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Research Article Volume 10 Issue 2
Application of atomic spectroscopic and nuclear based techniques in the analysis of heavy metals pollution in biological, environmental, and geological media
Buhari Samaila, Alhassan Alhaji Shehu
Received: March 04, 2026 | Published: May 13, 2026
Citation: Samaila B, Shehu AA. Application of atomic spectroscopic and nuclear-based techniques in the analysis of heavy metals pollution in biological, environmental, and geological media. Material Sci & Eng Int J. 2026;10(1):48-61. DOI: 10.15406/mseij.2026.10.00268
Abstract
This systematic literature review evaluates the application of nuclear-based analytical techniques in the detection, quantification, and environmental assessment of heavy metals across soil, water, plant, and atmospheric matrices. Drawing from more than forty peerreviewed studies between 2009 and 2023, the review synthesizes findings on techniques such as Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Energy- Dispersive XRF (EDXRF), Portable XRF (pXRF), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results demonstrate that PIXE and ICP-MS exhibit the highest analytical sensitivity (ppb–ppt levels) and multi-element detection capability, making them the preferred tools for trace and ultratrace metal analyses. Conversely, XRF-based methods are rapid, cost-effective, and nondestructive, enabling large-scale field screening and spatial pollution mapping, though they are constrained by matrix effects and moderate detection limits. Across various studies in Nigeria, Ghana, India, and Romania, elevated concentrations of Pb, Fe, Cr, and Zn were observed in soils, tailings, and crops, often surpassing WHO/FAO thresholds and indicating serious ecological and human health implications. Biomonitoring approaches using mosses, lichens, and plants further highlighted long-term atmospheric metal deposition patterns. Advanced methodologies such as X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), sequential extraction, geostatistics, and GIS-integrated remote sensing provided critical insights into metal speciation, mobility, and pollution source identification. The integration of nuclearbased and conventional techniques enhances analytical precision, spatial resolution, and risk interpretation, forming a comprehensive framework for sustainable environmental monitoring and remediation strategies.
Keywords: nuclear analytical techniques, heavy metals, PIXE, XRF, ICP-MS, AAS, biomonitoring, environmental pollution, metal speciation, GIS mapping
©2026 Samaila, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.