Study of magnetic mineral properties of Bat Cave Guano in the Rammang-Rammang Karst Area using x-ray diffraction method and its potential as organic fertilizer

Guano is found in the Bat Cave, which is located in the Karst area of Rammang-Rammang Maros, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Magnetic susceptibility measurements have been carried out and indicated that guano contains magnetic minerals. Magnetic minerals are paramagnetic and (canted) antiferromagnetic. However, the type of mineral is not yet known. Therefore, a study was conducted that aims to identify the mineral content of guano in Bat Cave. The method used is the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) method. The results show that the dominant minerals contained in guano are Calcium Indium (Ca8In3), Aluminum Calcium Silicon (Al2Ca3Si2), and Potassium (K). The presence of the dominant Ca element is due to the guano originating from a cave located in a karst area that is rich in calcium. In addition, the mineral Potassium (K) found in guano indicates that guano from Bat Cave has the potential to be used as fertilizer.