Portable EDXRF spectrometer: determination of linearity, LOD, LOQ, and working range for the analysis of base and precious metals in liquid matrices

Abstract

Utilizing a portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer and certified reference materials, this study aimed to determine the linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and working range of the method for quantitative analysis of base and precious metals in liquid matrices. As the EDXRF method lacks standardization and is highly susceptible to matrix effects, these calculations play a crucial role in the analytical validation process. The obtained R2 values in this study exceeded 0.99, and the residuals exhibited a random distribution pattern. The LOD and LOQ values were determined to be exceptionally low, approaching the resolution limit of the spectrometer. Consequently, our calculations confirmed the analytical validation of the portable EDXRF method for analyzing elements in liquid matrices. The utilization of portable EDXRF equipment in quantitative measurements of elements in liquid matrices represents an innovative approach, unveiling new areas of application for this type of instrument.