X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Research Articles

Development of a novel X-ray fluorescence instrument equipped with a noble gas filter.

In X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, which has been used to analyze elements in various samples, it is important to decrease the background (BG) intensity. Generally, BG signals are reduced by inserting metal foils of various types and thicknesses between the X-ray tube and sample as primary X-ray filters. In this study, we developed a unique gas filter-XRF (GF-XRF) instrument to easily reduce the BG effect by changing the pressure of the gas to ensure that the absorption edge of the gas element is slightly lower than the energy of the XRF peak of the target element. The advantage of using a gas is that the gas pressure can be altered easily. To evaluate the performance of this instrument, Ti and Zr were selected as target elements, and Ar and Kr were selected as the filtering gases. When the XRF spectra of the Ti sample were recorded using the Ar gas filter, as the Ar gas pressure increased, the background signal in the energy region of the Ti Kα peak decreased, resulting in an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of that peak. When the Kr gas filter was used, both the SNR and the minimum detection limit of Zr improved. These results demonstrate that the unique GF-XRF instrument is useful for high-sensitivity analyses.

Evaluations of the optimal plasma treated area in total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis and the retention period of superhydrophilic ability of the substrate

An atmospheric pressure plasma jet was applied to control the form of a dried residue for total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Characterization and properties of Chinese red clay for use as ceramic and construction materials.

This study involves the characterization and analysis of a Chinese red clay obtained from Hunan province to determine its suitability for manufacturing ceramic products. X-ray fluorescence analysis showed the clay has high silica (63.25 weight percent) and alumina (21.38 weight percent) content along with iron oxide, alkalis, and calcium acting as fluxes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of quartz, kaolinite, illite, and hematite as the major mineralogical phases. Scanning electron microscopy revealed loosely stacked, plate-shaped kaolinite particles exhibiting pseudohexagonal morphology. Particle size distribution shows a d50 of 12.7 μm and specific surface area is 21.3 m2/g. Differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetric analysis showed mass losses between 450-600°C and 950-1050°C corresponding to dehydroxylation and formation of a liquid phase, respectively. Dilatometry traced the onset of viscous flow sintering around 1000°C. Test bars produced from the clay were fired at 800°C, 900°C, 950°C, 1000°C, and 1050°C. The firing shrinkage increased from 2.5% at 800°C to 12.8% at 1050°C. Strength improved from 11.2 megapascals at 800°C to 42.3 megapascals at 1050°C due to densification and mullite formation. Hematite content caused the color to change from orange-red at 950°C to dark red at 1050°C. XRD analysis of fired specimens confirmed the presence of hematite and newly formed mullite and cristobalite phases. The results indicate the suitability of the clay for manufacturing bricks, roof tiles, and wall tiles using appropriate firing temperatures and cycles.

Investigation of the antibacterial activity of synthesized hydroxyapatite Sr-doped nanocomposite

Hydroxyapatite is a mineral compound with a composition resembling the components found in human teeth and bones. Hydroxyapatite possesses osteoconductive, bioactive, and biocompatible characteristics. Nevertheless, hydroxyapatite has limitations, particularly its limited antibacterial activity. Therefore, this research uses the sol-gel method to synthesize and characterize strontium hydroxyapatite doped composites (HAp-Sr doped composites). The calcium precursor used in this research comes from the green mussel shells (Perna viridis); the main component is CaCO3, which will later be converted into CaO compounds. HAp Sr-doped composites were synthesized by varying the concentration of Sr metal (5%, 10%, and 20% w/w), which aimed to determine its good antibacterial ability. The X-ray fluorescence analysis reveals that green mussel shells contain 97.261% calcium oxide (CaO). The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the pattern observed at an angle of 2θ corresponds to the hydroxyapatite standard from ICDD (No.96-101-1243), which possesses a hexagonal structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra reveal the presence of PO43− groups in the sample at wave numbers 528 cm−1, 604 cm−1, 945 cm−1, and 1,018 cm−1. The antibacterial activity of the HAp-Sr doped composite was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The results indicated that the 5% HAp-Sr doped composite exhibited antibacterial activity. Therefore, it can potentially be utilized in bone grafts and implants.

