Determining the Elemental Composition of Terminalia Brownii’s Bark Using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract

Tarminalia Brownii is a plant utilized by African tribes to cure a number of ailments. In addition to jaundice, they treat other less serious diseases, by drinking a potion made from the tree bark. Bark samples collected from a T. Brownii tree were dried, and then separated into its three layers. Each layer was crushed into fine powder, and subsequently analyzed using an X-ray analytical microscope. Elemental composition of the bark was determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and the results show the presence of Ca in concentrations larger than 85%, while Ti, Mn, Zn, Br and Sr were present in trace amounts (< 1%)