Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDFRX) of particulate matter (PM)

The analysis by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) on atmospheric particulate matter is a fast, accurate and non-destructive method for the analysis of major, minor and trace elements collected onto low volume PM filters.

Our Thermo Scientific ARL QUANT’X Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer uses an X-ray tube excitation source and an electrically-cooled Si(Li) detector to provide spectroscopic analysis of elements ranging from sodium to uranium (atomic numbers 11 to 92). Instrument control and data analysis are performed using the WinTrace software running on a personal computer that is connected to the analyser.

No sample preparation was performed. The samples were analysed in a 10-position sample changer, which features removable sample holders that accommodate samples between 32 and 47 mm in size. The quartz, teflon or polypropylene filters are loaded directly into the EDXRF which reduced the potential for contamination and the filter are available for further testing following EDXRF analysis, e.g. ion chromatography.

The instrument output is in μg/cm², which may be converted to ng/m³ or μg/m³ if air flow rate and sampling duration is known. We also analyse test blanks and subtract the result from sampled filters.