Abstract

• The aim of this research is to study the preparation and characterization of biochar which made from Baw-za-gaing (Leucaena leucocephela (Lam.) De Wit). Firstly, ash content (1.2 %), moisture content (2.65 %) and bulk density (0.85 g mL-1) were determined in the plant material. The biochar ( 17.64%) obtained was characterized by EDXRF, SEM, UV and FT IR. By EDXRF analysis, K, Ca, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr were detected in wood chips of Baw-za-gaing but Ca, P, Cl, K, S, Fe, Sr, Cu, Mn, Zn were detected in its biochar. EDXRF analysis showed Ca and K as the most abundant elements in both biochar and wood chips. Besides, Mn, Fe, S, Sr, Zn and Cu were found to be present in both biochar and wood chips samples, except P which was detected only in biochar. The porous structures of wood chips of selected plant materials (samples) and its biochars were studied by SEM spectroscopic techniques.Some organic functional groups such as aromatic ring, C=C, C–H, C–O, –CH2– and –CH3 groups, etc. , were studied by UV and FT IR spectrosopic techniques. The plant nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous were determined by chemical methods and that of potassium by AAS spectroscopic technique. The nitrogen content (3.10 %), potassium content (5.25%) and phosphorus contents (0.03%) were practically determined for biochar obtained from the plant sample. Elemental analysis of biochars was carried out by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic Technique). These were found that Ca, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Sr in biochar.