Potassium reduction after thermal treatment in cow dung can be attributed to several factors:
Volatilization: During thermal treatment, especially at high temperatures, some volatile components in cow dung, including potassium compounds, can be driven off as gases. This process results in a reduction of potassium content in the dung.
Chemical Reactions: High temperatures can induce chemical reactions within the cow dung, leading to the conversion of potassium compounds into other forms that may not be detectable or quantifiable using conventional analytical methods. This could result in a perceived reduction in potassium content.
Loss of Water: Thermal treatment typically involves heating the cow dung, which can lead to the loss of water content through evaporation. Since potassium is water-soluble, some of it may be lost along with the water during this process.
Transformation into Ash: Thermal treatment often results in the conversion of organic matter in cow dung into ash. Potassium is a common constituent of ash, so while the overall mass of the dung may decrease, the concentration of potassium in the remaining ash may increase.
Overall, these factors contribute to the reduction in potassium content observed after thermal treatment of cow dung.