The use of Si carriers for aerosol particle collection and subsequent elemental analysis by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

The adoption of polished Si carriers was studied for the sensitive elemental analysis of aerosol particles using total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry. The surface roughness of the Si carrier measured by atomic force microscopy was found to be smaller than those of glassy carbon and quartz glass carriers, which are commonly used for TXRF analysis. The detection limits of elements for the Si carrier were superior to those for the glassy carbon and the quartz glass carriers, presumably due to its smaller surface roughness. For example, the detection limit of Sr for the Si carrier was 9 pg, which was 100 times and 3 times lower than those for the glassy carbon and the quartz glass carriers, respectively. The Si carriers could be successfully applied to the direct aerosol particle collection by impaction and the subsequent elemental analysis by TXRF. From the results of the elemental analysis of aerosol particles, the variations in the concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn Sr and Pb with time could be clarified.     

Application of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as multielemental analysis to determine the elemental composition of crumb rubber samples

The elemental content of different rubber samples was analyzed using different analytical methods (inductively coupled atomic emission spectroscopy and non-polarized energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy). A new application of energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry as an analytical method for the determination of elemental content of rubber samples was investigated. Control analyses were also carried out to compare the results by ICP-AES. In one hand four samples contained same quality of elements (Mg, Si, P, S, Ca, Fe, Zn), while another four samples were without phosphorous. On the other hand there were significant differences in the ratio of C/H in the case of each sample. Based on the results, it was concluded that the X-ray spectrometry as an analytical method is well-applicable to determine the elemental composition of rubber samples, but the calibration is a key part of the analysis. A good correlation was observed between the different methods, but the correlation was the function of characteristic of matrices. Significant matrix effect from the presence of phosphor was observed in the case of some samples, while the change of C/H ratio could not result notable matrix effect.     

Identification of steel by X-ray fluorescence analysis with a pyroelectric X-ray generator

An application of X-ray fluorescence analysis with a pyroelectric X-ray generator is presented. Steel standard samples were identified by X-ray fluorescence analysis with this novel X-ray generator to check its capability for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis as an X-ray source for X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. Cr, Ni, V, Co, and W were detected in steel standard samples. V and Cr can be detected even when the content is below 1%. Although it is difficult to detect minor elements because of the low power of the excitation X-rays, it is possible to identify the analyzed samples on the basis of major elements at the percentage level. The pyroelectric X-ray generator is very suitable for portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers.     

Optimization of a glancing angle for simultaneous trace elemental analysis by using a portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer

By using a portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer with a 1 W X-ray tube, a specimen containing nanograms of Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni is measured at several glancing angles of incident X-rays. Continuum X-rays are used as the excitation source. The intensities of the spectral background which degrades sensitivity to trace elements are decreased with a decrease of the glancing angle, and all these elements are detected at the glancing angle of 0.13° smaller than the critical angle for total reflection of the incident X-rays (0.20°). An optimum glancing angle for simultaneously detecting these trace elements is around 0.13°, and detection limits at 0.13° are sub-nanograms to ten nanograms.     

Multielemental analysis of dried residue from metal-bearing waters by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

The purpose of this work was evaluation of instrumental sensitivity and detection limits for determination of elemental composition (20 different elements ranging from Na to Pb) of liquid mining samples by using conventional Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) instrumentation. Preconcentration of elements from liquid samples was performed by means of a simple dried residue process, and spectral evaluation was carried out by integration of the peak area (using WinQXAS/AXIL package software, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)) instead of the common net peak line intensity traditionally used in conventional WDXRF systems. With the proposed methodology, the calculated detection limits were in the µg L^− 1 range (from 0.005 to 0.1 mg L^− 1 level depending on the element) in all cases, which is suitable for element determination in most liquid samples involved in environmental studies such as metal mining liquid effluents. The detection limits are also below the established limits of the TCLP 1311 (United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA)) and DIN 38414-S4 (German Standard legislation) procedures, which are commonly used to evaluate the leaching of metals from landfill disposal.     

