Group name ID NO

Fisaha mesfin 0499/07

Dejen alebachewu

Production of Potassium Carbonate from Banana peel

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objective of producing potassium carbonate from banana
peel; locally available raw material with the help of alkali extraction method. Because, that the
alkali extraction method results in the highest yield due to less exposure to air and heat.

The raw banana peel was characterized for the following properties: moisture content of sun dry
(86.4%), moisture content of oven dry (46.8%), dry matter of sun dry (13.6%),dry matter of oven
dry (53.2%), general moisture content (92.75), general dry matter (8.25%), ash content(51.5%).

The produce potassium carbonate in the present study was characterized for the following
physical properties: density (0.1667g/ml), specific gravity (0.000166), pH (12.5), the appearance
is white, granular, solid, and free-following and soluble in water. Potassium carbonate was
produced by mixing banana peel ash with distilled water.

This was done by ashing the peel and dissolving it in de-ionized water to achieve the
corresponding hydroxide. Extracting banana peel waste to potassium carbonate and reducing the
amount of banana peel waste discharge to the environment.

Material and chemical

Material

Plastic bags were used to collect and transport sample to the laboratory. Knife was for cutting the
banana peel wastes in to pieces. Non digital drier or ovens were used to dry the sample ranging
from 500c to 2500c. Crusher was to crush the dried sample. Shaker was to shake sample.
Weighing balance was to measured weigh sample of the banana peel. Filter paper was used as
heat source to change banana peel to ash; funnel was used to the separation solid to liquid and
cylindrical measurement to measure the volume of distilled water.

Chemical
Hydro caloric acid, distilled water and phenolphthalein