Multielemental Analysis of Limestone and Soil Samples of Kitui South (Kenya) Limestone Deposits

Abstract

The results of analysis of heavy metal in limestone and soil samples from the limestone deposit areas of Kitui South, Kenya were reported in this paper. The analysis was carried out to assess the environmental impact of heavy metals in the region and provide necessary data on the extent of their spread that could be used as a basis for monitoring occupational exposure and the and subsequent environmental impact once mining and processing of limestone in the region starts. Limestone and soils were sampled from three major limestone deposit areas in the region of Kituvwi, Mwanyani and Ndulukuni and analyzed for heavy elemental content using 109Cd radioisotope excited EDXRF spectrometry technique in which sample pellets were directly irradiated. The major elements detected in soils were Ti, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Pb, while in limestone they were; Ti Mn and Zn.