EVALUATUING THE EFFECT OF MINING ACTIVITIES ON HUMAN POPULATION, WATER AND SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ITAGUMODI COMMUNITY IN OSUN STATE

The high cost and environmental burden of conventional alkaline activators such as sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate limit the wider application of geopolymer concrete. This study investigated the suitability of using wood ash as chemical activator in geopolymer concrete with the aim of promoting sustainable and locally available materials. An experimental approach was adopted. Locally available raw materials including wood ash, rice husk ash, and metakaolin were sourced. Wood ash Lye was produced and used in preparing geopolymer mortar and concrete specimens. Standard mix proportions were applied, and tests were carried out to determine density and compressive strength at curing ages of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results showed that concrete achieved a maximum density of 2040 kg/m³ with compressive strength of 1.30 N/mm², while mortar attained 2000 kg/m³ and 3.38 N/mm² respectively. Although strength values were lower compared to sodium hydroxide-activated mixes, the findings demonstrate that wood ash can act as a supplementary alkali activator. The study concludes that wood ash is a promising eco-friendly activator capable of reducing costs and environmental impacts in geopolymer concrete. Further optimization of mix design and durability studies are recommended.