Analytical Sciences

Universal EDXRF Method for Multi-elemental Determinations Using Fused Bead Specimens

Sangita DHARA,*,** Kaushik SANYAL,*,** and Nand Lal MISRA*,**

*Fuel Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
**Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400094, India

A systematic study on the EDXRF determination of multi-elements using fusion bead specimens and a universal calibration procedure was carried out. Beads of multi-elements were prepared by mixing MERCK multi-elemental standard solutions with the fusion flux. The elemental X-ray lines of K, Ca, Ba, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn were excited using a Ge secondary target and that of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Pb, Bi and Sr using a Rh primary target. The relative sensitivities of the elemental X-ray lines obtained using different excitation modes were calculated using a single bead. Using this relative sensitivity, the concentration of elements in other bead samples was determined. The average precision obtained was 3% (1 s) and the average deviation from expected values, calculated on the basis of sample preparation, was 6%. In order to further countercheck the validity of this methodology, a standard soil sample received from IAEA was analyzed.

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