanuel Fagbenle, MASc Covenant University