Assessment of field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for the in situ determination of heavy metals in soils and plants

Abstract

In soil pollution studies, large numbers of soil samples collected at random need to be processed and analyzed to determine their heavy metal contents. This study was designed to assess the use of a field portable X-ray fluorescence (FPXRF) spectrometry system for the in situ determination of heavy metal levels in both soil and plant samples. First, we optimised the method using 84 reference soil standards and soil samples from known polluted sites. The optimised method was then used to determine heavy metals at three abandoned mine sites and two sealed landfills in central Spain. Given that knowledge of heavy metal levels in plants is important for the ecotoxicological study of these sites, the FPXRF device was also used to determine heavy metals in plants. Our results indicate the acceptable to high quality of the data provided by the system especially for soil samples. The cost-benefits and sustainability of this instrument in relation to other techniques were also examined. The use of the FPXRF system for the study of potentially polluted sites was found to save on costs, time and materials. Results indicate its suitable use for the preliminary screening of heavy-metal polluted sites.

On-site quantitation of arsenic in drinking water by disk solid-phase extraction/mobile X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

“…If mobile XRF spectrometry could evaluate the concentrations of chemical substances in environmental water, the investigation of water quality could be conducted simultaneously with a survey of the surrounding environment such as soil [15,16], minerals [17,18], and waste [19] in the field. This would be helpful in the rapid specification and removal of pollutant sources.…”

Metal contamination at recreational boatyards linked to the use of antifouling paints—investigation of soil and sediment with a field portable XRF

“…Yet another factor which could have influenced the Pb results is the occurrence of interferences. Gutiérrez-Ginés et al ( 2013 ) also reported inaccuracy for Pb at lower concentrations. In their discussion, they mention the possibility of interference from As.…”

Benefits of the Use of Sewage Sludge over EDTA to Remediate Soils Polluted with Heavy Metals

“…According to prior knowledge of the concentrations and distributions of pollutants at this site (Gutiérrez‐Ginés et al, 2013), we collected soil from the most polluted zone for our experiment. The topsoil layer (0–20 cm) was carefully collected using a hoe to avoid disrupting its structure after cutting all vegetation back to the soil surface.…”

“…W hen trying to ameliorate the impacts of old abandoned mines on land ecosystems, the main problems faced are related to high concentrations of phytotoxic metals in top soil layers (Gutiérrez‐Ginés et al, 2013), along with low soil nutrient contents. Some researchers have highlighted that soils containing heavy metals are among the most difficult to restore.…”