EDXRF / XRF Environmental Analysis for Heavy Metals

For characterization and remediation of contaminated soils, sediments, and sludges, EDXRF (XRF) analysis provides quick and reliable assays. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence is a standard technique recognized by the U.S. EPA and is routinely employed to determine heavy metal concentrations (RCRA metals) in soils and sediments.

In addition to soils, Rigaku XRF spectrometers may use used with the UltraCarry® technique to quantify trace metals in aqueous (water) samples down to part-per-billion levels. Rigaku's technology and know-how provide a number of unique solutions for environmental determinations:

Soil and sediment analysis without standards 

The Rigaku NEX CG EDXRF is powered by a new qualitative and quantitative analytical software, RPF-SQX, that allows semi-quantitative analysis of almost all sample types without standards - and rigorous quantitative analysis with standards. The software can automatically estimate the concentration of unobserved low atomic number elements (H to F) and provide appropriate corrections. RPF-SQX greatly reduces the number of required standards, for a given level of calibration fit, as compared to conventional XRF analytical software.

UltraCarry for trace elements in water and wastewater 

With the patented Rigaku UltraCarry, you can use your Rigaku NEX CG EDXRF spectrometer to quantify trace elements in aqueous liquids down to parts-per-billion (ppb) concentration levels. Routine elemental analysis of contaminated water, or industrial wastewater, can now be performed without the web labs associated with Atomic Absorption (AA) or Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) instruments. UltraCarry based trace element analysis is suitable for use by non-technical personnel.

Environment information and resources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Contaminated Sediments Science Priorities (PDF) - US EPA 2004
• "Issues: Water" - from Natural Resources Defense Council (US non-profit)
• Digital Water Education Library - teaching resources - Colorado State University
• Water pollution advice for businesses - United Kingdom
• Bibliography on Water Resources and International Law -  The Netherlands
• EUGRIS - Portal for Soil and Water Management in Europe
• CADDIS - US EPA guide for identifying pollution problems
• European Portal for Soil and Water Management
• Soil Contamination in China
• U.S. Superfund Sites - US EPA
• Wikipedia: Soil pollution
• Wikipedia: Toxic waste
• Wikipedia: Water pollution