Ash Content in Selected Forest Tree Species at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Campus, Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ash content is an important parameter for evaluating the quality and mineral composition of biomass materials. This study aimed to determine the ash content of selected forest tree species at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology. Five (5) tree species were selected, with three (3) independent trees sampled per species. Five (5) wood samples were collected from each tree at breast height (1.3 m above ground level) to ensure uniformity. The samples were oven-dried at 105 °C to constant mass, ground into a fine powder, and subjected to ash determination using the dry-combustion method. The samples were heated in a muffle furnace at 550 °C for 4 hours until constant grey or white ash was obtained. The results showed considerable variation in ash content among the species, with values ranging from 1.51% to 4.77%. Albizia lebbeck recorded the lowest ash content (1.51%), followed by Senna siamea (2.41%), whereas Ficus thonningii recorded the highest ash content (4.77%), followed by Delonix regia (3.80%). The variation in ash content indicated differences in the mineral composition of the species and has implications for biomass utilisation, combustion performance, and nutrient recycling. The findings provide baseline information for biomass evaluation and may contribute to informed species selection for sustainable urban forestry and renewable energy development.