“…Through the automatization of computer-controlled EPXMA it has become possible to analyse several hundred particles in a relatively short time, say a few hours. This technique is increasingly being used for the analysis of atmospheric aerosol particles (3), asbestos fibers (4), mineral inclusions in coal samples (5), and similar applications. However, it has seldomly been used in geochemical studies on sediments and suspension particles from the aquatic environment.…”