Fundamental Characterisation of Dredged Marine Sediments from Kuala Perlis Jetty by XRF, XRD and FTIR

Abstract

Dredging along Kuala Perlis Jetty results in huge amount of marine sediments which has thrown considerable challenge for disposal. This research was conducted to characterize dredged marine sediment which was collected at Kuala Perlis Jetty as potential raw material for brick production. Three different characterizations were performed namely XRF, XRD and FTIR. XRF analysis showed the presence of SiO2 and Al2O3 as major quantities. Low concentration of heavy metals namely As, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn presence in the sediment comply the US EPA guideline for brick production. XRD analysis indicated the presence of quartz as primary mineral while kaolinite and illite also present as secondary and ternary phases. FTIR analysis identified various form of minerals presence in the samples which strongly supported XRD results.