Sedimentary: Carbonate microfacies and mineralogy of the southern Benue Trough and eastern Dahomey basin, Nigeria

This study presents a detailed investigation into the microfacies, geochemistry, and depositional environments of carbonate rocks from the southern Benue Trough and eastern Dahomey Basin. This analysis involved a combination of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thin-section petrographic examination. Samples from the Igumale Formation of the southern Benue Trough and samples from Ewekoro Formation of the eastern Dahomey Basin were analyzed, offering insights into their mineral compositions, elemental distributions, and depositional environments. In each basin, two carbonate microfacies were identified. The two microfacies found in the Igumale Formation were recognized as micritic bioclastic packstone and sandy bioclastic wackestone. In the Ewekoro Formation, the two microfacies recognized were bioclastic packstone and sparitic peloidal wackestone. The X-ray diffraction analysis of samples from both basins revealed a dominance of calcite. X-ray fluorescence analysis showcased calcium oxide and calcium as the predominant oxide and elements in both basins with varying concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results unveiled the elemental composition with calcium and silicon emerging as major constituents. The photomicrographs suggest distinct depositional conditions for both samples with those from the Igumale Formation showing evidence of shallow marine and that of the Ewekoro Formation suggesting calm marine environments comprised of fined grained carbonate rocks containing fossils. This study has provided detailed understanding on the nature, microfacies types, mineralogical composition, depositional environment and diagenetic processes of Cretaceous-Paleocene carbonate rocks within the studied basins.

Holocene and postglacial lake sedimentation in the central part of the Karelian Isthmus as an example of Lake Krasnoye in the Leningrad region

This paper deals with the issue of changing the conditions of the geographical environment in the postglacial and Holocene in the central part of the Karelian Isthmus. Toward paleogeographic reconstruction, a survey of the sediments of the bottom of Lake Krasnoye (Leningrad Oblast, Russian Federation) was conducted, since the lake deposits represent a reliable source of information about natural events from the past. A large amount of data obtained by X-ray fluorescence analysis of the core sample was analyzed, a lithostratigraphic description of the sediments was carried out and geophysical characteristics of the bottom sediments were interpreted. They were divided into several units that differed in the number of properties and reflected different sedimentation conditions. In the reconstruction of the past natural environment, special attention is paid to paleoclimatic and paleosedimentological issues.

Влияние катодного внедрения хрома в цинковое покрытие на его защитную способность

The influence of cathodic introduction of chromium into the surface layers of a zinc coating on the change in its corrosion resistance has been determined. Electrodeposition of zinc from electrolytes of various compositions was carried out on electrodes made of St3 steel. TsO grade zinc was used as an anode. Preliminary steel electrode was preparated treating the steel surface of in the potentiostatic mode of pre-phase deposition (DPD) at a potential 50 mV more positive than the equilibrium potential of zinc (Ep) in the working electrolyte for 5 minutes. The zinc coating was applied in potentiostatic mode at a potential of –1.20 V relative to the silver chloride reference electrode. The introduction of chromium into the electrodeposited zinc coating was carried out in the potential range from –0.97 to –1.15 V from electrolytes containing trivalent chromium salt. The results of X-ray fluorescence analysis of the component composition of working electrodes after cathodic introduction of chromium, the morphology of the formed surface obtained using scanning electron microscopy, indicate the presence of chromium in the coating composition and its effect on the structure of the deposit. The corrosion resistance of modified zinc coatings by cathodic introduction of chromium at potentials of –1.05 V and –1.10 V for 5 minutes exceeds this characteristic of chromated zinc.

