Electron Probe Microanalysis of REE in Eudialyte Group Minerals: Challenges and Solutions

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1096-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petya Atanasova ◽  
Joachim Krause ◽  
Robert Möckel ◽  
Inga Osbahr ◽  
Jens Gutzmer
Keyword(s):  
Electron Beam ◽  
Electron Probe Microanalysis ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Electron Probe ◽  
Beam Diameter ◽  
Eudialyte Group ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Individual Calibration ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry

AbstractAccurate quantification of the chemical composition of eudialyte group minerals (EGM) with the electron probe microanalyzer is complicated by both mineralogical and X-ray-specific challenges. These include structural and chemical variability, mutual interferences of X-ray lines, in particular of the rare earth elements, diffusive volatility of light anions and cations, and instability of EGM under the electron beam. A novel analytical approach has been developed to overcome these analytical challenges. The effect of diffusive volatility and beam damage is shown to be minimal when a square of 20×20 µm is scanned with a beam diameter of 6 µm at the fastest possible speed, while measuring elements critical to electron beam exposure early in the measurement sequence. Appropriate reference materials are selected for calibration considering their volatile content and composition, and supplementary offline overlap correction is performed using individual calibration factors. Preliminary results indicate good agreement with data from laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry demonstrating that a quantitative mineral chemical analysis of EGM by electron probe microanalysis is possible once all the parameters mentioned above are accounted for.

scholarly journals Geophagic Clays from Cameroon: Provenance, Metal Contamination and Health Risk Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8315
Author(s):  
Georges-Ivo Ekosse ◽  
George Elambo Nkeng ◽  
Nenita Bukalo ◽  
Olaonipekun Oyebanjo
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Contamination Assessment ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry

This study assessed the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of geophagic clays sold in some markets in Cameroon to ascertain their provenance, contamination status and human health risk. To achieve this, 40 samples from 13 markets in Cameroon were purchased and analysed using X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for their mineralogy and geochemistry, respectively. The geophagic clays were dominantly made up of kaolinite and quartz. Their chemistry was dominated by SiO2, Al2O3 and LOI with means of 48.76 wt%, 32.12 wt% and 13.93 wt%, respectively. The major, trace and rare earth elements data showed that these geophagic clays were predominantly derived from felsic rocks. The contamination assessment indicated no enrichment of metals from anthropogenic sources, except for Zn in samples from Acacia, Madagascar and Mfoudi markets. The index of geo-accumulation indicated no contamination to moderate contamination of the clays. The non-carcinogenic index values for Fe, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were generally less than 1, suggesting no non-carcinogenic risk exposure to children and adults consuming the geophagic clays from these metals. The carcinogenic risk index (TCR) for Ni and Cr were above 10−6, which implies that children and adults are vulnerable to minimal carcinogenic health risk. The TCR values from Ni posed the highest risk, especially to children consuming clays from some markets.

scholarly journals Characterization of Fly Ash Generated from Matla Power Station in Mpumalanga, South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1788-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olushola S. Ayanda ◽  
Olalekan S. Fatoki ◽  
Folahan A. Adekola ◽  
Bhekumusa J. Ximba
Keyword(s):  
Fly Ash ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Coal Fly Ash ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Point Of Zero Charge ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Power Station ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Plasma Mass Spectrometry

In this study, fly ash was obtained from Matla power station and the physicochemical properties investigated. The fly ash was characterized by x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Surface area, particle size, ash and carbon contents, pH, and point of zero charge were also measured. The results showed that the fly ash is alkaline and consists mainly of mullite (Al6Si2O13) and quartz (SiO2). Highly toxic metals As, Sb, Cd, Cr, and Pb as well as metals that are essential to health in trace amounts were also present. The storage and disposal of coal fly ash can thus lead to the release of leached metals into soils, surface and ground waters, find way into the ecological systems and then cause harmful effect to man and its environments.

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