EDXRF Method Research Articles

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Using a Matrix Corrected Fundamental Parameters Algorithm vs. Acid Digestion with ICP-AES: A Comparison of Two Methods for Soil Elemental Analysis

ABSTRACT Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF) is evaluated as an alternative to conventional acid-mediated soil digestion methods for analysis of aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), silicon (Si), strontium (Sr), titanium (Ti), and zirconium (Zr). The Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL) currently uses microwave-assisted digestion with inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) to measure the 12 elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Si, Sr, Ti, Zr). The equipment needed to conduct the digestion method is expensive, the materials are hazardous, and the method is laborious. The Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory (KSSL) has observed variable elemental recoveries for certain elements. The objective of the study was to evaluate an ED-XRF method as an alternative to the KSSL digestion method. The literature offers few examples of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method development and validation. The candidate ED-XRF method offered a more efficient, less expensive, and less hazardous approach for measuring the 12 elements. Relative to the digestion method, the candidate ED-XRF method showed improved precision and accuracy for specific elements.

Development of photoactive ZnS-SiO2 composites on biogenic silica matrix for organic pollutant degradation.

Sulfide ZnS-SiO2 composite photocatalysts with biogenic silica matrix were prepared by sol-gel method based on wet gel and xerogel. FT-IR, SEM, XRD, EDXRF, UV-Vis, and XPS methods were systematically used to characterize the obtained materials. The use of support allowed to obtain stable porous (SBET = 79-105 m2g-1; Vpore = 0.25-0.17 cm3·g-1) ZnS-SiO2 photocatalysts in aqueous solutions. Zn2+ content in methyl orange solution after its degradation was 0.4 MPC. ZnS-SiO2 composites had 3.68-3.70eV band gap. The obtained materials were photoactive under different irradiation conditions (sunlight, UV-light, Xenon light, visible light) due to effective separation of charge carriers (e- and h+). Methyl orange degradation degree under UV light excitation was 35-88%, under sunlight - 11-30%. ZnS-SiO2 composite synthesized using silica xerogel showed a greater photoactivity due to a presence of cone-shaped or cylindrical pores with one open end in its structure and a higher content of ZnS photoactive component. A comparative study of photocatalytic performance of methyl orange degradation by ZnS-SiO2 under UV irradiation was investigated using radical scavengers. •O2- was main active species during MO degradation under UV irradiation, and electrons played additional role during the photocatalytic process.

Study of black glaze and sauce glaze porcelains from Dangyangyu kiln during the Song and Jin Dynasties, China

In the Song and Yuan Dynasties of China, numerous renowned kilns simultaneously employed black glaze and sauce glaze porcelain; however, limited research has been conducted on the differentiation of process systems and the potential existence of a transforming relationship between these two types of porcelains from the same kiln. In this study, the black glaze, sauce glaze and flambé (窑变, Yaobian) glaze porcelain from Dangyangyu kiln during the Song and Jin Dynasties were selected to compare their optical characteristics, firing and formula process via OM, LRS, SEM-EDS, XPS, DIL and EDXRF methods. The research reveals that notable distinctions exist in the glazing process between black glaze and sauce glaze porcelain; while the former demonstrates thicker glazing techniques, the latter showcases thinner glazing techniques. Sauce glaze porcelains undergo firing at high temperatures within strong reducing atmospheres and differs from black glaze in terms of their formulation processes. The sauce glaze is composed of high Al clay with a low flux content, making it a calcium-alkali glaze. On the other hand, the black glaze has a higher flux content and falls under the category of high calcium glazes. Through the investigation of flambé glaze, it was observed that despite a thicker black glaze layer does not promote Fe enrichment on the glaze surface, however, when the flux content in the glaze is lower, meanwhile accompanied by a high temperature and strong reducing atmosphere firing process, the glaze exhibits a dynamic tendency towards the formation of sauce coloration.

