Portable X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Organic Amendments: A Review

Portable XRF spectrometry (pXRF) has recently undergone significant technological improvements and is being applied in a wide range of studies. Despite pXRF advantages, this technique rarely been used to characterize organic amendments residues. This article reviews those studies undertaken date which these products. Published show that correctly measures elements such as Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ca, K but gives conflicting results for Cr, Ni, As. Among the reasons may cause low performance with certain or under measurement conditions would be inadequacy analytical comparison procedures (i.e., digestion aqua regia), lack knowledge interfering effects matter, sample moisture on signals need standardized protocol performing measurements. However, speed cost procedure forecast greater future use technique, especially cooperation other fast spectroscopic techniques based near-infrared (NIRS) mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopies. Chemometric one more will allow prediction below detection limit instruments (Cd, Hg), properties (organic N, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity).