SAIP2026

Rare Earth Element and Soil Contamination Assessments around Mrima Hills, Kenya Using ICP–MS

7 Jul 2026, 12:00

20m

Lecture Hall GH2 (University of the Western Cape)

Oral Presentation Track B - Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics -1

Speaker

Ms Liteboho Ntsohi (University of the Witwatersrand)

Description

This study investigates rare earth elements (REE) and associated soil contamination around Mrima Hills, Kenya, through integration of Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS)-normalized REE patterns and the geo-accumulation index (Igeo). Soil samples were collected and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) with analytical precision maintained within ±5% and detection limits in the sub-ppm range for all REEs. The resulting patterns exhibit pronounced light REE (LREE; La–Eu) enrichment and strong fractionation relative to heavy REEs (HREE; Gd–Lu, Y), which show comparatively moderate accumulation. The evaluation of Igeo values describe discrete contamination hotspots with moderate to strong contamination observed for selected LREEs. Uranium and thorium concentrations remain consistently low across all the samples, indicating negligible radiological risk. Both analytical and statistical methods provide a robust framework for resolving enrichment mechanisms and delineating contamination zones. These findings are aligned to environmental monitoring and targeted remediation strategies in REE-bearing terrains.

Presentation materials

SAIP Conference-2026_Ruth Wabwile_EDITED.pptx