Physicochemical Properties, Radioactivity Measurement and Determination of Thorium Level in Monazite Ore Obtained from Parts of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Monazite ore is a source of thorium and can be used as an alternative source of nuclear fuel in place of depleting uranium which has been popular over decades. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to evaluate some physicochemical properties, radioactivity measurement and determination of thorium level in Monazite Ore obtained from parts of Plateau State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results of physicochemical parameters analyzed such as pH (5.48 moisture content (0.123%) and loss of mass on ignition (LOI) (0.67%) were to ascertain the ore quality preparatory to extraction. Additionally, the radioactivity of the ore was measured as 3.65μS/hr. The Scanning Electron Microscopy provided data on the presence of thorium and the concentration of thorium was determined as 4.68%. The results showed the monazite ore as being of high quality and are indicative of the fact that the sample is a potential source of thorium that can be further processed for nuclear applications.