ecology
Analysis of grounds
X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive general purpose spectrometer BRA-135F
Main applicability of XSFA in ecology is determination of toxic elements in soils (ground, bottom sediments), natural and effluent waters and in air samples. The most complete information on non-organic and heteroorganic noxious substances used in production and their permissible concentrations in various environments can be found in the book by N. V. Lazareva ”Noxious Substances in Production"/ Vol. 3. Non-Organic and Heteroorganic Compounds, M., 2013, page 608.
As for agricultural soils, regulatory documents limit the content of some toxic metals. They include Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr. The permissible limits 130, 2, 2.1, 10, 220, 132, 80, 6 µg/g are correspondingly.
Not only the content of toxic elements but the portion thereof which is soluble in soil waters (moving forms) are essential for soils. Permissible limits for moving forms are defined for Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni. They are equal to 6, 23, 3 and 4 µg/g, correspondingly. After being withdrawn the moving forms may be detected according to the water analysis procedure. The total content of toxic elements in soils, ground and bottom sediments is determined according to the rock analysis procedure, or after sample solution - according to the water analysis procedure.
Analysis of Drinking, Natural and Effluent Waters
X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive general purpose spectrometer BRA-135F
Maximum admissible concentrations (MAC) of toxic metal in drinking waters are given in Table.
| Element | Ni | Cu | Zn | As | Se | Sr | Cd | Ba | Hg | Pb |
|---|
| MAC, mg/dm3 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 5.0 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 7.0 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 0.001 | 0.01 |
As it follows from the table, these concentrations are very low for most elements, and almost all of them have been regulated by the relevant GOST until recently. Methods of these GOSTs is based on atomic absorption, atomic emission, or photocolorimetry.
But there are measurement methods for determination of weigh fractions of V, Bi, Fe, Co, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn concentrations in drinking, natural and effluent waters by the X-ray fluorescence method after concentrating on cellulose DETATA filters, using XSFA. Table contains the data on metrological characteristics of some such methods.
| Component | Measurement range |
|---|
| Water (mg/dm3) | Air (mg/dm3) | Soil (mg/kg) |
|---|
| Chrome | 0.01 - 1.0 | 0.0005 – 1.0 | 3.0 – 10.0 |
| Ferrum | 0.005 – 1.0 | 0.005 – 1.0 | Not controlled |
| Bismuth | 0.005 – 1.0 | 0.0005 – 1.0 | Not controlled |
| Manganese | 0.005 – 1.0 | 0.0005 – 1.0 | 300 – 1500 |
| Cobalt | 0.005 – 1.0 | .0005 – 1.0 | 2.0 – 10.0 |
| Nickel | 0.005 – 1.0 | 0.0001 - 1.0 | 2.0 - 8.0 |
| Copper | 0.005 – 1.0 | 0.0005 – 1.0 | 1.5 – 6.0 |
| Lead | 0.005 – 1.0 | 0.0001- 1.0 | 3.0 – 10.0 |
| Zinc | 0.005 – 1.0 | 0.005 – 1.0 | 10.0 – 40.0 |
| Mercury | 0.005 – 0.1 | Not controlled | 1.0 – 4.0 |
Note. Air analysis requires air filter burning and residual solution. As for soils, both analysis of moving forms and determination of total content (after sample solution) are possible.
These data have been obtained for the wave dispersion spectrometer but the same results are applicable to BRA-135 due to its high sensitivity
Analysis of Airborne Fine Dust
X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive general purpose spectrometer BRA-135F
MACs of some airborne heavy metals are given in Table.
Element | Cr | Mn | Fe | Co | Ni | Cu | Zn | Cd | Hg | Pb |
MAC, mg/m3 | 0.01 | 0.3 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 0.05 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.05 | 0.1 | 0.01 |
Air samples are taken by pumping air through special air filters with the approximate area of 20 – 40 cm2 with the regulated speed of 10 – 20 dm3/s. Due to large filter area and irregular distribution of the controlled element over their surface, a regular X-ray spectrometer does not ensure their reliable measurement. After filter burning and ash solution, the content of heavy metals may be found by water XSFA methods. The existing GOSTs recommend water analysis procedures for the analysis of air filters after their burning and ash solution.
Analysis of Industrial Waste
X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive general purpose spectrometer BRA-135F
The RF Federal law No. 89-ФЗ dated June 24, 1998 defines the legal basis to treat industrial and consumption waste to prevent harmful influence thereof on human health and environment, and to involve such waste into the economic turnover as additional sources of raw materials. Special attention is given to waste containing toxic substances, first of all the following metals: Cd, Hg, Be, As, Sb, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and others. The main sources of harmful industrial waste are mining, enrichment, metallurgy, machine-building and chemical enterprises, the main sources of household waste – spent batteries and accumulators (Cd, Ni, Pb) and energy-saving fluorescent tubes (Hg). No doubt that even discussion of possible analysis of unauthorized disposal areas and dumps makes hardly any sense. However energy dispersion XSFA of ore bed overburdens, mill tailings and steelworks slags is quite appropriate.
Geo-ecological research
General-Purpose X-ray diffractometers DRON-7(M) and DRON-8
X-ray diffractormeters DRON-7 and DRON-8 are essential in control of the state of cultural sites and architectural monuments exposed to adverse impact of the urban environment, and for control of solid industrial waste, waste water mud in areas of hazardous production facilities.