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Geochemical characterization of soil samples from gold mining areas using PIXE spectroscopy
Felix Samuel Olise1, Samuel Adedigba Adeojo2, Oyediran Kayode Owoade2
1Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. fsolise@oauife.edu.ng.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|December 21, 2018
Summary
Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy identified arsenic and silver as gold pathfinder elements in Nigerian gold mines. High concentrations of these and other toxic metals pose contamination risks to miners and the ecosystem.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Gold mining in Southwestern Nigeria has historical significance.
- Understanding elemental distribution is crucial for environmental risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify indicator elements for gold mineralization.
- To assess the toxicity potential of soil samples from gold mine sites.
- To fingerprint gold deposits in the Ilesha schist belt.
Main Methods:
- Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy was employed.
- Geochemical analysis of 19 major, minor, and trace elements was performed.
- Multivariate statistical analyses (factor and cluster) were utilized.
Main Results:
- Arsenic (As) and Silver (Ag) were identified as key pathfinder elements for gold (Au).
- Elevated concentrations of As, Ag, Lead (Pb), and Copper (Cu) were detected.
- Geochemical data revealed significant elemental anomalies.
Conclusions:
- As and Ag serve as reliable pathfinders for gold exploration in the study area.
- High levels of toxic metals indicate a substantial metal contamination risk.
- Abandoned mining sites pose a significant environmental and health hazard to miners and the ecosystem.
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