Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Analysis of Elements in Tobacco Cigarette and Ashed-Tobacco Samples

Abstract

EDXRF spectroscopy, using a ¹⁰⁹Cd excitation source was used for the multi -element analysis of two tobacco leaves and ten brands of cigarettes Widely consumed in Nigeria. The dried tobacco leaves, cigarettes and ashes of the samples were analysed tor 14 elements (K, Ca, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Ti, Zr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se and Pb). An emission-transmission quantification method, which adequately provides for correction of the organic dark matrix background and scattering intensity contribution from cellulose on the element sensitivities was utilized. As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Se and Pb averages 8.7, 15.3, 31.8, 22.3, 83.7,4.9 and 12.7 ppm and 13.1, 25.7,<i> </i>36.9, 69.2, 35.9<i>, </i>7.6 and 19.2 ppm in tobacco and ashed samples respectively. Statistical correlations is found to exist between As and Pb (+0.99), Zr and Br (-0.94), Rb and Br (-0.92), and K and Br (-0.96).