Fabrication of porous high-entropy Mn-Fe-Co-Ni-Cu-Zn alloys by vapor phase dealloying

Porous multicomponent 3d transition-metal (TM) alloys were fabricated by eliminating Zn from rapidly quenched ribbons with distinct compositions, TM7Zn93 and TM4Zn96 (TM – a mixture of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) using vapor phase dealloying (VPD). Phase composition and microstructure of the ribbons in an as-quenched state and resulting porous materials were investigated in detail by S/TEM-EDS, XRD, SEM, and EDXRF methods. In the as-quenched state, the majority of the alloy is composed of the CoZn13 type structure (C2/m space group). Atomically resolved EDS mapping clarified the chemical site occupancy of the TM elements in the structure. The resulting fabricated porous high-entropy alloys (HEA) have a spongy microstructure with a bimodal pore size and their surface area was estimated at 2–4 m2/g. Analysis of pore size distribution revealed their macro-mesoporous structure. The formation of the solid solution with the FCC (Fm3̅m space group) crystal structure during VPD was confirmed by XRD data. STEM-EDS analysis revealed the existence of several FCC solid solution phases within the porous HEA. A nanoscale elemental/phase separation into Co- and Cu-rich FCC solid solution regions with coherent interfaces across the individual crystalline grains has been found. A general route to prepare porous HEA using rapid solidification and vapor phase dealloying has been discussed.

Critical evaluation of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for multielemental analysis of coffee samples: Sample preparation, quantification and chemometric approaches

In the present contribution, a critical evaluation of the use of EDXRF (Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry) for elemental composition determination (K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr and Rb) of coffee samples is presented. Firstly, several sample treatment procedures (pressed pellets and loose powder) and quantification strategies (fundamental parameters and empirical calibration) were evaluated.In addition to quality and nutritional purposes, information of elemental content in coffee samples can be also useful for coffee traceability and provenance studies. In view of that, a comparison of different tools such as explorative principal component analysis (PCA) and classification by partial least square regression (PLS-DA) were also tested as discriminating tools of different types of coffee samples (i.e., pure, instant and coffee with additives). Chemometric analysis was performed using coffee elemental concentrations determined by the developed EDXRF method and, for the first time, using raw EDXRF spectra obtained, without the need of a fitting and quantification procedure.

Development of a simple and rapid EDXRF method for quantification of ZrO2 and HfO2 in aqueous and organic process stream solutions generated from a zirconium extraction facility

The present work highlights the customization of an EDXRF analyzer with a specially designed sample cell/holder to facilitate analysis of aqueous/organic process sample solutions with wide concentration range from a zirconium extraction facility.

Comparative study of titanium dioxide to improve the quality of finished cosmetic products.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) pigments (pure) or with a hydrophobic coating of triethoxycaprylylsilane (TECSi) used in cosmetics. Using different methods, we studied properties of commercially available pure and coated pigment. We determined the elemental composition of pigments that differ in their behaviour in a cosmetic formulation. The significant differences in the coating composition were revealed. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy allowed us to investigate the pigment purity and determined the polymorph form in pigments. FTIR was employed to identify functional groups present in the samples with the modified surface. XRD, DLS, TEM and DCS were applied to characterize particle size and morphology. The experiment of ED-XRF method was used to determine the elemental composition of pigments that differ in their behaviour in a cosmetic formulation. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to detect organic pollutants in particular batches, which were not detected in the cases of the tested samples. Solid UV-Vis spectroscopy and XRD revealed which crystalline form of TiO2 is present in pigments. TEM and DLS methods were used to characterize particle size and morphology as well as DCS method, which provide more accurate information about form (separated or clustered particles) of pigments' particles in suspensions. Based on FTIR spectra, the presence of a coating in the raw material was identified, and the tell-tale signal of the silane group. On the contrary, spectroscopy of washed-out product can identify the well or poorly modified pigment. Applying ED-XRF, it turned out that the content of silicon (and consequently of the TECSi) was lower than that declared by the manufacturer. Our data indicate how we can recognize poorly coated pigments in raw material. The results show that ED-XRF method is nondestructive, effective and fast, hence, can be successfully introduced into preproduction pigment control in cosmetic industry.

