Materials and methods for the preparation and analysis of banana plant
pseudo-stem fiber ash aqueous extract have been discussed. The extract is highly rich
in potassium and carbonate, moderately in sodium and chloride. In addition, nitrate,
phosphate, and 12 other heavy metals in trace concentrations have been detected. The
extract is so rich in potassium and carbonate that it is a prospective renewable source
for the isolation of potassium carbonate. The origin of carbonate in the extract is the
oxalate present in the pseudo-stem fibers.
Keywords: Analysis of banana plant fiber ash extract, Banana plant fiber ash,
Source of potassium carbonate, Use of banana plant pseudo-stem.