Quantitative analysis of heavy metals in soil by X-ray fluorescence: Fusion, intelligentization and Nonstandard-sample calculation

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metal elements in soil by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) has received widespread attention and research from scholars as an important method for assessing environmental pollution. As a detection sample for multi-component systems, the study of matrix correction has always been the key to XRF data analysis for geological samples. In this study, we reviewed the calculation and analysis methods of XRF data used for geological samples since the Sherman equation was proposed, and divided the development of XRF data processing for soil samples into three stages based on the changes in the matrix correction methods used. By reviewing the processing ideas from past research, this paper summarizes the process of quantitative analysis of geological samples into seven stages and reviews the commonly used methods for each stage. Due to limitations in instrument and standard sample costs, as well as methodological constraints, geological samples currently face three challenges: a shortage of standard samples, insufficient generalization ability of established models, and large measurement errors in low-content element determination. With the further cross-penetration of multiple fields and disciplines and the summary of past research trends, we propose three research trends that may break through these limitations: fusion, intelligentization, and nonstandard-sample calculation. We also discuss the technical solutions related to these three research trends. We extensively discussed the feasibility and advantages of using spectral co-use, knowledge engineering, and adversarial data augmentation techniques to address problems. Our review provides insights into the XRF spectral data processing methods and frameworks for evaluating geological samples, and provides technical solutions to address the current challenges faced by XRF analysis of geological samples.

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.

EVIDENCE OF MICROBIAL ANTAGONISM IN VOLCANIC TUFF ROCK

A total number of 64 bacterial strains isolated from two volcanic tuff rock located in Teisani, Prahova, and Malul Alb, Buzau areas were investigated for ability to producing factor with antagonistic activity (AF). From these, 59 strains have the ability to synthesis AF acting against other strains isolated from these ecosystems. Some of the strains (1-2 and 1-7 respectively, isolated from Malul Alb) are acting as antimicrobial against pathogenic strains Staphyloccocus aureus and Lysteria monocytogenes. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed a chemically composition based on the compounds of silica, calcium, potassium, aluminum, iron and titanium as well as the presence of groups characteristic to organic compounds. A relatively high number of microbial strains as colony-forming units (CFU) were quantified at 7x104 for the Teişani sample and 1.5x105 for the Malul Alb sample per gram of rock.

Synthesis and properties of nano-cadmium oxide and its size-dependent responses by barley plant

Present study included technological methods that made it possible to synthesize CdO nanoparticles and carry out their qualitative and quantitative diagnostics, confirming the as-prepared CdO nanoparticles (NPs) were spherical and had a size of 25 nm. Then, under the conditions of the model experiment the effect of CdO in macro and nanosized particles on absorption, transformation, and structural and functional changes occurring in cells and tissues of Hordeum vulgare L. (spring barley) during its ontogenesis was analyzed. Different analytical techniques were used to detect the transformation of CdO forms: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDXMA and TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption fine structure, consists of XANES – X-ray absorption near edge structure, and EXAFS – Extended X-ray absorption fine structure. Quantitative differences in the elemental chemical composition of barley root and leaf samples were observed. The predominant root uptake of Cd was revealed. CdO-NPs were found to penetrate deeply into barley plant tissues, where they accumulated and formed new mineral phases such as Cd5(PO4)3Cl and CdSO4 according to XRD analysis. The molecular-structural state of the local Cd environment in plant samples corresponding to Cd–O and Cd–Cd. The toxicity of CdO-NPs was found to significantly affect the morphology of intracellular structures are the main organelles of photosynthesis therefore, destructive changes in them obviously reduce the level of metabolic processes ensuring the growth of plants. This study is an attempt to show results how it is possible to combine some instrumental techniques to characterize and behavior of NPs in complex matrices of living organisms.