Fired pressed pellet as a sample preparation technique of choice for an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of raw clays

In this paper, the main subject concerns comparing different techniques to prepare raw clay samples for energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Three kinds of sample preparation procedures are examined, such as loose powder, pressed pellet, and fired pressed pellet. The fired pressed pellet approach was observed as a part of universal sample preparation for physic, mechanical, and instrumental analysis, which has not been previously tested as a solution in chemical analysis by the EDXRF method. The observed sample preparation techniques were compared by calculating the parameters of validation (recoveries, limit of detection - LOD, limit of quantification - LOQ, precision, and expanded uncertainties of measurements) of 11 elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Ti, P, Mn, and S) using 15 certified reference materials (CRMs). Calibration curves were created and evaluated using 30 reference materials (RM) for all three approaches. Results proved that the fired pressed pellet is the most practical and precise approach for sample preparation of raw clays.

Ховор шорооны зарим элементийг тодорхойлох рентгенфлуоресценцийн анализын арга

In this paper an analytical procedure for determination of La, Ce, Pr and Nd in ores of REE has been developed. More than five thousands powdered imples were prepared from various places of the ore deposit The samples were analysed by ED XRF method with Am-241 source for excitation of characteristic K-hnes radiation of the elements We have determined correlation of La-Ce, La-Pr, La-Nd, Ce-Pr, Ce-Nd and Pr-Nd pairs of elements. The results were compared with the data of other methods and reference materials.

Determination of concentrations of some elements in marine consumables from Thane creek area (Mumbai, India) using ED-XRF technique; and risk assessment

ABSTRACT Six marine consumable species, namely, Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus), Ghol (Protonibea diacanthus), Rawas (Eleutheronema tetradactylum), Prawns (Dendrobranchiata), Surmai (Scomberomorus guttatus), and Bangda fish (Rastrelliger kanagurta) were collected for assessment of minor and trace element contents. EDXRF methods (using secondary targets and filters) were optimised and validated for quantification of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn Se, As, Br, Cd, Pb, Sr, K, Ca Na, Mg, and Al in these samples. The levels of each target element were found to be comparable to those reported across the globe. The potential health risk evaluated for selected trace and toxic elements showed no adverse impact on human health (Hazard Index < 1) from exposure to these elements through consumption of these marine species.

Rapid and Accurate Approach for Honeybee Pollen Analysis Using ED-XRF and FTIR Spectroscopy.

Since honeybee pollen is considered a “perfectly complete food” and is characterized by many beneficial properties (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, etc.), it has begun to be used for therapeutic purposes. Consequently, there is a high need to develop methods for controlling its composition. A thorough bee pollen analysis can be very informative regarding its safety for consumption, the variability of its composition, its biogeographical origin, or harvest date. Therefore, in this study, two reliable and non-destructive spectroscopy methods, i.e., ED-XRF and ATR–FTIR, are proposed as a fast approach to characterize bee pollen. The collected samples were derived from apiaries located in west-central Poland. Additionally, some commercially available samples were analyzed. The applied methodology was optimized and combined with sophisticated chemometric tools. Data derived from IR analyses were also subjected to two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. The developed ED-XRF method allowed the reliable quantification of eight macro- and micro-nutrients, while organic components were characterized by IR spectroscopy. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and obtained synchronous and asynchronous maps allowed the study of component changes occurring dependently on the date and location of harvest. The proposed approach proved to be an excellent tool to monitor the variability of the inorganic and organic content of bee pollen.

Petrology and Geochemistry of Rocks of Ishiagu and Environs Southeastern Nigeria Using Ed-Xrf Method

