The quality of artisanal charcoal sold for domestic use in Tucuruí municipality in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize and analyse the charcoal produced for domestic use in the municipality of Tucuruí, Pará, Brazil. To this end, 15 samples were strategically collected from 5 different locations, and the moisture, fixed carbon, volatile material, ash content, calorific value and relative density of the samples were analysed in the laboratory. The charcoal commercialized in the municipality had mean values of 10.8% moisture, 74.12% fixed carbon, 22.77% volatile material, 3.10% ash, an apparent density of 335 g/cm 3 , and a calorific value of 30.15 kJ/kg. Although these values are broadly consistent with those presented in the literature for charcoal obtained from Amazonian species, the products are not recommended for the use for which they are produced. Factors such as packaging, storage and material heterogeneity should be routinely inspected during the charcoal manufacturing process and its subsequent commercialization.