Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of trace elements of total atmospheric deposit (TAD) around a smelting industry:
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Date
2018-01-25
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Abstract
This study monitored total atmospheric deposit (TAD) around a
smelting plant in Ile-Ife, Nigeria to assess the contributions of the
industry to Nigeria’s air-shed pollution. Samples were collected for
12 consecutive months using an Australian model gauge, harvested
after 30 d of exposure, filtered and dried to constant weights using
oven. Monthly deposition rates were determined and elemental
characterizations of the TAD samples were done using proton-induced
X-ray emission technique. Results revealed that the monthly
deposition rates ranged from 0.69 to 4.62 gm¡3 and was more
pronounced in Harmattan. Twenty-three elements were detected; their
total elemental concentrations ranged from 1.23 to 13.63 mg m¡3 with
Fe having the highest concentrations, while Na has the least. Pearson
correlation indicated that some elements have common sources and/
or similar chemical properties; enrichment factor showed that Fe, Zn,
Pb, Mn were extremely enriched in the study area, modified degree of
contamination (3.75) and pollution load intensity (1.21) showed that
the neighborhoods could be exposed to high air pollution related
impacts. Positive matrix factorization model revealed three distinct
sources: Smelting emission (63%), biomass burning (17%), and
suspended input material emissions (21%). The study concluded that
the smelting activities posed a great hazard to receptors around the
smelting industry.
Description
An International Journal Of Taylor & Francis Group,P.16.
Keywords
air pollution; PIXE; smelting industry; TAD; trace element