Optimization of fundamental parameter methods for analysis of hazardous materials with field portable XRF analyzers
- Roy F. Weston, Inc., Edison, NJ (United States)
- Environmental Protection Agency, Edison, NJ (United States)
Field portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) instruments have been widely utilized by the US Environmental Protection Agency/Environmental Response Team (US EPA/ERD) to characterize metallic waste contamination in soil and sediment. Rapid, on-site XRF analysis provides near real-time data which may be used to guide cleanup/removal activities at hazardous waste sites. Historically, XRF analyses based on site-specific calibration standards have not been useful for more than one site and/or sample matrix. Fundamental Parameters (FP) techniques provide multi-site capabilities by eliminating the requirement for site-specific standards. Inter-element matrix effects are predicted theoretically and intensity response is normalized to a set of pure element standards. The resultant application is, in principle, suitable for analysis of target elements for a given sample type (soil, water, oil, thin films, etc.) at any site. However, uncertainties in the data used to generate theoretical coefficients may lead to errors and biases in FP analytical models based on them. Therefore, adjustments based on assayed materials such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), may be necessary to fine-tune results. This paper describes methods to optimize FP models for analysis of hazardous materials in soil, sediment, and other matrices. The effectiveness of the approach will be demonstrated utilizing a commercially available field portable XRF analyzer and associated PC based software.
- OSTI ID:
- 276408
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950209-; TRN: IM9636%%172
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 4. international symposium on field screening methods for hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals, Las Vegas, NV (United States), 22-24 Feb 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Field screening methods for hazardous wastes and toxic chemicals. VIP-47, Volume 2; PB: 701 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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