The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2008, 291 pages, ISBN: 085404552XPortable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) instrumentation has some unique analytical capabilities for the in situ analysis of samples in the field. These capabilities have been extended in recent years by the continuing development of solid state detectors, surface mounted electronics, digital signal processing technology, Li-ion batteries combined with a choice of rugged sealed radioisotope sources or miniature X-ray tubes that provide lightweight hand-held devices. As well as opening up new applications, in situ measurements by PXRF, where the instrument is placed in direct contact with the object to be analysed, involve the complete integration of sampling and analysis. Careful interpretation of results is therefore required, particularly when the analysis is used to estimate the bulk composition of a sample.In this monograph, an overview is given of instrumentation, analytical capabilities, and limitations in the interpretation of results, sampling considerations and applications where PXRF offers substantial advantages over conventional analytical techniques. The aim is to give the reader an insight into the capabilities of the technique and to demonstrate the contribution it can make to a range of areas of contemporary scientific interest. Chapters are written by internationally recognised scientists with practical experience of in situ analysis using portable X-ray fluorescence and demonstrates the wide range of applications for the technique.The topics covered are illustrated with diagrams and photographs where appropriate and each chapter includes supporting references to enable the reader to gain a greater understanding of a particular application.Topics include:
analytical capabilities
instrumentation
quantification
correction procedures
sampling considerations
future developmentsApplications include:
the assessment of contaminated land
surfaces
coatings and paints
workplace monitoring
metal & alloy sorting
geochemical prospecting
archaeological investigations
museum samples & works of art
extraterrestrial analysisThe work is aimed at scientists who have some knowledge of analytical techniques and/or the applications covered, but are not fully familiar with the capabilities of PXRF. It offers a general introduction to the technique and its applications rather than a research monograph. As such, it is aimed at analytical scientists, environmental and geological scientists, industrial hygienists, industrial and plant scientists, archaeometrists and museum researchers, research scientists and research students with projects in the applications covered. Undergraduate students studying associated degree courses will also benefit from the work.ContentsIntroduction, Analytical Instrumentation and Application Overview
Quantification and Correction Procedures
Contaminated Land: Cost-effective Investigation within Sampling Constraints
Coatings, Paint and Thin Film Deposits
Hazardous Substances in the Workplace
Alloy Identification and Analysis with a Field-Portable XRF Analyser
Geochemical Prospecting
The Application of Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis to Archaeological Lithic Provenancing
Portable Systems for Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Works of Art
Extraterrestrial Analysis: Planetary X-Ray Fluorescence from Orbiting Spacecraft and Landers
