Investigation of Removal Potential of Carbon Monoxide Using Activated Carbon Derived from Tropical Tree Species in Nigeria

Authors

  • Adesanmi, A. J., Akinoye, F. A., Ifijeh, J. O., Oyeleke, E., Olowofeyeku, O., and Sonibare, J. A. Laboratory, Research and Development Unit, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Activated carbon, carbon monoxide, adsorption, tropical tree species, environmental pollution.

Abstract

This study investigated the removal potential of carbon monoxide (CO) using activated
carbon derived from selected tropical tree species in Nigeria. Biomass samples obtained from
Annona reticulata, Voacanga africana, and Cleistopholis patens were carbonized through
pyrolysis and chemically activated using phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and sodium hydroxide
(NaOH). The prepared activated carbons were characterized by determining activation
efficiency and ash content, while adsorption experiments were conducted in an
environmental chamber using carbon monoxide generated from a petrol-powered generator.
Results revealed significant variations in adsorption performance among the activated
carbons produced from the different tree species. Activated carbon derived from Annona
reticulata demonstrated the highest adsorption efficiency, achieving CO reductions of
79.94% and 65.66% for H₃PO₄ and NaOH activation, respectively. Voacanga africana
exhibited moderate removal efficiencies of 61.97% and 42.26%, while Cleistopholis patens
recorded lower efficiencies of 48.04% and 34.63%, respectively. The differences observed
were attributed to variations in lignocellulosic composition, pore structure development, ash
content, and activating agents used during preparation. The findings indicate that activated
carbon derived from tropical tree species possesses significant potential as a sustainable
and low-cost adsorbent for mitigating carbon monoxide pollution in Nigeria.

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Published

24-09-2026

How to Cite

Adesanmi, A. J., Akinoye, F. A., Ifijeh, J. O., Oyeleke, E., Olowofeyeku, O., and Sonibare, J. A. (2026). Investigation of Removal Potential of Carbon Monoxide Using Activated Carbon Derived from Tropical Tree Species in Nigeria. NABDA JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, 5(4), 16–25. Retrieved from https://journals.nbrda.gov.ng/njbr/article/view/246

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2026): Special Issue 6: Proceedings of Bioresources Development Conference (BDC26): Promoting A Bio-Economy Through Innovative Bio-Entrepreneurship Services And Domesticated Biotechnology

Section

Articles

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