Extended fine structure in characteristic X-ray fluorescence: A novel structural analysis method of condensed systems

An oscillation similar to that in extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is found in characteristic X-ray fluorescence spectra, originating from a quantum interference effect during the X-ray emission process in a solid. We observe the oscillating fine structure in the radiative Auger X-ray fluorescence spectra of aluminum metal. The Al-Al interatomic distances are successfully reproduced by the Fourier transform of the fine structure. Thus, the present method has the potential to become a convenient alternative to EXAFS measurement for light elements.     

Cold plasma ashing improves the trace element detection of single Daphnia specimens by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

The recently developed dry method for the element determination of single freshwater microcrustacean specimens (Daphnia) using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry showed that inhomogeneities of the biological material on the glass carriers resulted in some cases in high background and hampered the detection of certain trace elements (e.g. Cr, Ni). The aim of this study was to test how inhomogeneities of the biological material can be reduced using cold plasma ashing (CPA) techniques. For that, single specimens of the microcrustacean Daphnia pulex prepared according to the dry method were measured by TXRF before and after CPA. To determine the efficiency of the removal of organic matrix, the background and signal-to-background relationship of 28 samples were analyzed. The results showed (1) a highly significant reduction of the background by CPA fluctuating between 26 and 46% (all elements) and (2) a significant increase of the signal-to-background relationship by the factor 1.5–2.5 (all elements) and a much better detection of Cr, Pb, As and Se. The element concentrations (with exception of Cr, Ni and Pb) after ashing were in the same range or slightly higher than that before ashing. No significant differences between the two treatments were observed for Mn, As, Pb, Se (November), Sr (November), Cr (March) and Pb (March). The element concentration of P, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Cr (November), Fe and Rb were significantly higher after ashing. In general, they increased by 1.5–13.6% and were highest for Rb (March) and P (November). In contrast, the element concentration of Ni and Cr (only March) decreased significantly after ashing (Ni: 91.6–92.1%, Cr: 91.3%). We recommend the use of CPA for biological material in the microgram-range as a routine method for TXRF analysis, especially when trace elements in minute concentrations are of interest.     

Development and application of a micro-digestion device for elemental analysis of biological samples

A commercially available piece of equipment for high pressure ashing was adapted for the digestion of micro-samples of biological origin by a supplementary device. This attachment is shown to be suitable for solids with a sample amount of some micrograms and for liquids with a volume of a few microliters. In addition, the homogeneity of two reference materials NBS SRM 1571 “Orchard Leaves” and BCR CRM 414 “Plankton” is tested. For that purpose, the results of elemental analysis of small portions down to the level of 1 mg are compared with those for larger portions recommended by the supplier. Elements are found to be homogeneously distributed in test portions down to 100 mg but a few elements show an inhomogeneous distribution in portions ≤3 mg. For multi-element determinations, total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used after addition of an internal standard to the digestion solutions.     

Direct rapid analysis of trace bioavailable soil macronutrients by chemometrics-assisted energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and scattering spectrometry

Precision agriculture depends on the knowledge and management of soil quality (SQ), which calls for affordable, simple and rapid but accurate analysis of bioavailable soil nutrients. Conventional SQ analysis methods are tedious and expensive. We demonstrate the utility of a new chemometrics-assisted energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and scattering (EDXRFS) spectroscopy method we have developed for direct rapid analysis of trace ‘bioavailable’ macronutrients (i.e. C, N, Na, Mg, P) in soils. The method exploits, in addition to X-ray fluorescence, the scatter peaks detected from soil pellets to develop a model for SQ analysis. Spectra were acquired from soil samples held in a Teflon holder analyzed using ¹⁰⁹Cd isotope source EDXRF spectrometer for 200 s. Chemometric techniques namely principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were utilized for pattern recognition based on fluorescence and Compton scatter peaks regions, and to develop multivariate quantitative calibration models based on Compton scatter peak respectively. SQ analyses were realized with high CMD (R² > 0.9) and low SEP (0.01% for N and Na, 0.05% for C, 0.08% for Mg and 1.98 μg g⁻¹ for P). Comparison of predicted macronutrients with reference standards using a one-way ANOVA test showed no statistical difference at 95% confidence level. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that an XRF method has demonstrated utility in trace analysis of macronutrients in soil or related matrices.     

