Multi-elemental energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis of Kerio valley fluorite ores and Mrima hill soil sediments

Abstract

A total of fifty three radioactive fluorite samples from Kerio valley and Mrima Hill were analysed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) method. The excitation source used was Cadmium 109 and a silicon-lithium drifted (Si(Li)) detector. A Quantitative analytical approach based on Fundamental Parameter method has been used in the analysis of these samples. Concentrations of uranium,thorium and other elements of probable economic values are also reported. Frequency histograms for elemental distributions in these samples are also.presented. A correlation matrix of . . uranium and thorium with the associated elements is also established. In order to illustrate the accuracy of EDXRF method, analysis of certified reference materials;soil(S-7), uranium ore (S-8) and thorium ore (S-14) from the International Atomic Energy Agency:(IAEA) and the Canadian rock sample (SY3) has been performed and results obtained compared with the certified values. Errors of orders of 5% and 10% have been realised on major and trace elements, respectively. The results of repeatability of the EDXRF method performed on selected samples from Kerio Valley and Mrima Hill are also reported.