Determination of some trace elements in natural and fertilised Libyan soils using INAA and ED-XRF

Samples of natural and fertilised soils were collected from Al-Gheran region, west of Tripoli, Libya. The samples were investigated by means of INAA and ED-XRF for Al, Si, K, Ca, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, Pb and Th. The results indicate that the concentrations of K, Ca, Zn, Sr and Pb are 2–4 fold higher in fertilised compared to natural soil, while the concentrations of Al, Si, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Rb, Y, Nb, Cs, Ba Ta and Th are nearly the same in all samples. Mn and Fe values in two arable soils have been found to be 4–6 times lower than the average concentration in the earth's surface soils. This study concludes that, although the levels of some trace elements important for human health are very low in both natural and fertilised soils. Further research is needed to understand the full significance of the distribution transfer and toxicity of trace elements introduced in imported fertilisers.