Zhaman-Koitass granite-leukogranite massif (Northern Kazakhstan): U-Pb age, mineralogical and geochemical features, geodynamic analysis

Research subject. The Zhaman-Koitass granite-leucogranite massif of the Borovsk complex in Northern Kazakhstan. In the platform cover of the West Siberian plate, overlying granite-leucogranites, a large uranium deposit Semizbai of sandstone type is localized. Materials and methods. Geochemical, mineralogical, and geochronological studies of granite-leucogranites were conducted by X-ray fluorescence analysis, ICP-MS, electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, and LA-ICP-MS (Analytical Center for multi-elemental and isotope research SB RAS). Results and conclusions. The Zhaman-Koitass massif is composed by A-type subalkaline leucogranites (SiO2 = 72.8–75.4 wt %, Na2O + K2O = 7.5–8.8 wt %, K2O/Na2O = 1.11–1.25, ∑REE = 120–231 ppm, (La/Yb)n = 10–22, Eu/Eu* = 0.2–0.4), which are characterized by titanite-ilmenite-magnetite accessory specialization. U-Pb isotope dating confirms the silurian age of the Zhaman-Koitass granite-leucogranites (426–420 Ma). The obtained geochronological data, along with the similarity of the chemical composition of the rocks, confirm that the granite-leucogranites of the Zhaman-Koitass massif belong to the Borovsk complex. The significant age interval between the ordovician granitoids of the krykkuduk complex (448 ± 2 Ma) and the silurian granite-leucogranites of the karabulak and borovsk complexes considered in the article (431–426 Ma) suggests a change in the geodynamic situation from suprasubduction to transform marginal-continental.

Degradation of urban soil quality due to air and road traffic: relevant info and research

Aircraft operations at an airport result in the emission of various substances. Simultaneously, in an airport area, road traffic is very intense, also contributing to the emission of the same substances. In this work, potentially toxic elements, essentially trace metals, and others not categorised as such (alloys elements and ceramic particles that constitute particulate matter) are considered, which end up being deposited on soils. The main purpose of this study is to identify soil quality degradation potentially connected to aircraft operations related to Lisbon airport, Portugal. At the same time, an attempt was made to differentiate the contribution of soil quality degradation resulting from road traffic. Several geotechnical and chemical parameters were determined for all of the 102 collected samples. X-ray fluorescence analysis was performed to identify and quantify the main elements present in all samples. Some samples were also subjected to X-ray diffraction to determine the mineralogical composition. The data obtained allow the creation of distribution maps of the detected elements and, after multivariate statistical analysis, conclude which ones are related to very intense road traffic and which ones are related to aircraft traffic emissions, in an urban area, based on a holistic interpretation of all intervenient variables.

Understanding the impact of kaolinite/muscovite ratio in natural clays on oxide contents, physisorbed water, and structural water fractions

The objective of the present work, is to comprehend the impact of two naturals non-swelling phyllosilicates, namely kaolinite/muscovite ratio, denoted as f(K/M), on the physicochemical properties of the sample. This includes oxide content as well as the fractions of physisorbed and the structural water. To achieve this, the adsorbed amount on the clay sample was assessed using the cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride CTACl) by measuring the Streaming Induced Potential (SIP) at the Point of Zero Charge (PZC). Further, the physisorbed water and structural water losses present in the clay sample, were determined through DTA/TGA thermal analysis. In addition, the kaolinite/muscovite ratios, denoted as f(K/M), characterizing the samples, were calculated using the elemental compositions of various metal oxides as obtained via X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis.

Лінійний регресійний аналіз впливу біоелементів на частоту гострих респіраторних інфекцій у дітей дошкільного віку

