Leveraging the Low Viscosity of Phosphorylated African Breadfruit Starch for Enhanced Groundwater Contaminant Delivery

This work is based on the utilization of the dual functionality of phosphorylated African Breadfruit starch in aqueous ethanol, maximizing its possibilities as a low-viscosity carrier fluid and an active chelating agent for the enhanced delivery and removal of contaminants in groundwater at a 1:1 molar ratio of acid to the repeating starch unit. The moisture content ranged from 13.25±0.0707 to 19.56±0.0283, while the Alkali number ranged from 0.00 for Native Starch, to 11.89 for the 40% solvent mix. The blue value ranged from 0.42±0.02 for 80% solvent mix to 0.492±0.03 for Native starch. Pasting properties showed Peak viscosity, Final viscosity and Set back followed the sequence 40 % solvent mix< 80% solvent mix< 20% solvent mix< 100% <60% solvent mix < Native starch. The sequence of the Trough followed the sequence 40 % solvent mix<80% solvent mix<20% solvent mix< 60% solvent mix <100% < Native starch. The breakdown sequence was 100 % < 40% solvent mix< 60% solvent mix<Native Starch< 80% solvent mix <20% solvent mix. Pasting temperature ranged from 83.1oc for 80 % solvent mix, to 86.55oc for 60% solvent mix. The most ideal condition was met at 40% solvent mix, with the highest alkali number, optimal blue value and favourable pasting properties. Modifications to maximize adsorption and chelation, as well as the need for more advanced techniques were advocated Key words- Alkali number, Blue Value, Pasting Properties, Groundwater Contaminant Delivery and Phosphorylated African Breadfruit Starch.