X-ray Fluorescence Technique Research Articles

Comparison of concentrations of chemical species and emission sources PM2.5 before pandemic and during pandemic in Krakow, Poland

Observations of air pollution in Krakow have shown that air quality has been improved during the last decade. In the presented study two factors affecting the physicochemical characteristic of PM2.5 fraction at AGH station in Krakow were observed. One is the ban of using solid fuels for heating purposes and the second is COVID-19 pandemic in Krakow. The PM2.5 fraction was collected during the whole year every 3rd day between 2nd March 2020 and 28th February 2021 at AGH station in Krakow. In total 110 PM2.5 fraction samples were collected. The chemical composition was determined for these samples. The elemental analysis was performed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique, ions analysis was performed by ion chromatography (IC) and black carbon by optical method. In order to identify the emission sources the positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used. The results of such study were compared to similar analysis performed for PM2.5 for the period from June 2018 to May 2019 at AGH station in Krakow. The PM2.5 concentration dropped by 25% in 2020/2021 in comparison to 2018/2019 at this station. The concentrations of Si, K, Fe, Zn and Pb were lowering by 43–64% in the year 2020/2021 in comparison to 2018/2019. Cu, Mn, Zn and Pb come from mechanical abrasion of brakes and tires while Ti, Fe, Mn and Si are crustal species. They are the indicators of road dust (non-exhaust traffic source). Moreover, the annual average contribution of traffic/industrial/soil/construction work source was reduced in 2020/2021 in comparison to 2018/2019. As well the annual average contribution of fuels combustion was declining by 22% in 2020/2021 in comparison to 2018/2019. This study shows that the ban and lockdown, during COVID-19 pandemic, had significant impact on the characteristic of air pollution in Krakow.

Geochemical, mineralogical and textural nature of beach placers, north-east Sri Lanka: Implications for provenance and potential resource

The Pulmoddai placer sands in Sri Lanka (9°3′23.65″–8°51′38.83″N and 80°55′22.91″–81°3′32.65″E) is considered to be one of the major rare earth element (REE) prospects world-wide. This deposit has a global significance in terms of strategic economic resources and can provide valuable insight for resource estimation and for its economic use. A detailed study of the geochemical, mineralogical, and textural properties of the heavy minerals of this region is undertaken applying the scanning electron microscopy–electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP–OES), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques. The results from these analyses are modeled to delineate the source(s) which contribute to the formation of the mineral deposits and their subsequent enrichment. The beach sediment from this region, exhibited elevated concentrations of major elements like silicon (Si) and manganese (Mn) and high abundance of minor and trace elements like yttrium (Y), strontium (Sr), lanthanum (La), barium (Ba), which indicates that the provenance is similar to calcium-silicate rocks. The highest (total) concentration of Y, La, scandium (Sc) and cerium (Ce) are mainly associated to fine grained sediment, signifying that their occurrences are governed by the grain size distribution and ambient hydrodynamic conditions primarily from lagoonal input. Monazite, zircon, ilmenite, rutile, and xenotime are more abundant than garnet in the study area, as is evident from the higher abundance of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) and the enrichment of zirconium (Zr), Ce, vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), and Y. Textural analysis of sediment shows sediment particles are poorly sorted and have more angular grain boundaries, indicating their lower textural maturity. This suggests that the sediment is fluvially derived from a close source rock of charnockite specific to the hinterland lithology. The sediment transported by perennial rivers and the hydrodynamic conditions of the Kokkilai Lagoon estuary, are the two primary sources of heavy mineral enrichment in the study area, which is quite unique in terms of the placer formation. Subsequently, these sediment particles formed the beach placer deposits enriched in REE–Th rich heavy minerals, which are of immense strategic importance.

