Evaluation of the processing method of Keana salt deposit, Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

The evaluation of the processing method of Keana salt deposit was done by analyzing the salt deposit and the refined salt which was compared with the laboratory refined product obtained by dissolution, filtration, recrvstallization and oven drying processes. In the laboratory process, filter paper was used for the filtration and the residue washed with distilled water before recrystallization. The major elements, sodium (Na) and Chloride (Cl) were determined by flame emission spectrophotometry and mohr's method of titration respectively. Trace elements in the various samples were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The result revealed 32.05%, 3.42% and 33.00% Na in the local processed salt, the deposit and the laboratory refried sT( respectively. The chloride content was determined to be 58.70%, 1.42% and 61.40% Cl " the local refined salt, the deposit and the laboratory refined salt respectively. These 3. e 93 75%. 4.84% and 94.40% NaCI in the local refined salt, the deposit and the Inbora-cfy iefined salt respectively. X-ray fluorescence showed that the following elements are .'resent in the salt deposit. Fe. Zn. Rb, Sr, Zr and Nb. The end-product contained K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Pe. Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb. Sr and Br. The laboratory refined salt contained only Cu, and Cr as trace elements in lower proportion (3.05 x 10'5 and 2.5 x 10'° respectively) compared to their concentrations in the local refined salt (7.93 x 10’5 and 6.54 x 10’6 respectively). Other trace elements associated with the local refined product were totally removed which shows that if modern filtration and evaporation equipment/techniques are used as in industries, it will enhance the quality of the refined product.