Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry for Multielement Pollution Analysis

This paper outlines the elementary principles of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with special reference to multielement analysis of pollutants. Typical equipment, using radioisotope sources for X-ray excitation, is described and some results are given for analysis of air particulates, wear debris in oils and suspended and dissolved solids in fresh water. The use of "thin" specimens is discussed for reducing interelement and particle size effects, increasing sensitivity and simplifying preparation of standards and samples.