Features of X-ray fluorescence determination of rock-forming elements in powder samples of peat sediments

The features of rock-forming elements determination in powder samples of peat sediments are considered. Based on theoretical calculations and experimental data, the mineralogical and particle size effects on the X-ray fluorescence intensity have been estimated. For routine analysis, powder rock samples are usually milled to a particle size of 10–60 μm. Theoretically, estimated variations of rock-forming elements analytical lines intensities in different minerals are up to 30%, and the particle size effect cannot be eliminated simultaneously for all rock-forming elements. Experimental estimation shows that the impossibility of the particle size distribution control can lead to significant variations in the intensities of the analytical lines (3%–18%) that is mainly corresponding to theoretical estimation. Fine milling allowed us to achieve an average particle size of fewer than 20 μm and reduce the measurement uncertainty by 1.5–2 times. 12 samples of peat sediments with organic matter content up to 70 wt% were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence analysis using different sample preparation techniques, as well as by certified methods. The accuracy of X-ray fluorescence analysis of peat sediments prepared as pressed pellets varies from 1.5 to 11 rel% depending on compound contents. It is more than for samples prepared as fused beads, however, the proposed method can be used to determine the variations of rock-forming elements contents in peat sediments where the content variations exceed the measurement uncertainty, and accuracy of analysis is sufficient for further paleoecological reconstructions.