A decade’s (2014–2024) perspective on cassava’s (Manihot esculenta Crantz) contribution to the global hydrogen cyanide load in the environment

Abstract

In recent years, developing countries have increased their cassava (Manihot esculenta) production for food security. Cassava contains cyanogen glycosides, mainly as linamarin, which through biocatalysis, i.e. enzyme hydrolysis, results in hydrogen cyanide (HCN). HCN is released into the environment through numerous ways with subsequent volatilisation. Thus, the HCN released during the period 2002–2013 was estimated between 0.025 × 10−3 to 6.71 ppq (African), 0.012 × 10−3 to 1.01 ppq (Asian) and 0.007 × 10−3 to 0.920 × 10−3 ppq (South American). Furthermore, a decade’s (2014–2024) projection of HCN volatilisation displays increases of 60.5% (Africa), 57.7% (Asia) and 50.5% (South America) when compared with the current production. Furthermore, gas released during cassava plants’ growth, i.e. HCN, NH3, and NO2, was quantified in healthy plants. Varying concentrations of HCN were released. These further indicated the presence of a pseudohalogenic gas in the environment – a contributor to climate change.