COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF OXALIC ACID PRODUCED FROM RICE HUSK AND PADDY

In this research work, comparative analysis of Oxalic acid produced from Rice husk and Paddy was carried out in order to ascertain which waste sample produced a better yield. Nitric acid oxidation of carbohydrates was the method adopted in the production. The variable ratios of HNO3:H2SO4 used were 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50. The variable ratio of 60:40 gave the maximum yield and at a maximum temperature of 75oC. Rice husk sample gave a percentage yield of 53.2, 64.4, 81.0, and 53.3 at temperatures of 55 oC, 65 oC, 75 oC, and 85 oC respectively. In the case of paddy a percentage yield of 53.1, 64.0, 79.9, and 52.8 at temperatures of 55 oC, 65 oC, 75 oC, and 85 oC were obtained respectively. The plots between yield and temperature at different variable ratios illustrate the dependence of yield on temperature, which was similar to a parabolic relationship and the peak value (yield) was at 75 oC above which it decreased. The properties of oxalic acid from both sources were very close and compared favourably with literature. In comparing the yield, oxalic acid produced from Rice husk gave higher yield than that from Paddy