Analysis of local salts using x-ray spectrometric techniques

Abstract

Local salts namely: Mangul, Kantu and Manda have been analysed using x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence techniques. X-ray diffraction has shown that Mangul and Kantu consist of mainly sodium chloride while Manda consists of mainly calcium potassium silicate. The major elements determined using x-ray fluorescence are: Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti and Fe, while the trace elements included V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Y and Zr. The Mangul samples were found to contain higher concentrations of Br while Manda had higher Fe concentrations. Toxic elements such as As, Pb, Sb, and Hg are non detectable, which may suggest that the salts may be safe as common salt subsititudes.

Key Words: Mineral metal Salts, Carbonates, Chlorides, Sulphates, Silicates.


(Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 9(1): 65-70)