AASCIT Journal of Chemistry 2020; 6(2): 14-19 http://www.aascit.org/journal/chemistry Chemical Analyses of Parkia biglobosa Fruit Husk Extract and Lateritic Soil Used in Ethnobotanical Preparation of Mud Wall Plaster in Some West African Countries Samson Abah Abagale 1, * , Sylvester Kwadwo Twumasi 2 , Johannes Awudza 3 1 Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana 2 Faculty of Public Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre, Sunyani, Ghana 3 Chemistry Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana Email address * Corresponding author Citation Samson Abah Abagale, Sylvester Kwadwo Twumasi, Johannes Awudza. Chemical Analyses of Parkia biglobosa Fruit Husk Extract and Lateritic Soil Used in Ethnobotanical Preparation of Mud Wall Plaster in Some West African Countries. AASCIT Journal of Chemistry. Vol. 6, No. 2, 2020, pp. 14-19. Received: August 27, 2019; Accepted: January 4, 2020; Published: September 24, 2020 Abstract: Mud wall plaster ethnobotanically produced from Parkia biglobosa husk extract and laterite soil in some rural communities of West Africa imparts resilience against adverse weather conditions to mud walls. Chemical analyses of the husk extract and soil was therefore carried out to determine the presence and levels of relevant elements that may be contributing to the chemical constitution of the plaster. Atomic absorption, Flame photometry, and X-ray analyses were carried out on the samples. In the soil, there were larger quantities of potassium (559.02±4.11 mg/Kg), magnesium (230.11±2.04 mg/Kg), iron (410.72±1.23 mg/Kg), calcium (318.04±16.97 mg/Kg) and Silicon (1409.83±0.51 mg/Kg). The husk also contained larger amounts of iron (107.24±2.99 mg/Kg), potassium (962.83±0.00 mg/Kg) and magnesium (245.02±0.99 mg/Kg). Sodium, nickel, lead and zinc were also present in the soil and husk at relatively lower levels. X-ray diffraction indicated presence of Silica in the soil. Clear parts of the diffraction compared well with standard diffraction data of pure silica. The X-ray mineral profile of the soil also agrees well with its mineralogy determined by Atomic Absorption. Keywords: Parkia biglobosa, Husk, Laterite, Mud Wall, Plaster, Chemical Analysis 1. Introduction Brick houses are more aesthetically attractive and provide a better satisfactory indoor climate [1]. According to the Ghana housing census 2002 report, brick houses constitute about 15% of total stock of houses in the country [2]. Also, well-constructed earth wall homes, according to international standards, have no damage in tremors, survive and are repairable in medium quakes and are damaged beyond repair but do not pose a threat to life in large quakes [3]. But extensive wetness, by volume over time, may eventually lead to the collapse of these building [4-5]. Therefore, calls have been made to take interest in reducing the rate of deterioration of these buildings so as to make them more durable and safe for habitation [6]. There are various building materials including cement, cement based pozzolana and earth or mud. The chemical makeup of these building materials include minerals and tiny crystalline hydroxyl aluminium silicates from sources such as kaolinite and quartz, chlorite, goethite and hematite [7], while others are oxides of calcium and magnesium aluminates, ferrates, silicates and clay minerals. The ability of materials to be used for building depends mainly on their chemical make-up. The use of earth or mud in construction is well-established as energy efficient. Earth is used to construct walls, floors, roofs and even furniture, fireplaces and ovens. These buildings are easier and cheaper to build though less durable [1, 5] compared to buildings from sand, stone and concrete. In some cultures, boiled linseed oil and turpentine brushed on several coats are used to provide a final finish [8]. Bitumen (or asphalt) emulsion and cutback have also been used to