Elemental mapping of dead sea beach sands using X-Ray fluorescence technology: Implications for industrial applications and economic development

Abstract

The Dead Sea reservoir contains high concentrations of natural salts, and its beach sands contains elements relevant of industrial applications. This study aims to identify and quantify the elemental composition of beach sands in the Ayn al-Zara area, located on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. Field survey was conducted over an area of 30,000 square meters and 50 samples were collected from a one-kilometer length of coast along 30 meters inland. Portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) combined with geographic information systems (GIS) mapping was used to analyze samples. High concentrations of calcium, potassium, iron, sulfur, and mercury were observed in the analyses, indicating industrial potential. The findings confirm that the eastern Dead Sea beach sands contain economically valuable elements. Coupling PXRF with GIS mapping was efficient in mapping elemental distributions, which offered critical environmental and resource information. This research focuses on the industrial use of Dead Sea beach sands, pointing to high economic potential.