Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Research Articles

Investigation of the X‐ray fluorescence technique in the characterization of Ni coatings applied to historical heritage studies

AbstractHistorical heritage pieces allow a better comprehension of the characteristics of different civilizations over time. The characterization of such pieces is of paramount importance for their preservation. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is recommended for this application, mostly because it is non‐destructive and the equipment is portable. However, one of its limitations is the difficulty in separating the signal from the substrate and the coating of multilayered samples, as it does not provide depth resolution. This project investigates the application of EDXRF in the characterization of metallic coatings, in the context of historical heritage. The elemental concentration of electrodeposited Ni coatings onto carbon steel substrates was obtained from EDXRF analyses. The relationship between the layer thickness and the variation of the Kα/Kβ intensity ratio of nickel peaks was exploited and the thicknesses of the coatings were estimated through EDXRF measurements. For comparison, particle‐induced x‐ray emission spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the cross‐section were employed, providing a depth profile of the coatings. The estimated thicknesses from EDXRF analysis were comparable to those observed in the microscopy images for thinner films (up to 8 μm). On the other hand, for thicker films, the thicknesses were underestimated, due to the technique's depth limit and matrix effects, as secondary absorption. Despite these limitations, EDXRF remains valuable for evaluating cultural heritage pieces, often providing sufficient information to address authenticity concerns or to guide restoration processes. A case study was also performed to apply the methodology discussed on historical metallic pieces.

Influence of trace elements changes in the cerebellum on the rat’s behavior in elevated plus maze in the early period of mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury

The aim of the current study was to determine whether there are changes in brain trace elements of rats with blast-induced trauma and if these changes affect behavior in the elevated plus maze. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 126 sexually mature male Wistar and were divided into 3 groups: Experimental – exposed to a shock wave 26.4 ± 3.6 kPa (n = 42); Sham (n = 42), the animals of which were subjected to inhalation anesthesia with halothane and fixation in a horizontal position; and Intact (n = 42). Behavior was study in elevated plus maze. The duration of presence in the open and closed arms, the number of stands, the duration of grooming was recorded in all groups of rats for 3 minutes. After, the animals were euthanized with halothane, followed by removal of the brain. The cerebellum was completely separated for spectral analysis using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDRFA) on the analyzer EXPERT 3 XL. Results. Results showed significant changes of cognitive activity in experimental group which are indicate functional disorders of the cerebellum in the form of maladaptation in space with subsequent inhibition of motor centers. Cu/Fe ratio was decreased in the 14th and 21st days and increased in the 28th. Cu/Zn ratio was decreased on the 14th day. Zn/Fe ratio was higher on the 14th and 28th days. The existence of correlations between changes in trace elements and behavioral disorders in experimental rats was established. Conclusions. In the early period of blast-induced traumatic brain injury, cerebellar dysfunction in the form of spatial maladaptation with subsequent depression of motor centers was observed in the experimental rats Correlation analysis showed the presence of different strengths and directions of relationships between the ratios of Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn and Zn/Fe in the cerebellum and behavioral indicators in the elevated plus maze (duration of stay in open and closed arms, grooming and vertical motor activity) of experimental rats.

Possibilities of various arrangements of X-ray fluorescence analysis in the study of paintings

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) is a very useful method of elemental analysis in the study of works of art and archaeological finds, allowing the simultaneous non-destructive identification of a number of elements. A certain problem, if samples are not to be extracted from the investigated artifact, is its small depth range. However, this is not a serious drawback when it comes to the analysis of thin layers, such as plating or painting.In our laboratory, XRF was gradually developed and the equipment improved, with one of the main goals being the study of archaeological finds and works of art for the purposes of learning about the cultural heritage and restoration works.The presented paper aims to compare the possibilities of different macro- and micro-XRF instrumental arrangements in the study of paintings, from fast orientational measurement with a compact hand-held device through 2D scanning with a collimated beam to 3D analysis with collimated X-ray optics. Attention is paid to both the advantages and limitations of individual arrangements. A small painting by A. Piepenhagen, a typical representative of 19th century romantic landscape painting, was chosen as the object on which the possibilities of individual XRF variants are demonstrated.

