PROTON INDUCED X-RAY ANALYSIS OF SOIL AND WATER SAMPLES FROM CHROMITE MINE ENVIRONMENT FOR DETERMINATION OF TOXIC METAL ION CONTAMINATION

Abstract

Soil and water samples collected from chromite mine environment were analyzed by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) for determination of toxic metal ion concentrations. The soil samples were collected from an active mine quarry, overburden dumps, fallow, and cultivated lands adjacent to the mines. The water samples were collected from the mine quarry, natural stream, and ground water in the mining area. Different elements such as Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Zr were detected both in soil and water samples. The concentrations of Fe, Cr, and Mn in the samples were relatively high as compared to other elements. The concentrations of Cr in the soil and water samples collected from the chromite mine environment were found in the ranges of 792 to 33705 mg/kg and 4 to 308 μg/L, respectively. The concentration of all elements in the soil samples collected from the active mining sites, as well as from fallow and cultivated lands, exceeded their permissible limits. However, the concentration of Cr in the water samples of the mine quarry treated with ferrous alums, the Damsala Nala river upstream, and ground water outside the mining area was found within the permissible range.