Utilization of Cow Bones as Precursor for Eco-Friendly Liquid Fertilizer Production

Authors

  • Adewale George Adeniyi Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Author
  • Kingsley O. Iwuozor Nigeria Sugar Institute, Ilorin, Nigeria; Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Author
  • Ebuka Chizitere Emenike Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Author
  • Folasade Morayo Oladipo-Emmanuel Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Author
  • Abel Egbemhenghe Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria Author
  • Comfort Abidemi Adeyanju Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Author
  • Ogunniyi Samuel Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64229/er8ajk75

Keywords:

Acidification, Agricultural sustainability, Environmental impact, Phosphate, Sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Cow bone serves as a sustainable source for organic phosphorus extraction and eco-friendly waste disposal. This study investigates the production of liquid fertilizer from cow bones through acidification (50%, 60%, and 70% nitric acid) and subsequent neutralization with ammonia. Quantitative analysis revealed total phosphorus concentrations of 3850 ± 120 mg/L (0.385% w/w), 4620 ± 145 mg/L (0.462% w/w), and 5280 ± 160 mg/L (0.528% w/w) for 50%, 60%, and 70% acid-treated samples, respectively. Total nitrogen content ranged from 1.85 ± 0.08% to 2.43 ± 0.11% w/w, with nitrate-nitrogen comprising 68-72% and ammonium-nitrogen 28-32%. Calcium concentrations ranged from 1,250 ± 65 to 1,840 ± 85 mg/L. Phosphorus recovery efficiency increased from 62.3 ± 2.8% to 78.1 ± 3.2% with increasing acid concentration. The fertilizers exhibited pH of 6.4-6.9 and electrical conductivity of 4.8-6.2 mS/cm. UV/Vis spectroscopy revealed shifts in absorption peaks following treatment, indicating molecular structural changes. FTIR analysis confirmed removal of organic components (disappearance of -C-H bonds at 2922.2 cm-1 and 2853.3 cm-1) while preserving essential phosphate ions (1004.5-1030.6 cm-1) and nitrogen-containing functional groups (1628.8-1638.2 cm-1). This study provides quantitative evidence supporting the potential of cow bone-derived liquid fertilizer as a sustainable alternative for addressing agricultural nutrient deficiencies while minimizing waste.

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Published

2026-04-13

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Adewale George Adeniyi, Kingsley O. Iwuozor, Ebuka Chizitere Emenike, Folasade Morayo Oladipo-Emmanuel, Abel Egbemhenghe, Comfort Abidemi Adeyanju, Ogunniyi Samuel (Author)

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How to Cite

Adeniyi, A. ., Iwuozor, K., Emenike, E. ., Oladipo-Emmanuel, F., Egbemhenghe, A. ., Adeyanju, C., & Ogunniyi , S. (2026). Utilization of Cow Bones as Precursor for Eco-Friendly Liquid Fertilizer Production. Innovative Environmental Engineering Solutions, 2(1), 16-27. https://doi.org/10.64229/er8ajk75