X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for field analysis of metals in marine sediments

The accuracy, precision and performance of a field-portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer was evaluated for the determination of metals in marine sediments both in the laboratory and, more importantly, on board a small research vessel. The XRF performed with minimal problems on board the survey vessel and provided precise, near-real-time determination of metals at levels indicative of contamination in samples obtained by sediment grabs. Analytical results obtained on the wet, bulk samples in the field and on the dry, homogenized samples in the laboratory were comparable.