Fast Elemental Screening of Soil and Sediment Profiles Using Small-Spot Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence: Application to Mining Sediments Geochemistry

Abstract

Elemental analysis of different sediment cores originating from the Cartagena-La Union mining district in Spain was carried out by means of a programmable small-spot energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer to study the distribution of heavy metals along soil profiles. Cores were obtained from upstream sediments of a mining creek, from the lowland sedimentation plain, and from a mining landfill dump (tailings pile). A programmable two-dimensional (2D) stage and a focal spot resolution of 600 μm allow us to obtain complete core mapping. Geochemical results were verified using a more powerful wavelength-dispersion X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) technique. The data obtained was processed in order to study the statistical correlations within the elemental compositions. The results obtained allow us to observe the differential in-depth distribution of heavy metals among the sampled zones. Dump site cores exhibit a homogeneous distribution of heavy metals, whereas the alluvial plain core shows accumulation of heavy metals in the upper part. This approach can be useful for the fast screening of heavy metals in depositional environments around mining sites.

In situ, noninvasive characterization of superhydrophobic coatings

“…Similar studies were performed using a laser beam to investigate the effect of the surface structure on longevity. 17 In biology, it was used to detect and classify bacterial pathogens. We used an optical spectroscopy system to quantify the intensity of reflected light in the visible range scattered from a superhydrophobic surface completely submerged in a controlled water vessel.…”

The State of Critical and Strategic Metals Recovery and the Role of Nuclear Techniques in the Separation Technologies Development: Review

“…The findings from the EDXRF can assist in the classification of the method to be applied in the disposal of mining wastes [80]. The method can also be applied in determining the geochemistry of the sedimentary mining cores in polluted regions, since the technique guarantees high resolution [81]. That is because the method has significant capabilities of analyzing the material directly after piercing the core in half.…”