Synthesis, Ligating Properties, Thermal Behavior, Computational and Biological Studies of Some Azo-transition Metal Complexes

Synthesis of new Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes of two azo ligands; 1-(phenyldiazenyl) naphthalene-2-ol (sudan orange R, HL1), and sodium 2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-(4-nitrophenyl) diazenyl]benzoate (alizarin yellow GG, HL2) have been reported. Stoichiometries of 1:2 and 1:3 (M:L) of the synthesized complexes were approved by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence technique (TXRF) and by elemental analyses. The geometry of complexes (octahedral and square planar) was typified by various spectroscopic, thermal, and magnetic techniques. The ESR spectroscopy showed that Cu(II) complexes are of different isotropic and rhombic symmetries with the existence of Cu–Cu ions interaction. TGA, DTA, and DSC analyses supported the multi-stage thermal decomposition mechanisms, where the thermal breakdown is ended by the formation of metal oxide in most cases. Moreover, chemical reactivity modeling using the density functional theory (DFT) method with the B3LYP/6–31 basis set, showed that metal complexes are more biologically active than their precursor ligands. The calculated lipophilicity character for metal complexes is in the range of 33.8–37.5 eV. Docking results revealed high scoring energy for [Fe(HL2)3].H2O complex and moderate inhibition strength of [Cu(L1)2].H2O complex versus 1bqb, 3t88, and 4esw proteins. Ultimately, the extent of biological effectiveness was endorsed experimentally against four microbial strains. The results are guidelines for toxicological investigations.Graphical

An analytical characterization of different gilding techniques on artworks from the Royal Palace (Caserta, Italy)

An analytical study of the gilding techniques on thirty-eight artworks belonging to the museum collection and storeroom of the Royal Palace in Caserta (Italy) is reported. X-ray fluorescence technique (XRF) was successfully used to analyze the surface layer of the objects and to obtain the main compositional features. Results derived from detailed analyses of the XRF spectra were processed by dendrogram, k-means, graphical clustering, partial least squares regression and principal component analysis. Each gilding technique was characterized. Data on any preparatory layer, on the structure of the gilded object, and on the thickness of the gold foil or leaf used were also obtained. Mercury and oil gilding were identified on brass, copper and ceramic objects, gouache gilding on wood and lead, as well as the absence of gilding and the presence of porporina due to bad restorations. News also emerged on some brass or copper structures that were cataloged as bronze. Furthermore, the thickness of the gold on some objects was estimated using the PLS method. Conservators and restorers will be able to take advantage of these results to update their archives, for the preservation and proper restoration of the artworks.

Ingestion doses and elemental composition of herbal plants and fish

It is known that the determination of ingestion doses of radioactive elements is a complex problem due to the different metabolic behaviours of the human beings. To contribute to this topic, this work presents the analysis of the ingestion doses of 40K, 232Th and 238U in some species of herbal plants and fish. These analyses were done using technique of gamma ray spectrometry and applying the estimation models for ingestion dose of ICRP and IAEA. Furthermore, in this article was applied the analytic technique of Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) in the analysis of elementary composition and concentrations of components in those same species of herbal plants and fish.

Elemental changes in heart and coronaries after breast cancer radiotherapy assessed by synchrotron radiation soft X-ray spectromicroscopy

Radiotherapy (RT) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of breast cancer (BC) and various thoracic malignancies. Radiation induced heart disease (RIHD) is one such long term toxicity which can offset the improvement in cancer specific mortality. Long term normal tissue toxicity is becoming a bigger concern, as early diagnosis and the improvement in the treatment of these cancers has led to patients surviving longer. Our research group on Physics applied to biomedical sciences has been investigating the side effects of BC treatment (RT and chemotherapy) for more than ten years. The cardiac regeneration has been studied to better understand the damage that occurs following radiation procedures in the heart tissue after many thoracic cancer treatments. One possible complication is coronary artery disease induced by irradiation after radiotherapy in thoracic area. Studies on the structures of cardiac tissue and the distribution of low atomic weight element can help to understand mechanisms associated with damage to healthy tissue, as these are of fundamental importance to metabolism in biological systems. The present study aimed to elucidate how radiotherapy in the thoracic area causes damage in the coronary artery, and to verify the potential use of losartan in reducing, or even preventing, the side effects of irradiation in this artery. To assess elemental and morphological differences in aortic and coronary samples, the Low Energy X-Ray Fluorescence (LEXRF) technique using Synchrotron Radiation was employed. SR- LEXRF and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy measurements were carried out at the beamline TwinMic at Elettra Sincrotrone Triste, Italy.