Removal of Methylene Blue Dye in Aqueous System Using Polyvinyl Alcohol and Chemically Modified-Aluminium Foil Blend

Aqueous solution containing different concentrations of methylene blue dye was treated with chemically modified aluminium foil/PVA blends. There have been impressive decolourisation of the dye molecules in the aqueous system treated with the blends. Contact time and amount of composite facilitate more decolourisation of the dye solution. 97 % dye removal has been recorded at optimum conditions of the experiment. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis was used to determine the elemental composition of the aluminium foil and FTIR analysis was used to ascertain the composite formation between the foil and PVA. The blends have shown an impressive swelling property in aqueous system and poor to moderate in other organic solvents.

Inhibitory effect of UV and gamma radiation for fungal biodeterioration of concrete: A short-term study for sustainable conservation

The conservation of concrete-based deteriorated heritage buildings is a big challenging issue worldwide including in India. This study focused on to prevent fungal biodeterioration in concrete using UVC and gamma radiation. M20 graded concrete cubes (5 cm × 5 cm × 5 cm) were infected with Aspergillus tamarii, which was isolated from a 200 years old historic heritage building. M20 signifies a mixture of cement, sand and aggregate (1:1.5:3), made in such a way that the concrete cube has a compressive strength of 20 N/mm2 when examined after 28 days of curing. The fungal growth appeared clearly as calcium oxalate crystals in the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) photographs. Several doses of UVC and gamma radiation were applied on concrete cube. The changes in concrete properties were examined after 30 days in terms of weight, compressive strength, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and micro Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). The results exhibited that compressive strength of control (non-infected and non-irradiated), biodeteriorated (infected), UVC (625 µw/cm² × 300 s) and gamma (0.5 KGy) irradiated infected (inhibition) concrete cubes were 19.74 ± 0.46, 18.88 ± 0.43, 20.20 ± 0.34 and 19.93 ± 0.20 N/mm2 respectively whereas negligible weight losses were observed for inhibition cubes compared to biodeteriorated ones. Calcite (1400, 874 and 705 cm−1), one of the major functional band present in concrete became weak after getting infected by Aspergillus tamarii and strong for inhibition samples irradiated with the above doses. The EDXRF analysis exhibited that mass percentage of calcium ions of the biodeteriorated concrete cubes (49.88 ± 0.65%) was lower than that of UV (75.75 ± 0.16%) and gamma (70.95 ± 0.30%) irradiated infected or inhibition concrete cubes. Altogether, the efficacy of the recommended inhibitory dose of ultraviolet and gamma radiation against concrete deterioration in the field of conservation of heritage building was observed to be positive.

An augmented approach for the determination of the particle size effect on energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis outcomes for alumina-based refractory materials

The chemical compositions of refractory materials, such as high-alumina concrete, bricks, and putty, were analyzed using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXRF). An improved methodology for investigating the effect of particle size on the outcomes of EDXRF chemical analysis is presented. Eight independent refractory samples (refractory concrete, brick, and putty) were pulverized utilizing seven milling times (30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 s) and compared to non-pulverized samples. Thus, sixty-four refractory samples were obtained and analyzed using EDXRF. The method for measuring the fundamental EDXRF characteristics was then tested with ten certified reference materials. The acquired data were compared using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Univariate and multivariate statistics are used to evaluate EDXRF data. The particle size of the tested samples affected the z-scores of SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, and P2O5 concentration measurements. Grinding times for refractory concrete, brick, and putty samples were determined in order to validate the robustness of the EDXRF technique and provide reliable chemical analyses. The ideal milling times for the samples studied ranged from 180 to 360 s, depending on the type of refractory material.

Use of elemental profiles determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and multivariate analyses to detect adulteration in Ceylon cinnamon.

