Abstract
Thin-layer standard samples for the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of airborne particulate matter have been conveniently prepared by impregnating activated-carbon powder with standard solutions of the elements of interest and by drying it. Different amounts of standard solutions of the elements of 1.00 mgml -1 each and a 0.01% surfactant (Tween 85) solution of 1.5 ml are added to a fine powder of activated carbon of 5 - 10 mg on a hydrophilized poly(tetrafluoroethylene) membrane filter. The suspension of carbon is dispersed by blowing air from a pump for 2 - 3 min without bubbling and dried by IR irradiation for 10 min without filtration. This filter with carbon is impregnated with a 0.02% polycarbonate dichloromethane solution of 0.3 ml, followed by air-drying. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry of digestates from the prepared samples gave good recoveries of all the measured elements. The XRF intensities of the samples prepared repeatedly had reasonable reproducibilities. Calibration graphs with good linear relationships were constructed for 21 elements in the range of 0-50 μg. The standard samples prepared were successfully used for the multielement XRF determination of airborne particulate matter, in good agreement with the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis.
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