Geochemistry of rocks of Ishiagu area was carried out using Energy Dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) method. Twelve samples were analyzed and their geochemical properties determined using Excel-Software. Geological mapping reveals that basalts, dolerites and diorites emplaced in shale and mudrock country hosts are the main lithological units occurring in the area. They have silica content of 40.4–49.2wt.%, indicating they are basic-ultrabasic in character. The dolerite and diorite contain average plagioclase (An70-17.4vol.%), hematite 26.29vol.%, showing enrichment in ferromagnesian minerals and depletion in quartz. The Na2O and K2O averaged 1.22wt.% and 1.46wt.% respectively, indicating depletion in alkali, thus corroborating their basic–ultrabasic property. The TiO2 value is 3.6wt. %, indicating oceanic magma derivation. The industrial metals Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn were relatively similar with average values of 37.13, 23.96, 23.69, and 20.08ppm respectively, showing common protolith. The diorite and dolerite are enriched in trace elements Zr, Sr, with average concentration of 172.49, 109.73ppm, and relatively depleted in As and Au with values of 0.04 and 0.03ppm respectively. Petrogenetic analyses using ternary diagram TiO2–K2O–P2O5 for discriminating magma type, the dolerites and diorites all plot in continental basaltic field. In the AFM, and P2O5 versus Zr plots all the dolerites and diorites fall in the tholeiitic field, corroborating that they originated from tholeiitic basaltic magma, probably derived from lower crust/upper mantle. In the Na2O/Al2O3 versus K2O/Al2O3 diagram the dolerites and diorites all plot in the igneous field, the shale plot in metasedimentary field, while the ironstone fall on the boundary between igneous and metasedimentary fields indicating hybrid provenance.

Analytical Capabilities of EDXRF for Determination of Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements (REE) are present in the lanthanide range and are widely used in high-tech and clean technology applications that are predicted to grow significantly in the coming decades. Therefore, there will be a high demand for REE in the future that will impact the needs for development of sensitive and selective methods for determination of REEs such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Reliability of REEs analysis results depend on analytical capability of XRF instrument’s performance. Analytical capability shows the ability of the instrument to perform sample analysis with high accuracy and precision and proven by validation so that the results obtained are reliable. The aim of this study is to assess the analytical capability of XRF for REEs analysis in samples particularly Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Neodymium (Nd), Samarium (Sm) and Yttrium (Y), by performing method validation of energy dispersive x-ray spectrometers (ED-XRF). Four measurement conditions that covered the selected elements were defined. Accuracy, precision and detection limits determination were performed by measuring the CRM In House Monazite Sand. The yield of the selected element corresponds to its certified value, with a %recovery between 95.99 to 103.1%. The %RSD values ranging from 0.59 to 5.19%. The detection limits (LLD) of ED-XRF ranged from 8.78 to 67.4 ppm. The results showed the good analytical capability of ED-XRF method for REEs analysis.

Elementary Analysis of Nail Polishes

Brazil is considered the 4th largest CT&amp;F Market in the world. In 2017, the country earned R$ 102.5 billion, which means an increase of 3.2% over the year 2016. According to Associação Brasileira da Indústria de Higiene Pessoal, Perfumaria e Cosméticos (ABIHPEC), this information is provided by Strategic Research Institute for Consumer Markets, the Euromonitor. The composition of cosmetics produced should be in accordance with the recommendations presented in ANVISA RDC Resolution No. 83 of June, 2016. Prohibited elements in the RDC Resolution No. 83 are Cl, Ni, As, Be, Cd, Cr, I, P, Pb, Hg, Se, Zr, Co, Te, Tl and radioactive substances. The main purpose of this work was to characterize some nail polishes using EDXRF method. The analyses were made using EDXRF method at the Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Physics of the UTFPR. The AMPTEK portable X-ray equipment is composed of mini X-ray tube, model MINI X, with Ag and Au targets, as well as silicon drift detector, SDD-123 model. Qualitative analyses indicate Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, Na, S, Cl, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ba and Bi elements in the nail polishes analyzed. Some prohibited elements such as Cl, Ni and P were presents in nail polishes. It is shows that EDXRF method is very efficient in detecting the chemical elements present in these samples. Besides, these results enable to compare elements presents in sample and recommendation stablish in Resolution No. 83.

Evaluation of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for vegetal mass-limited sample analysis: Application to soybean root and shoots