The price of Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) is around twice as high as that of the other cinnamon varieties commonly grouped under the name cassia cinnamon, making the former spice an attractive target for fraudsters. This work demonstrates that elemental profiles obtained by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence in combination with multivariate analyses can be used as a screening method to detect Ceylon cinnamon adulteration. Thirty-six elements were analysed in 52 commercially available cinnamon samples, 29 Ceylon, 8 cassia, and 15 for which no indication about variety was provided. Fifty-eight percent of the samples were either adulterated or did not meet international quality criteria. Four of the ground cinnamon samples labelled as Ceylon cinnamon were found to be pure cassia or a mixture with a high cassia content, and 26 samples were suspected of other types of adulteration including replacement of bark with other parts of the cinnamon tree. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ash determination by thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the conclusions reached by elemental analysis. Only one sample labelled as Ceylon cinnamon and that according to its volatile composition was cassia cinnamon was not flagged as suspicious by elemental analysis.

CoPMoV Sulfide Catalysts Supported on Natural Halloysite Nanotubes in Hydrotreating of Dibenzothiophene and Naphthalene

Mixed sulfided CoMo catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation with salt solutions of Keggin-type phosphorus- and vanadium-containing heteropolyacids. The synthesized materials were characterized by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, temperature-programmed reduction (both for the oxide and sulfide catalysts), and Raman spectroscopy, and were tested in hydrogenation of naphthalene and hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene. The HNT-supported catalyst exhibited a greater activity in these reactions.

Crystal Structure of Bismuth-Containing Samarium Iron–Aluminium Borates Sm1−xBixFe3−yAly(BO3)4 (x = 0.05–0.07, y = 0–0.28) in the Temperature Range of 25–500 K

Structural features of new mixed bismuth-containing samarium iron–aluminium borate single crystals Sm1−xBixFe3−yAly(BO3)4 (x = 0.05–0.07, y = 0–0.28) were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis based on aluminium content and temperature in the range 25–500 K. The crystals were grown using the solution-in-melt technique with Bi2Mo3O12 in a flux. The composition of the single crystals was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and energy-dispersive X-ray elemental analysis. Temperature dependencies of Sm1−xBixFe3−yAly(BO3)4 unit-cell parameters were studied. Negative thermal expansion was identified below 100 K and represented by characteristic surfaces of the thermal expansion tensor. (Sm,Bi)–O, (Sm,Bi)–(Fe,Al), (Fe,Al)–(Fe,Al), and (Fe,Al)–O interatomic distances decreased with the addition of aluminium atoms. An increase in the (Fe,Al)–(Fe,Al) intrachain bond length at low temperatures in the magnetically ordered state weakened this bond, whereas a decrease in the (Fe,Al)–(Fe,Al) interchain distance strengthened super-exchange paths between different chains. It was found that the addition of aluminium atoms influenced interatomic distances in Sm1−xBixFe3−yAly(BO3)4 much more than lowering the temperature from 293 K to 25 K. The effect of aluminium doping on magnetoelectric properties and structural symmetry of rare-earth iron borates is also discussed.

Trace elements changes in the forebrain and their influence on the rats behavior in elevated plus maze in acute period of mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury

The relevance of the study is related to the high frequency of blast-induced brain injury in both military and civilian populations, which is caused by the use of various types of explosives in military conflicts, including in Ukraine today. Changes of biometals in the acute period of a mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury, including forebrain that participates in the implementation of various behavioral and cognitive processes, remain unexplained. The study was carried out on 54 sexually mature male Wistar rats, which were divided into 3 groups: experimental (influenced by a baroacoustic wave with an excess pressure of 26-36 kPa, previously anesthetized with halothane and softly fixed), sham (under the influence of halothane and fixation), intact. Behavior was studied in an elevated plus maze. Biometals in the forebrain were determined using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. Standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test (р<0.01, р<0.05), Spearman's correlation coef­ficient (r, р<0.01) were statistically calculated. According to the results of the study, behavioral changes in the elevated plus maze were found in the rats of the experimental group, which indicate the absence of fear on day 1 and 3 and the increase of anxiety on day 7 of the post-traumatic period. Spectral analysis of the forebrain showed significant (р<0.01) changes in the Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn and Zn/Fe ratios, which are the result of iron accumulation due to disruption of the blood-brain barrier. The obtained changes in the ratio of biometals lead to the development of anxiety, which is confirmed by correlation analysis. This indicates that the imbalance of biometals is an important secondary factor in the pathogenesis of blast-induced brain traumatic injury, which is important to consider for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of complications.

