A review of pXRF (field portable X-ray fluorescence) applications for applied geochemistry

Abstract

In the last thirty years, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) has grown from prototypes to being a key technique for field geochemical analyses, especially for mining and environmental applications. This technology provides real-time or near real-time decision support for operational field decisions (exploration, mining, site remediation or waste management), provides a cost-saving alternative to classical laboratory analysis programs, and deals efficiently with remote or harsh field conditions. The ability to rapidly collect a large number of samples and replicate analyses facilitates acquisition of higher data density compatible with geostatistics.pXRF can be used profitably for sample screening and selection tasks, dynamic sampling plans based on field observations and measurements, grid mapping of a site and determining relative element abundance. In waste management and remediation, pXRF is used to identify unknown waste composition, and verify waste loads before disposal or treatment.In all applications, having robust QA/QC plans and systematic laboratory controls on selected samples are essential for ensuring reliable measurements. The best overall results are usually achieved through a clever combination of field (pXRF) and lab data, with pXRF providing the bulk of the data at low cost, on larger data sets and potentially with better reliability than lab-based campaigns based on a limited number of samples.

The Influence of Spectral Interferences on Critical Element Determination with Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF)

“…1 LOD for quartz matrix is specified by Bruker at 3σ confidence level and 120 s measurement time. 2 LOD for CRM groups is based on 3σ of repeat measurements of CRM with the lowest concentration of the element of interest. When no data were available for an element (<LOD), the 3σ computed by instrument was adopted as LOD.…”

“…The latest generation of field portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometers yields quantitative geochemical data and, therefore, is increasingly used in a wide range of applications [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The potential of quick in situ analysis coupled with the instant display of results makes this technology particularly appealing for the mining industry.…”

Predictions of Cu, Zn, and Cd Concentrations in Soil Using Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Measurements

“…However, wet chemistry laboratory analyses can be expensive, time-consuming, and destructive to the sample [9,10]. The portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) technology is becoming an interesting option as it is a cheap, fast, and non-destructive method for analyzing element concentrations in soil samples [11]. This makes it very suitable for tasks where high sampling density is needed (e.g., mapping and geostatistics) [12].…”

pXRF method development for elemental analysis of archaeological soil

“…It can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis in a range of industries including agriculture, environmental, metalworking, plastics, textiles and archaeology (Weindorf et al . 2014b; Rouillon and Taylor 2016; Lemière 2018). Traditional XRF involves lab‐based equipment, such as energy‐dispersive XRF and wavelength‐dispersive XRF (the latter achieving higher sensitivity at the cost of significantly more time and expense).…”