Applications of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique in metallic cultural heritage studies

• Synthesise the physical principles of EDXRF and compare different spectrometers. • Review the applications of EDXRF in the study of metallic heritage pieces. • Discuss about the advantages and limitations of the technique through case studies. Cultural heritage is a legacy that allows the expression of values and characteristics of different civilisations over time. Thus, the study of those artworks and their conservation is of paramount importance. In particular, the preservation and restoration of metallic artefacts is a challenge, as these materials are often subjected to corrosion and degradation, originating complex multilayered structures. Characterising materials that compose metallic artworks, as well as possible corrosion products, is extremely useful to understand the composition and evolution of their surface, guiding conservation and restoration procedures that are adapted for each piece. This characterisation must be selective, that is, allow for differentiating all the compounds present in the piece. Ideally, the characterisation technique used for the analysis should be non-destructive and should not modify aesthetic aspects of the artwork's surface. Portable techniques are also a desirable option, as they allow the characterisation of pieces that cannot be moved to a laboratory or sampled. In this context, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful tool that has been used by researchers and conservators in the characterisation of metallic materials and their corrosion products. In this paper, we review the principles, advantages and limitations of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy applied to metallic cultural heritage studies.

Banana and its nutrients: the power of the heart

Macro and micronutrients are essential minerals for the development of living beings, and this separation is given in quantitative reason, that is, while macronutrients, such as potassium and calcium, are required in larger amounts, micronutrients such as iron and zinc, are required in small quantities. For humans, potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient. In the human body, potassium has the function of regulating osmotic pressure, transmitting nerve impulses and carrying out muscle contraction. Its existence is found in high concentration in bananas. The heart banana plant is a little-known part among the by-products generated by banana cultivation, and is commonly discarded in the soil in order to increase its organic content, due to its high content of minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc. Thus, this research work aimed to explore the nutritional potential of unconventional parts of banana for human consumption, through Energy Dispersion X-Ray Fluorescence technique, with which it is possible to identify and quantify the main constituent elements. The species were studied Musa Acuminata ‘Dwarf/Cavendish’, Musa Acuminata x M. Balbisiana ‘Apple/Manzano’, Musa Ornata ‘Ornamental’ and Musa Acuminata ‘Fig’. The quantity of potassium and of other elements such as Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Rb in the banana heart samples were studied superior to the findings in the literature.

Radium radioactivity in soil profiles following long term irrigation with high radioactivity fossil groundwater

High radioactivity in a relatively saline confined aquifer water in different locations of the Disi area (South East of Jordan) was reported by some authors who recommended further investigation on the impact of that water on irrigated soils. Five well water samples (jointly used for irrigation and drinking) and 28 surface and subsurface soil samples from five profiles were collected from that area for the purpose of this study. Selected mineralogical, chemical, and physical properties of the soil samples were determined. Mineralogical compositions of the 28 soil samples were identified using x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, and ICP-MS techniques. Determination of activity concentrations of 238U, 226Ra and 228Ra in the five well waters and 22 soil samples from 4 sites (including a native soil) were determined using γ-ray spectroscopy. The results showed low salinity levels of both soil and water samples and low clay and organic matter contents in all soil samples. Kaolinite and mica were the dominant clay minerals with Fe substituting Al in the octahedral layer of these minerals. The average activity concentration of 226Ra and 228Ra in the well-water samples were 0.31 ± 0.09 and 1.74 ± 0.12 BqL−1, respectively. Such a high specific activity could be ascribed to the water enrichment with 228Ra diffusing from 232Th-rich sandstone geologic strata. Average concentrations of 238U and 232Th in the soil samples (0–120 cm depth) were 1.48 ± 0.38 mg kg−1 and 4.78 ± 1.55 mg kg−1, respectively. High correlation between these two radionuclides (R2 = 0.90) indicated no specific enhancement of these two metals from external sources, especially through chemical precipitation from irrigation water. Average activity concentration of 238U, 226Ra, and 228Ra in the soil samples were substantially low (20.8 ± 5.6, 16.94 ± 4.48, and 20.7 ± 6.2 Bq kg−1, respectively). No particular changes were observed when comparing concentration or radioactivity of these radionuclides with depth of a given soil or between irrigated and native soil samples at comparable depths. This could lead to the conclusion that there was no appreciable precipitation or adsorption of these radioactive metals from the percolating irrigation water onto the sandy soil complex.

Elemental and Chemical Phase Analyses of Ras-Family Ayurvedic Medicinal Products.

