Question

Which ONE of the following options is NOT a parameter as a part of proximate analysis of municipal solid waste?

• A. Volatile matter
• B. Ash content
• C. Carbon to nitrogen ratio
• D. Moisture content

Hint:

Proximate analysis is a heat-and-weigh test on the whole sample; think about which of the four options instead needs elemental determination of individual atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

This question asks which listed parameter is NOT part of the proximate analysis used to characterize municipal solid waste for purposes such as combustion or waste-to-energy assessment.
Step 1: Recall what proximate analysis measures. Proximate analysis of solid waste, similar to proximate analysis of coal or biomass fuel, determines the moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon (usually obtained by difference) of a waste sample through controlled heating and combustion tests.
Step 2: Check each option against this list. Volatile matter, ash content, and moisture content are all standard, directly measured components of proximate analysis, so options (A), (B), and (D) are each genuine proximate analysis parameters.
Step 3: Identify the odd one out. Carbon to nitrogen ratio is not obtained from proximate analysis at all; it is a parameter from ultimate (elemental) analysis or from waste characterization used to judge compostability and biodegradation potential, requiring separate elemental determination of carbon and nitrogen content.
Step 4: Conclude. Since the C/N ratio belongs to ultimate analysis or biodegradability assessment rather than proximate analysis, the parameter that is NOT part of proximate analysis is carbon to nitrogen ratio, option (C).