Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) in Bida, Nigeria consists of domestic waste with the addition of commercial waste. Disposal of this wastes constitute environmental problem in Bida and Nigeria in general. Selected amounts of MSW were considered in this study which are dried grass, melon peels, paper, sugarcane bagasse and saw dust. These materials were carbonized at 350 degree Celsius and the solid carbon fuel obtained were analyzed using particle size, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The particle size measurement showed that dried grass has percentage intensity using dynamic light scattering at Z-average (135.2 nm), polydispersity index (0.453) and duration of 60 s. The mineralogical properties observed from XRD analysis showed that minerals like calcite, graphite, quartz, magnesium and gypsum were present. The peaks indicated at 2θ were within the range of 21 degree Celsius - 58.5 degree Celsius. Out of these, 21 degree Celsius was for sugar cane bagasse in crystal area and 58.5 degree Celsius for saw dust in amorphous area. The morphological properties revealed rough surface, hollow structure, homogeneous particle and irregularity. The particle size, mineralogical and morphological properties indicated that the solid carbon produced can be applied in direct carbon fuel cell, cement industry, iron and steel industry. The proper application of these solid carbon fuels can reduce environmental problems associated with MSW disposal in Nigeria.