Study of air pollutants in khartoum state using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence

Abstract EN

Air samples have been collected from different areas in Khartoum State.

Sample collection was performed over different periods of time (1-2 hours).

XRF method was used as an analytical tool in the determination of aerosols trace elements.

The elemental concentrations for Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Br and Pb have been determined using EDXRF.

Analytical accuracy was found to be in good agreement with the Standard Reference Material (SRM) IAEA- Soil-7 for all elements.

The average elemental concentrations of Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Br and Pb in the expected contaminated sites were 83.27, 0.001, 36.12, 14.051, 0.1, 7.057 and 11.122 µg /m3 respectively.

The results showed that higher values were found for the crustal elements Ca and Fe, while lower values were found for the others.

Enrichment factors were evaluated for all elements which showed that Ca, Cr and Ni were not enriched, while the concentrations of Pb and Co were enhanced possibly through anthropogenic emissions.

The ratio of Br/Pb in the aerosol sample was similar to their ratio in the burned petrol.

A fact that was taken as a sign of petrol being the source of both lead and bromine.