A modeling method based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was introduced to analyze the concentration of chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic and lead in soil with a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. A total of 111 soil samples were collected and observed. Denoising and baseline correction were performed on each spectrum before modeling. The optimum conditions for pre-processing were...

Antarctica and especially its ice sheets play a major role in both the global ocean current system and climate. The ANDRILL (Antarctic Geological Drilling) MIS deep drilling project (McMurdo Sound, NE Ross Ice Shelf, drilled core AND-1B during austral summer 2006/2007) is located in a flexural moat basin filled with glaciomarine, terrigenous, volcanic, and biogenic sediments (Horgan et al., 200...

century. The process involved polishing a silver coated copper plate, made photo sensitive by exposure to halogens, then exposed to light, and finally coated with gold. This complex, intricate process has yielded some of the most iconic images of the 19 th century. Unfortunately, in some instances plate interaction with storage materials have yielded objects ranging from pristine to disfigured....

Synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (XRF) combined with scanning electron microscopy-based energy dispersive micro-analysis (EDS) has been used to determine the elemental distribution of contaminants (e.g., Ni) and of chemical elements inherent to the cement matrix (e.g., Si, Ca, Al, S) in hardened cement paste. Detailed information on the cement microstructure was gained by using backsc...

In vivo X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurement of bone lead concentration (XRF) has emerged as an important technique for future epidemiological studies of long-term toxicity. Several issues germane to epidemiologic methodology need to be addressed, however. First, sources of variability in measurements of bone lead need to be quantified, including imprecision related to the physical measurement ...

A test bench instrument constructed at MOXTEK, Inc. is capable of simultaneously capturing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) information using a charge-coupled device (CCD) as the X-ray detector. NASA is funding the instrument’s construction because of its low-power consumption and compact size; it could be used for in-situ planetary exploration missions for mineral analysis....

Non-destructive analysis of cultural objects by micro-XRF spectrometry is an advantageous multi-element technique that has rapidly developed during the past few years. Portable instruments contribute significantly to the in situ analysis of valuable cultural objects, which cannot be transported to the laboratory. Ancient ceramics are the most common archaeological findings and they carry a sign...

The classic approach to preparation of XRF specimens of inhomogeneous materials is the method of flux/fusion. This technique has not been applied to automotive catalysts because they utilize large quantities of precious metals (Pt, Pd, Rh) that are reduced at typical fusion temperatures and agglomerate and alloy with the crucible walls, leading to erratic losses of the precious metals. This eff...