Purpose - to identify the bioelements having the most significant impact on the susceptibility of preschool children to frequent episodes of acute respiratory infections (ARI). Materials and methods. A total of 30 children (14 boys and 16 girls) aged 1-6 years, undergoing inpatient treatment on ARI, were involved in the clinical study. Two integral indicators of acute respiratory infections recurrence, i.e. the infection index and the resistance index, were taken into account for each patient. The children were tested by X-ray fluorescence analysis of 17 bioelements in their hair - Zn, Fe, Cu, Se, Mn, Cr, Co, Br, Ni, Rb, Sr, Sn, Pb, Ca, K, S, and Cl. The statistical processing of the obtained digital material was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 28 licensed software. A linear regression analysis with stepwise involvement of predictors was applied. Results. In preschool children, there is a moderate negative correlation between hair Rb content and the calculated resistance index (ρ=-0.405; p=0.026; 95% CI: (-0.674)-(-0.042)), according to which lower concentrations of this bioelement are associated with more frequent episodes of ARI. Additionally, Rb has a statistically significant pairwise relationship with several other bioelements studied and the ratios between them. Rb was demonstrated to be directly and most closely correlated with K (ρ=0.842; p<0.001; 95% CI: 0.678-0.926). A prognostic model of the resistance index was obtained, using the linear regression analysis of independent factors. The formula of the prognostic model included only one of the factors studied - the ratio of Mn/Cr content in hair. The informativeness of the mentioned model was 24.9%, which is a quite significant value, taking into consideration a broad range of known predictors for recurrent respiratory infections. Conclusions. The findings are complementary to the available scientific data on the participation of the bioelements in providing resistance to frequent ARI in preschool children. It is planned to continue examining the status of particular bioelements in combination with other potential predictors of recurrent respiratory infections. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committees of the institutions mentioned in the paper. An informed parental consent was obtained for the study in children. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Impacts on X-ray fluorescence measurements for rapid determination of the chemical composition of renewable solid biofuels

Rapid determination of quality parameters in solid biofuels enables transparent fuel trading and optimised plant operation, e.g. due to lower plant operating costs and lower air pollutant emissions. The present study investigates the impact of interferences caused by the chemical composition, particle size, water content, and measuring time on the rapid measurement technique X-ray fluorescence analysis for solid biofuels. The elements investigated are the minor elements Na, Mg, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca and the trace elements Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As Cd, Pb as described in ISO 17225-1. The results provided new insights into the cause of measurement errors and also similarities with findings from other fields. Specifically, we found that grain size <1 mm in sample preparation and water content ≤10 % had a clear benefit on the measurement. In the case of samples with high mineral content, interferences between the elements Si and P occur. Furthermore, the results show that the measurement time for the actual measurement can be significantly reduced to 60 s compared to the factory setting (i.e. from 750 s). The findings of the study contribute to reducing or preventing the indicated measurement errors in future XRF analysis.

Application of X-ray Fluorescence and Radiation Methods for the Analysis of Medicinal Plant Raw Materials on the Example of &lt;i&gt;Achilleae millefolii herba&lt;/i&gt;

Introduction. Environmental monitoring is an important area of modern scientific research. This is due to the anthropogenic impact on the environment, which often negatively affects the diversity of the Russian medicinal flora. The use of modern instrumental analytical methods of medicinal plant raw materials is relevant due to the intensive development of science. The content of heavy metals, the elemental composition and the level of background radiation are important characteristics of ecological purity and safety of medicinal plant raw materials. These characteristics are of interest for assessing the possibility of harvesting and using medicinal plants at localization. The generally accepted instructions for harvesting were used.Aim. Investigation of the possibilities of using X-ray fluorescence and radiation methods for environmental monitoring of medicinal plant raw materials.Materials and methods. The research object was Achilleae millefolii herba. The harvestment of plant raw materials was carried out in the Bardymsky, Chernushinsky, Uinsky, Kishertsky, Oktyabrsky, Suksunsky, Ordinsky, Sivinsky districts of the Perm Region in the summer in 2022–2023. The X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XFA) ARL QUANT'X EDXRF was used to determine heavy metals and assess the elemental composition of plants. The analysis was carried out according to the methodology that was developed by scientists of the Pharmacognosy Department at the Perm State Pharmaceutical Academy. The radiation background in raw materials was assessed by using a special dosimeter RADEX RD1503.Results and discussion. As a result, it was found that harvesting of Achilleae millefolii herba is possible in the Perm Region studied areas. Bardymsky, Uinsky, Kishertsky, Ordinsky, Chernushinsky districts are the most recommended for harvesting plant raw materials. Samples from these areas are ecological purity and safe for use as medicinal raw materials and have a diverse elemental composition. The content of heavy metals does not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations according to the regulatory documentation requirements. The background radiation level does not exceed the threshold value compared to other areas in the Russian Federation.Conclusion. X-ray fluorescence analysis is a suitable and reliable analytical method for determining elements in plant raw materials. XFA is a multi-element express method that allows analyzing a sample with minimal sample preparation. The advantages of the method are good reproducibility, high sensitivity, and efficiency. Research continues.