Proper supply of nutrients to plants is mandatory for adequate crop production. Many strategies, such as soil fertilization, nutrient foliar spraying, and seed treatment have been proposed to this goal. Currently, plenty of studies in plant nutrition afford only a low mass of sample for analyses, which is not sufficient for most spectroscopic techniques, including conventional energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). In this context, we developed a new EDXRF method for the determination of nutrients in mass-limited soybean plant tissues.Soybean seeds were treated with different types of Zn suppliers (ZnSO4 and ZnO nanoparticle sources), sowed, and soybean roots and shoots were sampled two weeks after germination. For EDXRF analysis, 20 mg of samples were suspended in 1 mL of deionized water, and 20 μL of the suspension were dried on a 6 μm polypropylene film in an X-ray cup. External calibration using a set of synthetic aqueous cellulose multielemental standards suspended in 1% Triton X-100 proved to be a good strategy for quantification purposes. The trueness of the proposed method was verified analyzing several plant tissue certified reference materials. Additionally, soybean samples were also analyzed by using a validated total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) method, and good agreement was found between both analytical approaches.To sum up, the proposed EDXRF thin film method is straightforward and reliable for mass limited vegetal sample multielemental analysis and, additionally, follows the green analytical chemistry postulates.

Combination of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis with X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry for the Determination of Rare-Earth Elements in Geological Samples

A combined use of comparator instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) including the internal standard method and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) for the determination of 14 rare-earth elements (REE) in geological samples at the level of their clarke concentrations is studied. A rapid analysis with the determination of light REE from La to Sm with Fe as an internal standard is performed using a portable RLP-21T energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (Republic of Kazakhstan) with the excitation of K-series lines of characteristic radiation of a sample with a low-power (10 W) X-ray tube with a tungsten anode and the maximum voltage 70 kV. The neutron activation analysis of other REE was performed using a WWR-K nuclear research reactor. Based on the analysis of ten certified reference materials of geological samples, a possibility of using a complex of INAA and EDXRF methods for routine qualitative analyses of REE in the III accuracy class in accordance with the branch standard OST41-08-212-04 is shown. Examples of using a complex of INAA and EDXRF methods for solving geochemical problems and determining REE in out-of-balance ores of the Kundybay deposit are presented.

Online ore monitoring using EDXRF method on process conveyor belts at Kazakhmys Corporation LLC operations

The paper discusses organizing online ore monitoring on process conveyor belts at the operations of Kazakhmys Corporation LLC using EDXRF method implemented as an ore-controlling station (OCS) targeting ore size of -300 mm. OCS is supposed to achieve the objective of providing reliable silver detection measurements in the range of 1+ ppm. Objects of monitoring: copper-containing polymetallic ores delivered to Zhezkazgan, Balkhash and Karagaily processing plants for treatment (target elements include copper, zinc, lead, silver, cadmium, and iron) as well as ores transported by the main underground feeder belt at Nurkazgan Mine (copper, zinc, lead, silver, molybdenum, and iron). The ultimate of the studies was to produce an online report on quality and quantities of ore and metals delivered from each of ore suppliers; to adjust the tonnages dispatched by the various shafts and open pits in the online mode; obtain reliable proof for unbiased redistribution of metals back to the mining operations. Equipment used during the studies: EDXRF OCS RLP21T. Key features of the unit are also discussed. The results of bench-scale testing as well as industrial application of OCS RLP-21T are discussed leading to the conclusion of successful online monitoring of silver in ores sized from +1 ppm to -300 mm. The photographs were provided by S. A. Yefimenko.

Personal exposure to PM2.5 constituents associated with gestational blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction

Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution has been implicated in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, evidence on the effects of PM2.5-derived chemical constituents on gestational blood pressure (BP) is limited, and the potential mechanisms underlying the association remain unclear. In this study, we repeated three consecutive 72-h personal air sampling and BP measurements in 215 pregnant women for 590 visits during pregnancy. Individual PM2.5 exposure level was assessed by gravimetric method and 28 PM2.5 chemical constituents were analyzed by ED-XRF method. Plasma biomarkers of endothelial function and inflammation were measured using multiplexed immunoassays. Robust multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the associations among personal PM2.5 exposure and chemical constituents, BP changes (compared with pre-pregnancy BP) and plasma biomarkers. Mediation analyses were performed to evaluate underlying potential pathways. Result showed that exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the early second trimester. Meanwhile, elevated concentration of lead (Pb) constituent in PM2.5 was significant associated with increases in DBP and MAP after adjusting for PM2.5 total mass. PM2.5 and Pb constituent also presented positive associations with plasma biomarkers of endothelial function (ET-1, E-selectin, ICAM-1) and inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) significantly. After multiple adjustment, elevated ET-1 and IL-6 were significantly correlated with increased gestational BP, and respectively mediated 1.24%–25.06% and 7.01%–10.69% of the increased BP due to PM2.5 and Pb constituent exposure. In conclusion, our results suggested that personal exposure to PM2.5 and Pb constituent were significantly associated with increased BP during pregnancy, and the early second trimester might be the sensitive window of PM2.5 exposure. The endothelial dysfunction and elevated inflammation partially mediated the effect of PM2.5 and Pb constituent on BP during pregnancy.