Total-Reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis of elements in size-fractionated particulate matter sampled on polycarbonate filters — Composition and sources of aerosol particles in Göteborg,Sweden

This is the first study applying the technique of cold plasma ashing on polycarbonate filters as a preparative step for subsequent elemental analysis of aerosol particles by Total-Reflection X-ray fluorescence. The procedure has been validated by analyzing blanks of the filter material, chemicals used as additives as well as certified standard reference material. The results showed that cold plasma ashing is superior to conventional digestion methods with regard to the ease of sample preparation and contamination. A PIXE cascade impactor was used to collect size-fractionated aerosol particles in 9 size classes ranging from 16 to 0.06 µm aerodynamic diameter at an urban and a suburban site in Göteborg, Sweden. Filter segments loaded with the aerosol particles were cut out and fixed on Quartz carriers. After adding 10 ng of Ga as internal standard the samples were dried, digested by cold plasma ashing and analyzed by Total-Reflection X-ray fluorescence. The analysis of aerosol particles showed that elemental concentrations at both the urban and the suburban site in Göteborg were low compared to central Europe. More and concurrent sampling of size-fractionated particles is required to identify local sources of trace elements in the urban area of Göteborg.     

Confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis as a new tool for the non-destructive study of the elemental distributions in pharmaceutical tablets

Chemical imaging studies of pharmaceutical tablets are currently an important emerging field in the pharmaceutical industry. Finding the distribution of the different compounds inside the tablet is an important issue for production quality control but also for counterfeit detection.Most of the currently used techniques are limited to the study of the surface of the compacts, whereas the study of the bulk requires a time-consuming sample preparation. In this paper, we present the use of 3D micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis (3D μXRF) for the non-destructive study of pharmaceutical tablets.Based on two different examples, it was shown that it was possible to measure the distribution of several inorganic elements (Zn, Fe, Ti, Mn, Cu) from the surface to a depth of several hundred microns under the surface. The X-ray absorption, depending on both matrix composition and energy, is one of the most critical factors of this analytical method while performing depth profiling or mapping. Therefore, an original method to correct the absorption, in order to accurately measure the true elemental distribution, was proposed.Moreover, by using the presence of titanium dioxide in a pharmaceutical coating, we proved that this technique is also suited to the non-destructive measurement of coating thickness.     

Discriminant analysis of trace elements in normal,benign and malignant breast tissues measured by total reflection X-ray fluorescence

In this work total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry has been employed to determine trace element concentrations in different human breast tissues (normal, normal adjacent, benign and malignant). A multivariate discriminant analysis of observed levels was performed in order to build a predictive model and perform tissue-type classifications. A total of 83 breast tissue samples were studied. Results showed the presence of Ca, Ti, Fe, Cu and Zn in all analyzed samples. All trace elements, except Ti, were found in higher concentrations in both malignant and benign tissues, when compared to normal tissues and normal adjacent tissues. In addition, the concentration of Fe was higher in malignant tissues than in benign neoplastic tissues. An opposite behavior was observed for Ca, Cu and Zn. Results have shown that discriminant analysis was able to successfully identify differences between trace element distributions from normal and malignant tissues with an overall accuracy of 80% and 65% for independent and paired breast samples respectively, and of 87% for benign and malignant tissues.     

Direct chlorine determination in crude oils by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry: An improved method based on a proper strategy for sample homogenization and calibration with inorganic standards

Official guidelines to perform chlorine determination in crude oil are (i) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6470, which is based on the extraction of water from the oil and subsequent determination of the chloride by potentiometry, (ii) ASTM D3230, that measures the conductivity of a solution of crude oil in a mixture of organic solvents and (iii) US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 9075 that uses energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to quantify chlorine and it is applicable for the range from 200 μg g^− 1 to percent levels of the analyte. The goal of this work is to propose method to quantify lower amounts of chlorine in crude oil using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using a simple calibration strategy. Sample homogenization procedure was carefully studied in order to enable accurate results. The calibration curve was made with standards prepared by diluting aqueous NaCl standard in glycerin. The method presented a linear response that covers the range from 8 to at least 100 μg g^− 1 of chlorine. Chlorine in crude oil samples from Campos Basin - Brazil were quantified by the proposed method and by potentiometry after extraction of chlorine from the oil. Results achieved using both methods were statistically the same at 95% confidence level.     

