Mineralogical and Proximate Analysis of Maize (Zea mays L.) Husk for Sustainable Silicon Recovery and Ruminant Fiber Supplementation

The increasing demand for sustainable raw materials has renewed interest in agricultural residues with dual industrial and nutritional value. This study evaluates the mineralogical and proximate constituents of Zea mays (L.) husk with the aim of assessing its suitability as a renewable source for silicon extraction and as a fiber-rich feed component for ruminant nutrition. Mineral constituents were identified and quantified using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Gas Chromatography coupled with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). Elemental analysis revealed that the husk is particularly enriched in potassium (21.0 ± 0.0817 mg/g) and silicon (20.5 ± 0.0816 mg/g), indicating strong potential as a low-cost biosource of silicon for industrial application such as silica and silicon-based materials. Aluminum (9.26 ± 0.0125 mg/g), calcium (2.70 ± 0.0163 mg/g), iron (1.06 ± 0.0125 mg/g), magnesium (0.14 ± 0.0082 mg/g), phosphorus (0.85 ± 0.0082 mg/g), sulphur (1.43 ± 0.0164 mg/g), and trace elements including copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc further enhance its mineral value. Also, the proximate composition of dried maize husk was carried out using established methods. The results showed that maize husk contains a high carbohydrate content (61.61 ± 0.0258 %), substantial crude fibre (29.0 ± 0.1248 %), and moderate levels of crude protein (3.50 ± 0.0206 %), with low crude fat (1.10 ± 0.0125 %), ash (1.59 ± 0.0170 %), and moisture (3.20 ± 0.1248 %). The high fibre content supports its applicability as a roughage source in ruminant diets, while the low moisture content favors storage stability. Overall, the results demonstrate that Zea mays husk is a promising sustainable resource with complementary mineralogical and nutritional properties, suitable for valorization in silicon extraction processes and ruminant feed formulations, thereby contributing to waste reduction and circular bioeconomy development.