Fifteen Ayurvedic medicines of Ras-family (herbo-mineral-metallic preparations) from three reputed manufactures were analysed for elemental quantification and their chemical phase identification using the energy-dispersive (ED) and wavelength-dispersive (WD) X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, respectively. The low-Z elements C, H, N, S and O constituting a major portion of these medicines were also determined by CHNSO analyser and further used as input for XRF analyses. The elements of concern, Hg, Pb and As, are identified in different medicine products with disquiet concentration values (maximum concentration values range ~ 4-10%) and that too with substantial variations in the products from different manufacturers. These elements are identified mainly in the cinnabar (α-HgS)/metacinnabar (β-HgS), litharge (PbO) and alacranite (As4S4) phases in different medicines. Keeping in view the high concentration of chemicals of the Hg, Pb and As elements in the Ras-family medicines, it is vitally required to investigate their bioaccessibility and surmise the associated toxicological aspects. It is suggested that the formation of the bioaccessible toxic chemical forms of the Hg, Pb and As elements be avoided during preparation of the mineral ingredients or these soluble chemical forms be removed at suitable stage of the preparation. In view of large variations observed for the Hg, Pb and As based ingredients in the Ras family Ayurvedic medicine products from different manufacturers, adequate quality control mechanisms and production regulations are recommended.

Evaluation of the trace element concentration in some livestock and poultry bone samples using X-ray fluorescence

Element concentration (ppm) in some samples of livestock and poultry animals' bones haven evaluated using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique. The study included evaluation of the concentration of more than 20 elements in bone samples It has focused on the impacts of freezing process on the concentration of elements The results demonstrated that the element concentrations were reduced by freezing samples. The higher effects were on the concentration of (Cr, Al, Zn, Sr, Mg, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, S, and P) for the bones of cow and sheep, and the most effects were in cow's bone samples. Maximum and minimum ratio value element concentration (cow and sheep livestock samples/ cow and sheep freezing samples) were 54.5 ± 12.2 ppm (element of Cr) and 0 ppm (element of Ba, Mn, Ti, Sn, and Rb), respectively. The results of element concentration in chicken bone samples indicated that the high element concentration was in bone samples of livestock chicken (organic) compared with the poultry chicken (fresh and freezing). XRF, Bone, Livestock, Poultry, Trace elements, freezing meat,

TL and OSL analysis of natural orange calcite crystal

The study presents TL and OSL characterization of orange calcite. It is known that calcite exhibits TL however its OSL emission is unwell studied. The morphological characterization was done by means of X-rays diffraction (XRD) technique and it was confirmed that the sample is a pure calcium carbonate. Total and traces elements were determined using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) technique and several impurities were found as P (53070 mg/kg), S (877 mg/kg), K (442.1 mg/kg), Ca (118290 mg/kg), Fe (330.4 mg/kg), Cr (101.19 mg/kg), and Ni (115.01 mg/kg), also some trace impurities, as Cu (1.96 mg/kg) and Zn (1.30 mg/kg), Mn (57.21 mg/kg) were determined and they may have important role in the luminescent emission. Sample in powder form was irradiated with crescent doses of beta particles, in an interval of 5–25 Gy and showed TL peaks at approximately 93, 125, 162, 189 and 227 °C. An OSL response was verified and can be fitted using 3 components with decay constant values of 2.3, 10.0 and 77.4 s.

Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Technique Identifies Contribution of Node Iron and Zinc Accumulations to the Grain of Wheat.

