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Abstract
This study employed a quantitative experimental research design to evaluate the feasibility of converting waste potato (Solanum tuberosum), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), and taro (Colocasia esculenta) peels into biomass briquettes as an alternative fuel source to address deforestation and solid waste management concerns. Three experimental treatments were tested: T1 (Potato Peels), T2 (Sweet Potato Peels), and T3 (Taro Peels). Technical performance was assessed using laboratory-based measurements of moisture content, ash content, burning rate, burning durability, peak temperature, and smoke emission. User acceptability was determined through a purposive sampling technique involving n = 33 experienced adolescent users, using a structured survey questionnaire. Inferential statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed that the type of biomass material had a significant effect on burning rate and smoke emission (p < 0.01). In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed for moisture content, ash content, and burning durability (p > 0.05). Sweet potato peel briquettes (T2) demonstrated superior thermal efficiency, evidenced by the highest peak temperature and lowest ash residue. In contrast, taro peel briquettes (T3) exhibited the lowest smoke emission and the longest burning duration, indicating better environmental performance. Descriptive statistics from the user evaluation showed mean ratings corresponding to “Strongly Agree” for cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and overall user acceptability. The findings indicate that vegetable peel–based briquettes are a viable, efficient, and socially acceptable alternative fuel source. The study recommends the use of sweet potato peel briquettes for high-heat applications and taro peel briquettes for low-smoke, extended burning purposes, culminating in the development of a Techno Guide to support adoption and utilization.
