Energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis of mineral elemental concentrations in bore hole core samples from kisii area
Abstract
A total of fifty nine core samples at varying depths from
nine different bore holes from Kisii area have been
analysed using the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence
(EDXRFA) method with a cadmium-109 source and a 1ithium
drifted silicon detector. The sulphide-ore samples were
provided by the Department of Mines and Geology, Ministry
of Natural Resources. The concentrations of the eleven
elements of interest at various depths are tabulated in
turn for each bore hole. Graphs indicating elemental
variations with depth and the mean elemental concentration
for each bore ho 1e have been presented. Results from
standard samples have also been included to show the
accuracy of the method.
The maximum concentrations of typical elements in the
various bore holes have been analysed and presented.
A value of 4.86% manganese was evaluated at 131.57 to
132.39 meters in bore hole eight. A maxima of iron
(37.78%) was observed at 96.01-96.42 meters, copper
(4.57%) at 107.11-107.31 meters and zinc (7.84%) at 96.42-
96.57 meters in bore hole five. The highest value of lead
(4910 ppm) was recorded in bore hole number one at a depth
of 201.08-201.17 meters. EDXRFA method has proved to be a
useful technique in the analysis of geological ore
samples.