Methods of Preparing Reference Soil Samples for Non-Destructive XRF-Analysis

Abstract

Experimental studies of the selection of the most optimal homogenization, sample preparation procedure, and sample pressing parameters have been conducted. Reference samples were selected including eference standards with certified values of the content of elements and oxides. For enhancement of concentration ranges determined, 8 background samples with the most typical chemical composition in the STS territory were additionally selected. The content of elements in samples was certified by mass- and atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-AES). Pressed pellets were prepared, a semi-quantitative X-ray fluorescent analysis (XRF analysis) of 8 samples with the known content was carried out by the ‘best detection’ to identify systematic discrepancies in determining compositions of samples using a destructive and non-destructive analytical technique and sample preparation.