Development and validation of energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence method for quantification of cubic zirconia in diamond matrix

AbstractQualitative and quantitative tests of gemstones and diamonds are routinely performed nondestructively in the laboratory of Gemmological Institute of India (GII), Mumbai, India. Qualitative tests are based on microscopic examination. Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry is used in the laboratory for quantitative analysis of elements. However, in some cases like determination of trace levels of cubic zirconia (CZ) in diamond powder, it is difficult to estimate simultaneously both CZ and diamond powder directly using EDXRF method. In view of this, a method was developed for estimation of ZrO2 present at low levels in diamond powder. In this method, EDXRF spectra of a series of simulated mixtures containing ZrO2 were measured. Peak areas under the characteristic Kα x‐ray of Zr (15.7 keV) in each mixture were computed and, a calibration plot was made between the peak areas and % fractions of ZrO2. From the calibration plot, a dynamic range of 0.1%–10% was obtained. From XRF spectra of the test sample, in duplicate, of diamond powder, Zr was estimated using the peak area and the percentage fraction was found to be 0.181 ± 0.020. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was used for method validation with the same set of simulated samples used in EDXRF analysis. Results obtained by both the methods are found to be in good agreement and this newly developed method based on EDXRF spectrometry is in regular use in GII.

Chemical and Mineralogical Analysis of Samples Using Combined LIBS, Raman Spectroscopy and µ-EDXRF

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis is one of the standard techniques for the evaluation of mineral deposits. The advantage of EDXRF is the fast delivery of information about the bulk elemental composition as well as the elemental composition of each mineral class. With micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (µ-EDXRF) analysis, information can be obtained with a micrometer resolution. However, it has some limitations. With EDXRF, light elements (e.g., lithium) cannot be detected, and the count rates for carbon, fluorine and sodium are very low. This might lead to a misinterpretation of the mineral classes and the worth of the deposit. Furthermore, the identification of the alteration phases of primary minerals is ambiguous. Here, we will present an approach to overcome the limitations of µ-EDXRF by complementing it with combined laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy. In contrast to EDXRF, LIBS is able to detect all elements, including light elements. Raman spectroscopy can identify mineral phases and eventually provide additional information on their alterations and modifications. In the present paper, we show results for two different samples covering a certain chemical and mineralogical range that demonstrate the potential of the proposed combination of methods for the chemical and mineralogical analysis of geological samples.

Сhanges of trace elements in the cerebellum and their influence on the rats behavior in elevated plus maze in the acute period of mild blast-induced brain injury

BackgroundIn connection with the widespread use of explosive devices in military conflicts, in particular in Ukraine, is relevant to detect the biometals changes in the cerebellum and determine the presence of their influence on the behavior changes of rats in the elevated plus maze in the acute period of a mild blast-traumatic brain injury (bTBI). MethodsThe selected rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group I - Experimental with bTBI (with an excess pressure of 26–36 kPa), Group II - Sham and Group III - Intact. Behavior studies was in the elevated plus maze. Brain spectral analysis was with using of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, after obtaining the quantitative mass fractions of biometals, the ratios of Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, Zn/Fe were calculated and the data between the three groups were compared. ResultsThe results showed an increase in mobility in the experimental rats, which indicates functional disorders of the cerebellum in the form of maladaptation in space. Changes in cognitive activity also is an evidence of cerebellum suppression, which is indicated by changes in vertical locomotor activity. Grooming time was shortened. We established a significant increase in Cu/Fe and Zn/Fe ratios in the cerebellum, a decrease in Cu/Zn. ConclusionsChanges in the Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, and Zn/Fe ratios in the cerebellum correlate with impaired locomotor and cognitive activity in rats in the acute posttraumatic period. Accumulation of Fe on the 1st and 3rd day leads to disturbance of the Cu and Zn balance on the 7th day and starts a "vicious cycle" of neuronal damage. Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, and Zn/Fe imbalances are secondary factors in the pathogenesis of brain damage as a result of primary bTBI.

