Determination of Lead from Tailings of Gold Matrix using Proton Induced X-ray Emission

Proton induced x-ray emission (pixe) was utilized in this research to determine the lead from five geological samples of tailings of gold ores collected from different holes within the same local mining area of maga village under Danko-fasagu zuru emirate, kebbi state Nigeria. The samples was prepared to a scale interrogated by non- destructive technique (PIXE), using 1.7MeV tandem accelerator at the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), Obafemi Awulowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun state Nigeria. After samples activation with an ion beam of proton, atomic interactions occur that give off electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths in the x-ray part of the electromagnetic spectrums specific to those elements contained in the samples. The spectrum generated from the samples revealed that lead concentration is above the normal. The results of the irradiation of the samples shows that lead (pb) alongside with the other elements were obtained such as Ca, K, Zr, Ba, Ti, Si, Fe, Mn, Cl, Ce, Cu, Sr, S. The work look into the determination of naturally occurring element (lead), whose concentration was found to be above the normal. According to the results obtained from this research indicated that the communities living around the local mining area of maga are at the risk of lead poisoning, due to its high concentration in the area. This is because the tailings (left over) of gold ores at the mining area are spreading through air and water. People inhaled the air into their lungs down to the bloodstream, drink and cook with the water. These increase the potential danger of lead poisoning.