Determination of elemental composition of TSP from cement industries in Nigeria using EDXRF technique

Suspended dust particulates within and around cement industries in Nigeria were sampled and analyzed using EDXRF technique. The TSP concentrations ranged from 500 μg/m3 to 1300 μg/m3 within the factory, while outside the factory the range is from 100 μg/m3 to 370 μg/m3. In major shop floors, particulate matter concentrations as high as 104 μg/m3 were recorded. Elements detected include Na, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, S, Cu and Pb. Highly enriched elements were Ca, S, Zn, Cu and Pb with enrichment factors 30-350, 75-200, 100-14 700 and 20-700 respectively. Elements such as Al, Fe, Mn, Na, V and Cr were moderately enriched. Source apportionment of the pollutants by chemical mass balance (CMB) and factor analysis methods revealed cement contributions up to 60% within the factory and 30% around the residential neighbourhoods. Control measures like electrostatic precipitators have been strongly suggested to these factories. ((orig.))