Increasing iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in crop grains with high yield is an effective measure to ensure food supply and alleviate mineral malnutrition in humans. Micronutrient concentrations in grains depend on not only their availability in soils but also their uptake in roots and translocation to shoots and grains. In this three-year field study, we investigated genotypic variation in Fe and Zn uptake and translocation within six wheat cultivars and examined in detail Fe and Zn distributions in various tissues of two cultivars with similar high yield but different grain Fe and Zn concentrations using synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence. Results revealed that root Fe and Zn concentrations were 11 and 44% greater in high-nutrient (HN) than in low-nutrient (LN) concentration cultivar. Although both cultivars accumulated similar amounts of Fe in shoots, HN cultivar had greater accumulation of Fe in grain and greater accumulation of Zn in both shoots and grain. Grain Zn concentration was positively correlated with shoot Zn accumulation, and grain Fe concentration was positively correlated with the ability to translocate Fe from leaves/stem to grains. In the first nodes of shoots, HN cultivar had 482% greater Fe and 36% greater Zn concentrations in the enlarged vascular bundle (EVB) than LN cultivar. In top nodes, HN cultivar had 225 and 116% greater Fe and Zn concentrations in the transit vascular bundle and 77 and 71% greater in the EVB when compared to LN cultivar. HN cultivar also had a greater ability to allocate Fe and Zn to the grain than LN cultivar. In conclusion, HN cultivar had greater capacity of Fe and Zn acquirement by roots and translocation and partitioning from shoots into grains. Screening wheat cultivars for larger Fe and Zn concentrations in shoot nodes could be a novel strategy for breeding crops with greater grain Fe and Zn concentrations.

Recycling of exhausted dust from regenerator of glass furnace in glass batch melting

In soda-lime glass manufacturing, evaporation of volatile compounds from glass melt is the origin of the dust emission from glass tank furnace. The exhausted dust then is deposited on the regenerator and is needed to be removed. Thus, this study focuses on using the dust from melting glass in glass production. The glass batches were prepared from 0 wt% to 10 wt% of the exhausted dust from soda-lime glass production as a substitution of the total raw materials. The analysis of phase and chemical composition of the dust by x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence technique (XRF) indicated that it consisted mainly sodium sulphate. Thermal analysis (TG/DSC) revealed that the addition of exhausted dust reduced the temperature of the melting reaction of the glass batches. The optimum amount of the exhausted dust, which made it possible to obtain the glass with the lowest number of remaining bubbles, was 2 wt%. From CIE lab and dilatometry results revealed that up to 2 wt% replacement of total raw materials by the exhausted dust in the glass batch did not affect the glass color, thermal expansion coefficient, glass transition temperature and dilatometric softening point of glass samples.

The Role of PIXE and XRF in Heritage Science: The INFN-CHNet LABEC Experience

Analytical techniques play a fundamental role in heritage science. Among them, Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques are widely used in many laboratories for elemental composition analysis. Although they are well-established, a strong effort is put on their upgrade, making them suitable for more and more applications. Over the years, at the INFN-LABEC (the laboratory of nuclear techniques for the environment and cultural heritage of the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics), the INFN-CHNet group, the network devoted to cultural heritage, has carried out many technological improvements to the PIXE and XRF set-ups for the analysis of works of art and archaeological finds. Among the many, we recall here the scanning external microbeam facility at the TANDEM accelerator and the MA-XRF scanner. The two instruments have shown complementary features: the former permits quantitative analysis of elements heavier than sodium, which is not possible with the latter in most of the case studies. On the contrary, the scanner has the undeniable advantage of portability, allowing it to work in situ. In this framework of technological developments in heritage science, INFN, CERN, and OPD are jointly carrying on the MACHINA (Movable Accelerator for Cultural Heritage In-situ Non-destructive Analysis) project for on-site Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) studies on cultural heritage.

Determination of Limiting Dome Height (LDH) values for Inconel 718 alloy sheet using FEA and Hemispherical Punch Method

In this work, initially the chemical composition of Inconel 718 alloy sheet was obtained using X-ray fluorescence technique (XRF). The material properties such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, percentage of elongation, normal anisotropy, planar anisotropy, strain hardening exponent, and the strength coefficient were determined in longitudinal, diagonal, and transverse rolling direction using a uniaxial tensile test. The Limiting Dome Height (LDH) values are obtained by simulation and experimentation based on the hemispherical punch method. In simulation work, Barlat-89 yield criterion was used to obtain the Limiting Dome Height (LDH) values and strain distribution along with the specimen in Abaqus 6.1 software. The experimental LDH values of Inconel 718 alloy sheet and simulated results obtained from Abaqus 6.1 software were in close agreement. The approach presented in this work can be applied to obtain the LDH test values of interesting material focused by researchers. With the help of experiments, a limit curve was established which ensures the safe working region of Inconel 718 sheet. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of 100 &120 mm width specimens indicated smooth surface and ductile fracture. The examination of 140 &160 mm width specimens showed rough surface and shear-ductile failure. Energy Dispersive Spectrum (EDS) analysis of a fractured surface confirms the constituents of the sheet present before failure.

