Integrating Sampling Methods for Trace Metal Analysis of Natural Water Systems: Ion Exchange Membrane Targets for Proton-Excited X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis

Abstract

An initial investigation of ion-exchange membranes as trace metal concentrating devices in natural water systems and their suitability as targets for proton-excited x-ray flurorescence (PEXF) is reported. Element maps (Z=19 to Z=85) for various locations along a river were obtained with acceptable sensitivity in an irradiation period of 300 sec. The membrane used is mechanically stable in situ and is not destroyed by the 3 Mev (50 na) proton beam used in the study.