Comparisons of Spatial and Temporal Variations in PM2.5-Bound Trace Elements in Urban and Rural Areas of South Korea, and Associated Potential Health Risks

PM2.5-bound trace elements were chosen for health risk assessment because they have been linked to an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular illness. Since the Korean national air quality standard for ambient particulate matter is based on PM2.5 mass concentration, there have only been a few measurements of PM2.5 particles together with trace elements that can be utilized to evaluate their effects on air quality and human health. Thus, this study describes the trace elements bound to PM2.5 in Seoul (urban area) and Seosan (rural area) using online nondestructive energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis from December 2020 to January 2021. At both the Seoul and Seosan sites, S, K, Si, Ca, and Fe constituted most of the PM2.5-bound trace elements (~95%); major components such as S, K, and soil (estimatedcalculatedcalculated based on oxides of Si, Fe, Ca, and Ti) were presumably from anthropogenic and crustal sources, as well as favorable meteorological conditions. During winter, synoptic meteorology favored the transport of particles from severely contaminated regions, such as the East Asian outflow and local emissions. The total dry deposition flux for crustal elements was 894.5 ± 320.8 µg m−2 d−1 in Seoul and 1088.8 ± 302.4 µg m−2 d−1 in Seosan. Moreover, potential health risks from the trace elements were estimated. Cancer risk values for carcinogenic trace elements (Cr, As, Ni, and Pb) were within the tolerable limit (1 × 10−6), suggesting that adults and children were not at risk of cancer throughout the study period in Seoul and Seosan. Furthermore, a potential risk assessment of human exposure to remaining carcinogens (Cr, As, Ni, and Pb) and non-carcinogens (Cu, Fe, Zn, V, Mn, and Se) indicated that these trace elements posed no health risks. Nevertheless, trace element monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation must be strengthened throughout the study area to confirm that trace-element-related health effects remain harmless. Researchers and policymakers can use the database from this study on spatial and temporal variation to establish actions and plans in the future.

Differences of Relationships between Iodine and Trace Elements in Normal Thyroid and Thyroid Benign Nodules Revealed by X-Ray Fluorescent Analysis

Thyroid Benign Nodules (TBN) are the most common lesions of this endocrine gland. The etiology of TBN is not clear. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine differences in the content of bromine (Br), cooper (Cu), iron (Fe), iodine (I), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn), as well as I/Br, I/Cu, I/Fe, I/Rb, I/Sr, and I/Zn content ratios in tissues of normal thyroid and TBN. Thyroid tissue levels of seven Trace Elements (TEs) were prospectively evaluated in 105 apparently healthy persons and in 79 patients with TBN. Measurements were performed using 109Cd and 241Am radionuclide-induced energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for TEs analysis. It was observed that in TBN the mass fraction of Br, Cu, and Fe were higher, whereas mass fractions of I as well as I/Br, I/Cu, I/Fe, and I/Zn mass fraction ratios were lower than in normal tissues of the thyroid. These changes can potentially be used as TBN markers. Furthermore, it was found that the levels of Br, Cu, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn contents in the normal and affected thyroid gland were interconnected and depend on the content of I in thyroid tissue. Because I plays a decisive role in the function of the thyroid gland, the data obtained allow us to conclude that, along with I, at least such TEs as Br, Cu, Fe, Rb, and Zn, if not directly, then indirectly, are involved in the process of thyroid hormone synthesis.

