Trace element analysis for waste solutions
The Woodlands, TX — June 28, 2004. The
influence of trace heavy elements, such as Cd, Pb, As, Cr, and Se, in water
is a serious environmental problem. Rigaku has developed a
method for
testing samples in order to control this problem by monitoring wastewater
quality. The method is simple, rapid, reproducible, and easily traceable to
certified water standards.
The method uses a standard X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer—such as the Rigaku ZSX Primus—to provide results comparable to those of trace elements analyses performed by ICP-OES and AA. XRF has an advantage in that concentrations of the elements B through U can be determined non-destructively in a single analysis sequence.
For trace element analysis of liquid samples with an XRF spectrometer, an improved micro-droplet method has been developed which enables analysis to ppb levels for these environmentally sensitive elements
Performance of the high-sensitivity micro-droplet method
High-sensitivity filter paper (Ultra Carry®) has a simple structure where special paper for capturing elements is placed on very thin film.
The Lower Limits of Detection (LLDs) with UltraCarry are shown in Table 1. This new method expands normal XRF methods to the level needed for environmental testing of wastewater and effluents required by the changing demands of industry.
Table 1. The LLD table. (Unit: ppb)
| Element | LLD | Element | LLD | Element | LLD | Element | LLD |
| B | 30ppm | Cr | 26 | Zn | 18 | Cd | 182 |
| F | 1ppm | Mn | 16 | As | 16 | Sn | 40 |
| Na | 76 | Fe | 18 | Se | 24 | Sb | 43 |
| P | 56 | Co | 17 | Sr | 25 | Ba | 105 |
| K | 12 | Ni | 20 | Mo | 27 | Tl | 81 |
| V | 34 | Cu | 19 | Ag | 152 | Pb | 76 |
Measuring time: 100s
Rigaku—Leading With Innovation
Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on life sciences and general purpose analytical instrumentation. With hundreds of major innovations to its credit, Rigaku and its subsidiary companies are world leaders in the fields of small molecule and protein crystallography, X-ray spectrometry and diffraction, X-ray optics, as well as semiconductor metrology. Rigaku employs over 1,100 people in the manufacture and support of its analytical equipment. Its products are in use in more than 70 countries—supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial community.
For further information, contact:
Al Martin
XRF Product
Manager
Rigaku Americas, Inc.
(281) 362-2300
x180