Source identification and characterization of lignocellulosic wastes from selected biomass sources in Ibadan, Nigeria

Recently there has been increased generation of lignocellulosic-based biomass resulting in environmental burden. Knowledge of the nature of these wastes is vital to their re-utilization. This paper reports a preliminary study on the source identification and physicochemical characterization of lignocellulosic wastes from selected biomass sources in Ibadan, Nigeria. Cassava Peels (CP), Yam Peels (YP), Plantain Peels (PP) and Sawdust (SD) were purposively selected. A reconnaissance survey was carried out to identify the biomasses source. The physical parameters of the wastes such as weight, volume and density were determined. The samples of the wastes were analyzed for Total Organic Carbon (T.O.C), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP) and Carbon-to-Nitrogen ratio (C:N). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at p=0.05. The results of the mean densities of the wastes were: CP - 342.69±8.08kg/m3; YP - 330.99±12.86 kg/m3; PP - 300.05±30.19 kg/m3 and SD - 121.09±13.21 kg/m3. The mean T.O.C, TN and TP of the various biomasses were statistically different. The C:N of SD was significantly higher than those of PP, YP and CP. This study shows that lignocelluloses are abundant and have high C: N ratio but low in phosphorus contents making them suitable substrates for biofuel production.