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Elemental composition of soils and sediments by using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectroscopy: a preliminary study
Alberti, Roberto; Falsone, Gloria; Gironda, M. et al.
2017National Conference of the Italian Soil Science Society
 

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Abstract :
[en] Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) provides rapid and low-cost analysis in laboratory and field conditions for a wide range of environmental applications. Its successful application in soils requires a good instrument calibration and the possibility to implement custom calibrations and methods using known samples as well as reference materials. In the present study two set of samples, one from pedogenized sediments of a basin in Marradi (Italy; n=13) and the other from agricultural land in Meuse valley (Belgium; n=10), were analyzed by using a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF TRACER 5i made by Bruker) to detect and quantify the element species (Al, Si, Ca, Fe, Mg, K, Mn, P, S, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr and Zn). Element concentrations results were compared with analytical results from aqua regia extractions (AQ) followed by ICP-OES analysis. The aim of this work was to verify and find the best instrument setup for the specific matrix, elements and their concentration range with the purpose of using the pXRF technique directly insitu for the screening of sites potentially polluted. A standard factory calibration for soil applications was used for samples from Meuse valley, while a custom calibration for P, S, Ca and Fe quantification with the coefficient correction method was developed and used for pedogenized sediments from Marradi, as well as for Cu and Cr quantification in both sites. Comparing portable XRF and AQ results, elements could be grouped in three classes: 1) elements where the content determined by both methods is not correlated (p>0.05; Al, Si, and K); 2) elements strongly correlated (0.84<r<0.99, p<0.001; P, S, Mn, Fe, Ca, Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb); 3) elements with a weaker correlation (0.67<r<0.78, p<0.01; Mg and Sr). A further class of elements (Co, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Ba) was not evaluable because their concentration was below the detection limit of the pXRF. The measured concentrations and the relationship between pXRF and AQ were obviously affected by the elements form in the soils. The value of macroelements commonly related to the silicate phase measured by portable XRF is higher than that determined by AQ, which does not allow the destruction of Si-O and Al-O bounds (explaining the uncorrelation in the class 1 elements). The elements related to the organic matter (P and S, r2>0.60), carbonates (Ca, r2>0.55) and oxy(hydr)oxides (Fe and Mn) have instead comparable concentrations between pXRF and AQ. Preliminary results showed that portable XRF can quickly provide data for some elucidations of important pedogenic processes involving many elements (class 2) in the studied soils. Alternative methods offer results after expensive and time-consuming analytical procedures. Moreover for environmental and human health purposes, the pXRF should be a valid tool for a rapid screening of heavy metals, such as Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb. A larger set of soil samples and further custom calibration will be tested.
Disciplines :
Environmental sciences & ecology
Geological, petroleum & mining engineering
Agriculture & agronomy
Author, co-author :
Alberti, Roberto
Falsone, Gloria
Gironda, M.
Aresi, N.
Liénard, Amandine ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Echanges Eau-Sol-Plantes
Colinet, Gilles  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Ingénierie des biosystèmes (Biose) > Echanges Eau-Sol-Plantes
Minardi, Gabriele
Francioso, Ornella
Language :
English
Title :
Elemental composition of soils and sediments by using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectroscopy: a preliminary study
Publication date :
December 2017
Event name :
National Conference of the Italian Soil Science Society
Event place :
Firenze, Italy
Event date :
du 5 décembre au 7 décembre 2017
Audience :
International
Available on ORBi :
since 13 December 2017

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