Use of radioisotope induced X-ray fluorescence for environmental studies

The rapid assay of the trace multi-element content of environmental samples (lake sediment) is described. The method utilized X-ray fluorescence induced by a¹⁰⁹Cd radioisotopic source with energy dispersive quantitative detection of the characteristic X-rays of nine elements, ranging from Ti to Zr using Si(Li) semiconductor detector. The method precludes pre-digestion or chemical treatment of the samples, and compairs favorably with the results of atomic absorption assay methods.