Proximate analysis and characterization of African-balsam (Daniel oliveri) sawdust as a sustainable adsorbent material

Abstract

This study presents the proximate analysis of African-balsam (Daniel oliveri) sawdust to characterize its physicochemical properties for potential use as an adsorbent. The analysis revealed a pH of 5.79±0.4, indicating a slightly acidic nature. The moisture content was determined to be 10.26±0.6%, ash content at 3.03±0.40%, volatile matter at 1.73±0.03%, and fixed carbon at 84.97±0.06%. Compared to other adsorbents such as rice straw, Daniella ogen, Mangifera indica, and Azadirachta indica, African-balsam sawdust exhibits notably low volatile matter content and a high fixed carbon content, suggesting its suitability for applications requiring high carbon stability. These findings highlight the potential of African-balsam sawdust as a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent material for environmental and industrial applications.