Direct analysis of blood serum by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and application of an artificial neural network approach for cancer diagnosis

Iron, copper, zinc and selenium were determined directly in serum samples from healthy individuals (n=33) and cancer patients (n=27) by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using the Compton peak as internal standard [L.M. Marcó P. et al., Spectrochim. Acta Part B 54 (1999) 1469–1480]. The standardized concentrations of these elements were used as input data for two-layer artificial neural networks trained with the generalized delta rule in order to classify such individuals according to their health status. Various artificial neural networks, comprising a linear function in the input layer, a hyperbolic tangent function in the hidden layer and a sigmoid function in the output layer, were evaluated for such a purpose. Of the networks studied, the (4:4:1) gave the highest estimation (98%) and prediction rates (94%). The latter demonstrates the potential of the total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry/artificial neural network approach in clinical chemistry.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and fluorescence properties of two 1-D chain polymers extended by a semi-rigid bis(triazole) ligand

Two 1-D luminescent metal-organic frameworks with identical structures, {[Mn(BBPTZ)₂(MeCN)₂]·(ClO₄)₂}_n (1) and {[Zn(BBPTZ)₂(MeCN)₂]·(MeCN)₂·(ClO₄)₂}_n (2), have been synthesized under solvent diffusion evaporation and characterized by elemental analyses, thermal analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both complexes crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c with six-coordinate M(II). Thermal decompositions of the complexes have been studied using thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The complexes exhibit a significant fluorescence quenching effect to Fe³⁺ in acetonitrile solution. The LoDs (Limit of Detection) of the complexes to Fe³⁺ are 2.59 × 10^?8 M and 1.57 × 10^?8 M for 1 and 2, respectively. The complexes could be applied to efficient chemosensor for Fe³⁺ detection.     

Study of metal-loaded activated charcoals for the separation and determination of selenium species by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis

Conversion of adsorption properties of activated charcoal (C^∗) by metal modification towards selenite, selenate and seleno-dl-methionine (Se-Met) was studied. Several metals were included in modification studies and also a procedure was developed for the separation and independent determination of microgram quantities of these selenium species in aqueous solution. Selenium species were collected one by one from the same sample solution onto collector material by adsorbing them directly or after complex formation onto different metal-loaded activated charcoals (MgC^∗ and FeC^∗). The mass of selenium in these collectors was measured directly by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Detection limits for all three selenium species were better than 6 μg corresponding to concentration of 60 μg/l with 0.100 l of initial sample volume.     

A novel method for the determination of Pb2+ based on the quenching of the fluorescence of CdTe quantum dots

A novel method for the determination of Pb²⁺ has been developed based on quenching of the fluorescence of thiol-capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) by Pb²⁺ in aqueous solutions. Under optimum conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity was linearly proportional to the concentration of Pb²⁺ between 2.0 × 10⁻⁶ and 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ with a detection limit of 2.7 × 10⁻⁷ mol L⁻¹. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 4.6% for a 4.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol L⁻¹ Pb²⁺ solution (N = 5). As an application, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of Pb²⁺ in food samples, and the results were satisfactory, i.e. consistent with those of flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Correspondence: Heyou Han, College of Science, Institute of Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China     

Applicability of direct total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis for selenium determination in solutions related to environmental and geochemical studies

A significant amount of environmental studies related to selenium determination in different environmental compartments have been published in the last years due to the narrow range between the Se nutritious requirement as essential element and toxic effects upon exposure. However, the direct analysis of complex liquid samples like natural waters and extraction solutions presents significant problems related to the low Se concentrations and the complicated matrix of this type of samples.