Application of Small-Spot Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Instrumentation in Phytoremediation Activities around Metal Mines

Abstract

In view of the considerable number of analyses necessary in phytoremediation and plant biology studies, it is important that the analytical procedures used for elemental determination in plant tissues should be fast and cheap, with simple sample preparation, and of adequate accuracy and precision. The aim of the present work was focused on the possibilities and drawbacks of a low-cost benchtop energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) instrument to be used as an analytical technique for studying the potential use of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) for the phytoremediation of an abandoned Pb/Zn mining area. The simplicity and the ability to operate at room temperature and open air conditions provides a flexible setup for the rapid analysis of vegetation material without complicated previous sample pretreatments. With the help of different collimator caps, a modest lateral resolution (from 200 mum to 1 mm) was achieved and it was thought to be small enough to study the accumulation of Pb and Zn and its distribution between parts of the vegetation specimens (roots, stems, and leaves); the limits of detection achieved (0.6 ng for Zn and 3.0 ng for Pb) proved to be suitable for the intended purpose. Therefore, obtained data revealed that EDXRF spectrometry could be a useful tool to better understand the metal uptake, translocation, and tolerance mechanisms in vegetation species related to biomonitoring and phytoremediation studies.

Application of X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry in plant science: Solutions, threats, and opportunities

“…In particular, high accuracy, precision, versatility, sensitivity, and advanced standard-less calibration strategies make WDXRF an excellent technique for the quick analysis of major, minor, and trace elements. [61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68] In addition, the use of the analyzing crystals such as LiF (200) and PET (002), it is quite easy to detect lighter elements (low Z) more accurately and precisely. Recently, WDXRF spectroscopy has been used to investigate the elemental changes in the nematode-infested roots of papaya plants and okra plants.…”

“…[ 67 ] They quantified the macronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), micronutrients (Mn, Fe, and Zn), and other elements (As, Al, Co, Na, Sr, and Pb) in plant samples using calibration curve methods. The WDXRF method has been used by Margui et al [ 68 ] for the trace element detection of some vegetative samples such as some vascular plants ( Betula pendula , Buddlei daviddii , Quercus robur and Pinus sylvestris ), grasses ( Bromus spp. ), and mosses ( Leucobym sp.…”

“…), these elements are in the largest amount. [ 68 ] WDXRF and flame atomic absorption spectroscopic (FAAS) technique were used by Camas et al [ 79 ] to determine the qualitative information of tobacco leaves at the elemental level. [ 79 ] The results obtained from both the methods showed almost the similar pattern, and no significant difference was observed between the concentrations of elements when compared to the standard reference materials tobacco leaves of CTA‐OTL‐1 (Oriental tobacco level).…”

“…Finally, the authors concluded that Tahiti lemon leaves were more affected by fumagina disease. The XRF method has been used by Margui et al [ 68 ] also used EDXRF technique for the trace elemental detection of some vegetative samples such as Betula pendula , Buddlei daviddii , Quercus robur , and P. sylvestris ), grasses ( Bromus spp . ), and mosses ( Leucobym sp .…”