Determination of rice husk chemical compositions using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique

Abstract

Rice is one of the most widely cultivated grain produced with higher percentage increase annually, where the twenty percent of the rice, is rice husk which is mostly regarded as waste despite its wide industrial applications. Rice husks are used in different industrial applications in synthesizing and manufacturing of new materials in a unique way with added value features. In this study, the elemental compositions of rice husk were analyzed using the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF)  Technique. The samples analyzed were obtained from four different locations namely; Akko, Billiri, Gombe and Yamaltu Deba of Gombe State, Nigeria. The results of the analyses in the four locations revealed the level of concentration of ten elements with the mean mass percentage concentration as follows; Fe (2.98), S (3.40), P (17.45), Ca (4.26), K (14.8), Bi (2.90), Ba (6.81), Pb (3.40), Sn (2.55), Si (44.26). The results in percentage concentration mass show Si > P > K > Ba > Ca > Pb, S > Fe > Bi and Sn. The three major compositions Si, P and K are useful in industrial applications.