ANALYTICAL STUDY OF LOCAL POTASH AROUNND YOLA METROPOLIS OF ADAMAWA STATE

M. H. Shagal

Department of Chemistry

Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria

Email: hassanm962@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Potash was separately prepared using Guinea corn husk, Baobab pod, Water hyacinth and Banana husk locally. There chemical compositions were studied. Analysis of calcium and magnesium ion content in the samples was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Determination of potassium and sodium ions was carried out using flame photometer. Carbonate and hydrogen carbonate ions levels were obtained by back titration. The determination of chloride ion was done by Mohr titration, while hydroxide ion determination was carried out using total alkaline method. Lastly percentage insoluble residue was determined by ashing method. The results generally indicated that local potash prepared from different sources differ in chemical composition.

Key words: Potash, composition, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, magnesium.