Synergistic effects of supplementary cementitious materials and compressive strength prediction of concrete using machine learning algorithms with SHAP and PDP analyses

In order to reduce the CO2 associated with cement production, this study explored the potential of rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA) as supplementary cementitios materials for partially replacing cement in concrete production. The study aimed to analyze the synergistic effects of a cement-based mixture consisting of RHA and FA in different proportions on concrete's fresh, hardened, non-destructive and microscopic properties. In addition to the experimental work, this study successfully applied machine learning to predict the compressive strength of RHA-FA concrete using three types of algorithms: ANN (Analytical Neural Network), XGB (Extreme Gradient Boosting), and GBM (Gradient Boosting Model). A total of 138 data points were used for this prediction, and statistical and parametric analyses were performed to define the impact of input parameters on the outcome. Furthermore, both destructive and non-destructive tests were conducted on hardened concrete, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and rebound hammer. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was operated to analyze the microstructural characteristics of concrete. The compressive and split-tensile strength test results showed that the mixture with a higher percentage of fly ash and a lower percentage of rice husk ash achieved maximum strength. The X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed that both ashes contained a significant amount of silica, which gave them excellent pozzolanic properties. After 28 days, both the UPV and the rebound hammer strength align with the destructive compressive strength results. The study also employed SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) and PDP (Partial Dependence Plot) analyses to identify the optimal range for each parameter's contribution to strength improvement. The machine learning models exhibited a strong correlation with the test results, achieving an R2 value of 0.84 for the XGBoost model.

Modulation of growth and chemical element accumulation in &lt;i&gt;Fragaria × ananassa&lt;/i&gt; plants &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; under the effect of silicon chelates

Due to the protective role played by silicon in plants against unfavorable environmental conditions, siliconcontaining preparations are of considerable interest as biostimulants. In this work, a mechanical composite of rice husk and green tea containing soluble silica chelate complexes was used as the source of silicon. The study aims to examine the effect of silicon chelates on the growth and physiological parameters and the chemical composition of Fragaria × ananassa plants (Solnechnaya Polyanka variety) under greenhouse conditions. The plants were watered using water without a mechanical composite (control) or an aqueous solution containing 0.3 g/L of mechanical composite twice per period. Sampling was carried out one week after the last treatment. In order to determine the concentration of chemical elements (Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, and Mo) in the roots and shoots of garden strawberry, it was proposed to use synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis. The use of the mechanical composite was shown to increase the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids; decrease the amount of hydrogen peroxide; and increase the activity of the main antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase). It was determined that under the effect of the preparation, silicon accumulates primarily in shoots, affecting the accumulation of micro- and macroelements in the shoots and roots of plants. The obtained results substantiate the use of silicon-containing “green chemistry” as a means of controlling the growth and development of garden strawberry plants under in vivo conditions.

Elemental analysis of hourly collected air filters with X-ray fluorescence under grazing incidence.

The X-ray fluorescence under grazing incidence condition (XRF-UGI) was applied for the direct analysis of aerosol filters. Particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) was collected hourly on polytetrafluoroethylene filters using a continuous PM monitor with a virtual impactor method. Although the sampling mass is in trace amounts of 5-30μg, the metallic contents, such as V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Pb, can be measured at sub-ng m-3 detection limits. The effects of the non-uniformity and poor flatness of the PM filters were discussed with regard to the measurement repeatability. The relationship between the XRF-UGI intensities and the mass concentrations obtained via conventional X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was confirmed using the fundamental parameter method. Finally, quantification was successfully demonstrated using the XRF-UGI results with the relative sensitivity factors.