Quantification of heavy metal(oid)s in wood briquettes and residual ash

Sustainable development demands research into safe, renewable energy sources. Wood briquettes offer numerous advantages, but they can contain heavy metal(oid)s, posing environmental challenges, particularly in the ash produced during combustion. This study examines the concentrations of heavy metal(oid)s (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Co, Zn, and As) in wood briquettes and their residual ash. Samples were prepared <i>via</i> wet digestion using 65% nitric acid (HNO₃) in polytetrafluoroethylene vessels, followed by analysis using flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that arsenic (As) had the lowest concentration in wood briquettes, while iron (Fe) was the highest. In the ash, chromium (Cr) was detected at the lowest concentration (0.80 mg/kg), while iron (Fe) reached 5830 mg/kg. Heavy metal concentrations in wood briquettes often exceeded permissible limits, and the concentrations in ash were significantly higher, making some ash samples unsuitable for agricultural use. The ash content ranged from 0.70% to 2.34%. This study provides valuable quantitative data on heavy metal(oid)s before and after combustion, highlighting their potential environmental impact and emphasizing the need for careful management of wood briquette ash.