Physicochemical Characterization of Carbide Ash Wastes Collected from Ikorodu and Ajegunle Local Automobile Mechanic Workshops in Lagos State

Some local government areas in Lagos State, Nigeria, revealed that the careless disposal of Carbide Ash Waste (CAW) produced by the local auto industry has raised serious environmental concerns because it has an impact on nearby humans and ecosystems. Examining and evaluating the wastes made of calcium carbide ash is the goal of this. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the samples. Three distinct mineral phases (Portlandite, Portlandite Calcite, and Calcite) were identified by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) results for the carbide ash wastes from Ajegunle (CAW2) and Ikorodu (CAW1), measuring 0.3 nm and 0.2 nm, respectively. The elemental composition of calcium oxide (CaO), which ranges from 91.62% to 91.78%, was determined by XRF analysis to be the main metal oxide component in both CAW samples. In contrast, silicon oxide was found to be between 5.20% and 5.24% and aluminum oxide to be between 2.04% and 2.2%. All of the samples' IR spectrum absorption peaks pointed to CaO bond stretching. The carbide ash samples CAW1 and CAW2's SEM morphological characteristics showed irregular particle sizes and shapes with agglomeration. The broad band at ranges of 3534.6 - 2713.5 cm-1 for O-H, 2064.9 - 1587.9 cm-1, 1174.1 - 1047.4 cm-1, and 846.1 - 723.1 cm-1 for C=O, C-O, and CaO, respectively, was found in the FTIR analysis of the CAW samples. Both CAW samples exhibit high thermal stability. \ In conclusion, the CAW samples have a high quantity of CaO, which also adds to its high pozzolanic properties. It can be used as a substitute material in cement production.