Neutron Activation Analysis of Kaolin of the South Eastern States Nigeria
Ali Haruna *
Department of Physics, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
Vivan Ann Kasham
Department of Physics, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This work investigates the components of Kaolin (nzu) in the five South Eastern states of Nigerian and the possible health benefits by using Neutron Activation analysis. The results of the investigation show the concentration of eighteen elements. These elements are Mg, Al, Ti, V, Mn, Na, K, As, U, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Rb, Cs, Zn, Rb, Cs, Ba, and Th, that were analysed using NAA in Kaolin (Nzu) collected from five South East states of Nigeria. Among these, the major elements detected include Mg, Al, Ti, Na, K, and Fe. The remaining occurred at minor and trace levels. The results also show that Kaolin (nzu) is highly enriched in Al, Ti, K, and Fe with concentration levels ranging from 132300±794-188400±1507, 2642±682-12200±647, 2029±114-5913±136 and 7809±187-18400±258. The concentrations of most of these elements is far exceeds the daily dietary needs or permissible limits of man, and thus making them toxic unless taken in small dosages.
Keywords: Neutron, quality, element, mineral, Kaolinite