Relationships between iodine and some trace elements in normal thyroid of males investigated by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis

Thyroid diseases rank second among endocrine disorders, and prevalence of the diseases is higher in the elderly as compared to the younger population. An excess or deficiency of trace element contents in thyroid play important role in goitro- and carcinogenesis of gland. The correlations with age of the seven-trace element (TE) contents (Br, Cu, Fe, I, Rb, Sr, and Zn), I/Br, I/Cu, I/Fe, I/Rb, I/Sr, and I/Zn ratios, and inter relationships between TE contents and I/TE content ratios in normal thyroid of 73 males (mean age 37.3 years, range 2.0-80) was investigated by radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis. Our data reveal that the I content and the I/Fe ratio increase in the normal thyroid of male during a lifespan. Therefore, a goitrogenic and tumorigenic effect of excessive I level in the thyroid of old males and of disturbance in intrathyroidal I/Fe relationships with increasing age may be assumed. Furthermore, it was found that the levels of Br, Cu, Rb, and Zn in the thyroid gland are interconnected and depend on the content of I in it. Because I plays a decisive role in the function of the thyroid gland, the data obtained allow us to conclude that, along with I, such TEs as Br, Cu, Rb, and Zn, if not directly, then indirectly, are involved in the process of thyroid hormone synthesis.

SORPTION AND X-RAY FLUORESCENCE DETERMINATION OF MICRO QUANTITIES OF SOME TOXIC METALS IN NATURAL OBJECTS AFTER THEIR PRECONCENTRATION ON MODIFIED SILICA GEL

A method for X-ray fluorescence determination of trace amounts of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions (up to 250 μg/ml) directly in the sorbent phase after their extraction from solutions in a dynamic sorption mode has been developed. Merck silica gel (particle d 0.1-0.2 mm, specific surface 428.61 m2/g), chemically modified with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol functional groups in one step, was used as a sorbent. An energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyzer with a semiconductor detector "ElvaX" ("Elvatex", Kyiv) was used in the study.
 It was found that the combined analysis of micro quantities of Pb, Cd and Hg by sorption-x-ray fluorescence method after their preconcentration on silica gel with chemically fixed surfactant requires the use of calibration curves for each metal, taking into account the presence of other ions in solutions.
 The developed by us method of sorption-x-ray fluorescence determination of micro quantities of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) after their extraction and preconcentration on silica gel with chemically fixed 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol can be effectively used for the analysis of natural and man-made objects of complex chemical composition.

Quality evaluation and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of commercial samples of chamomile in the city of Lavras - MG, Brazil

Quality evaluation and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of commercial samples of chamomile in the city of Lavras - MG, Brazil

Relationships between Iodine and Some Trace Elements in Normal Thyroid of Females Investigated by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescent Analysis

Objective: Thyroid diseases rank second among endocrine disorders, and prevalence of the diseases is higher in the elderly as compared to the younger population. Women are affected by thyroid diseases almost ten times more often than men. An excess or deficiency of trace element contents in thyroid play important role in goitro- and carcinogenesis of gland. Study Design: The correlations with age of the seven trace element (TE) contents (Br, Cu, Fe, I, Rb, Sr, and Zn), I/Br, I/Cu, I/ Fe, I/Rb, I/Sr, and I/Zn ratios, and inter relationships between TE contents and I/TE content ratios in normal thyroid of 33 females (age range 3.5-87 years) was investigated by radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis. Results: Our data reveal that the Rb and Zn content increase, while I/Cu and I/Zn content ratios decrease in the normal thyroid of female during a lifespan. Therefore, a goitrogenic and tumorogenic effect of disturbance in intrathyroidal I, Cu, and Fe relationships with increasing age may be assumed. Furthermore, it was found that the levels of Cu, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn in the thyroid gland are interconnected and depend on the content of I in it. Conclusions: Because I plays a decisive role in the function of the thyroid gland, the data obtained allow us to conclude that, along with I, such TEs as Cu, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn, if not directly, then indirectly, are involved in the process of female thyroid hormone synthesis.

Accuracy and Precision of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Analysis of Trace and Major Elements in Rock Standard Reference Materials Using Fine Powder

Accuracy and Precision of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Analysis of Trace and Major Elements in Rock Standard Reference Materials Using Fine Powder