Characterization of Quartz and Calcite Particle size Presents in Local Dust Fell on Baghdad on June 2009

Abstract

Dust samples have been collected from three areas in Baghdad during dust storm occurred in 18th of June 2009 to characterize elemental particle size and composition by different techniques. The x-ray diffraction detected six minerals those are calcite, and quartz, present as a major components, dolomite, kaolinite, gypsum and plagioclase present as miner components .EDX detected some normal elements presented in local soil except traces of lead , nickel, and chromium. The particle size analysis by a set of sieves have revealed that the majority particle distribution was between (32 and 45)μm . To isolate the aerosol size, PM10 buoyancy method of powder in water showed a signifying amounts of particulate size .Scheerer’s method was applied to estimate the sizes of those particulate for quartz and calcite mineral .The estimation crystallite size of those separated particle was occur between (30 -55) nm for quartz and between (10 – 20) nm for calcite .Those sizes are highly affected the respiratory system of the human and even the animals .
PH measured values gave slightly alkaline (PH=7.8), and this value might affect on the plant nutrition.