Contribution of X-ray Fluorescence Techniques in Cultural Heritage Materials Characterization

Archaeometry and cultural heritage have lately taken great advantage of developments in scientific techniques, offering valuable information to archaeology, art history, and conservation science, involving both instrumental and non-instrumental approaches [...]

Effect of Partial Replacement of Sand By Glass Powder with Calcium Nitrite as Admixtures On the Properties of Concrete

Every year, millions of tonnes of waste glass are produced across the world. Glass is disposed of as garbage in landfills, which is unsustainable since it does not breakdown in the environment. Silica is the main component of glass. The use of milled (ground) waste glass as a partial replacement for cement in concrete might be a significant step toward the creation of environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and cost-effective infrastructure systems. When waste glass is ground down to micron-sized particles, it is called micro glass. It is believed that it would undergo pozzolanic reactions with cement hydrates, resulting in secondary Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C–S–H). Chemical characteristics of clear and tinted glass were assessed in this study. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique was used to analyse the chemical composition of glass and cement samples, and it revealed slight changes in composition between clear and tinted glasses. Flow and compressive strength experiments on mortar and concrete were conducted by adding 0–25% ground glass, with the water to binder (cement + glass) ratio being constant for all replacement levels. With the inclusion of glass, mortar flow rose somewhat, with a small influence on Further experiments were undertaken using the same mix parameters and a 1% super plasticizing admixture dosage (by weight of cement) to analyse the packing and pozzolanic effects, and usually observed an improvement in compressive strength of mortars with admixture. Concrete cube samples were made and evaluated for strength in the same way as mortar samples were (until 1 year curing). When compared to control samples, the compressive strength of recycled glass mortar and concrete was found to be higher. The financial and environmental benefits of replacing 20% of cement with waste glass were determined to be compelling.

Assessment of the Effect of Soil Sample Preparation, Water Content and Excitation Time on Proximal X-ray Fluorescence Sensing.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy offers a fast and efficient method for analysing soil elemental composition, both in the laboratory and the field. However, the technique is sensitive to spectral interference as well as physical and chemical matrix effects, which can reduce the precision of the measurements. We systematically assessed the XRF technique under different sample preparations, water contents, and excitation times. Four different soil samples were used as blocks in a three-way factorial experiment, with three sample preparations (natural aggregates, ground to ≤2 mm and ≤1 mm), three gravimetric water contents (air-dry, 10% and 20%), and three excitation times (15, 30 and 60 s). The XRF spectra were recorded and gave 540 spectra in all. Elemental peaks for Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe and Cu were identified for analysis. We used analysis of variance (anova) with post hoc tests to identify significant differences between our factors and used the intensity and area of the elemental peaks as the response. Our results indicate that all of these factors significantly affect the XRF spectrum, but longer excitation times appear to be more defined. In most cases, no significant difference was found between air-dry and 10% water content. Moisture has no apparent effect on coarse samples unless ground to 1 mm. We suggested that the XRF measurements that take 60 s from dry samples or only slightly moist ones might be an optimum option under field conditions.

Advances on microLIBS and microXRF mineralogical and elemental quantitative imaging

Mineralogical and petrographic studies require analytical methods capable to underline the repartition of major to trace elements within geological samples. The EPMA (Electron Probe Micro Analyzer) conventional method used for such investigation, but on restrictive zones, is on the verge to be reached by μLIBS (micro Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) and μXRF (micro X-Ray Fluorescence) techniques allowing the elemental imaging on thin rock sections or even larger samples in only several hours. These spectroscopic methods with extremely fast acquisition speed (~10 ms/pixel) are perfectly adapted to perform multi-elemental imaging of major to trace elements down to the ppm-level. Here, on a mica schist thin section that displays a wide paragenesis of minerals, μLIBS and μXRF quantitative elemental mapping are obtained using EPMA spot analyses as internal reference compositions. We exhibit the precision of the μLIBS and μXRF quantitative elemental imaging for major and trace elements repartition in an entire thin/thick rock section. According to these oxide weight contents, a rapid mineral classification is obtained, with a good discrimination between minerals even for those with similar compositions (alumino-silicates such as andalusite and kyanite) and within a complex matrix (Fe-oxides, quartz, micas, feldspars…).