A sustainable and simple energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence method for sulfur determination at trace levels in biodiesel samples via formation of biodiesel spots on a suitable solid support

The aim of the present work is the development of a simple, sensitive and sustainable EDXRF method for the determination of trace amounts of sulfur in biodiesel samples. In this method, the deposition of several microliters of sample onto an organic thin layer and the analysis of the resulting adsorbed biodiesel spot by benchtop EDXRF is proposed.A careful study was performed to select the volume and the best solid support to deposit biodiesel samples, including filters made of different materials (glass fiber, Nylon, cellulose, paper) and a commercial disposable absorbent pad (UltraCarry, Rigaku). A critical issue that limits the use of most of these solid supports was the relative high blank signals that hamper the determination of sulfur at trace levels. Finally, it was found that best strategy was the deposition of 50 μL of biodiesel on the UltraCarry sample retainer. Operating conditions for EDXRF measurements were also evaluated to obtain the best instrumental sensitivity for sulfur determination (Excitation: 20 kV, no primary filter, measurement time: 300 s).Using the best analytical conditions the quantification limit of the method was 7 mg kg−1 of sulfur. This value is even better than the one reported in the ASTM D4294 method (LOQ: 16.0 mg kg−1) but using a sample amount 100 times smaller. The linearity was confirmed in the range of 10–100 mg kg−1by analyzing a set of commercial biodiesel standards. Accuracy and precision of the results, evaluated by the analysis of samples prepared with the same matrix as the standards, with levels of 20, 40 and 75 mg kg−1of sulfur, and processed as unknowns, proved acceptable (Recoveries: 94.3–110.6%, RSD: 10.8–13.6%, n = 3) for the intended purpose.Overall, the performance of the method developed is promising and it could be used to determine trace amounts of sulfur in biodiesel samples in a simple, sustainable and cost-effective way. Furthermore, since the original sample is adsorbed onto a solid support, repeat confirmatory analyses on the same specimen, if needed, can be carried out.

PETROFYZIKÁLNÍ CHARAKTERISTIKA SPRAŠE A FOSILNÍ PŮDY V HLINÍKU U LITOVLE

Loess-paleosol sequences are an important source of terrestrial paleoclimatic proxy-data. Quaternary loess and loess loam cover the most of surface of the Upper Moravian Basin. Samples from loess-paleosol sequence in vicinity of Litovel town were studied using magnetic susceptibility, spectrophotometry and laser granulometry. Obtained petrophysical data were compared with detailed lithological description of section and geochemical characteristics determined by ED-XRF method. The results contribute to interpretation of paleoclimate in the Upper Moravian Basin during the last glacial.Section with total thickness of about 5 m is formed by loess in its upper part. This layer covers several soil horizons. It is most probably youngest loess deposit formed during the last glacial maximum. Petrophysical and geochemical data and comparison with nearby sites indicate relatively humid cold tundra conditions with bush-steppe vegetation during deposition of loess. Lithological features, position below youngest loess deposit and petrophysical and geochemical data allow interpretation of soil horizons as PK I. Low values of magnetic susceptibility indicate formation of soil in arctic interstadial conditions with higher humidity compared to interstadial average. Values of magnetic susceptibility of PK I are equal or even lower than in overlaying loess which doesn´t correspond with usual behaviour of magnetic susceptibility in loess-paleosol sequences in the Czech Republic. It could be explained by formation of soil horizons in cold interstadial climate (low production of oxi/hydroxide of Fe) supplemented by increased humidity and hence, intensive illimerization process (clay migration and Fe-minerals depletion).