Aim
The aim of conducting a LOD (Loss on Drying) test on cow dung is to determine the moisture content present in the sample.
Procedure
Sample Preparation: Take a representative sample of cow dung. Ensure that the sample is homogenized by thoroughly mixing it to obtain a representative portion for testing.
Weighing: Accurately weigh an appropriate amount of the cow dung sample.
Prepare the Apparatus: Make sure the equipment is clean and calibrated.
Recording the Initial Weight: Place the weighed cow dung sample in the drying apparatus and record its initial weight.
Drying: Drying is carried out at a temperature between 100 to 105 degree Celsius till the weight is not constant.
Final Weighing: Weigh the sample again to determine the final weight.
Observations
Weight of Dish= 35.02g
Weight of Cow dung + Dish = 112.24g
Mass of Cow dung = 112.24g – 35.02g
Mass of Cow dung = 77.22g
| Time | Temperature in Degree Celsius | Weight |
| 10:12AM | 105 | 77.22g |
| 11:12AM | 105 | 72.38g |
| 12:12PM | 105 | 72.34g |
| 01:12PM | 105 | 72.29g |
| 02:12PM | 105 | 72.25g |
| 04:15PM | 105 | 55.22g |
| 9:30AM | 105 | 50.12g |
| 10:30AM | 105 | 48.42g |
| 11:30AM | 105 | 48.42g |
| 12:30AM | 105 | 48.42g |
Calculations
Final weight of Dried Cow dung = 48.42g – 35.02g = 13.4g
Calculate the percentage of moisture content in the cow dung sample using the following formula:
Moisture content (%) = [(Initial weight – Final weight) / Initial weight] x 100
Moisture content (%) = [(77.22g – 13.4g) / 77.22] x 100
Moisture content (%) = 82.64%
Solid content (%) = 17.36%
Result
The moisture content in Cow dung is 82.64%.
