Usefulness of nuclear and atomic-based analysis techniques in air pollution studies in Nigeria

Abstract

Three nuclear and atomic-based techniques for elemental analysis of air-particulate samples are discussed in terms of their usefulness in an environmental monitoring and impact assessment programme, supported by the European Economic Community, in Nigeria. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis are compared with respect to the number of elements detected and the detection limits obtained for air-particulate matrices. The latter is used in conjunction with Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) in order to correct for variations in matrix composition. A scanning electron microprobe (SEM) with analytical facilities is also employed mainly for characterization of the air-particulates through measurement of particle size and morphology. The value of carrying out statistical analysis for differentiating between collection sites or sources of pollution is emphasised. Reference to results obtained from the analysis of air-particulates collected during the Harmattan season at Kano and Ife, separated by about 1000 km place the problem in context and serve to illustrate the requirements.