Synthesis of Potash Alum from Waste Aluminum Foil Papers used for Fish Barbeque

Abstract

Aluminium is an important metal that find application in various areas ranging
from simple kitchen utensils to construction and packaging materials. Due to its
versatile uses, aluminium wastes are frequently generated. The aim of this
research was to recycle waste aluminium foil papers used for barbequed fish
packaging into useful potash alum. The method used explored the amphoteric
nature of aluminium to react with both acid and alkali to form a double salt.
1.20g of the waste aluminium foil pieces was first reacted with 25ml of 3 M KOH
to form a colourless solution. Further addition of 3M H2SO4 to the solution led to
the precipitation of a double salt of potash alum. The percentage yield of the
synthesized potash alum obtained from 1.20g waste aluminum foil was 76%. The
alum also recorded 45% water of crystallization. The efficiency of the
synthesized alum in water purification was also tested. Results gave 90.81%
reduction in turbidity of muddy water sample from initial turbidity of 1639 NTU
to 169 NTU. Thus, the potash alum synthesized from waste aluminium foils was
able to coagulate fine suspension of mud from the water, therefore effective in
water purification.