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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
10:44
Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies
Published on: July 1, 2016
Quantification of metals in river water using a portable EDXRF system
F L Melquiades1, P S Parreira, C R Appoloni
1Physics Department, State University of Center West, Rua Presidente Zacarias, 875, Zip Code 85015-430 Guarapuava, PR, Brasil. fmelquiades@unicentro.br
Summary
Portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) accurately quantified multiple metals in water. This method enabled rapid analysis of 14 membranes within a 4-hour field study.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Material Science
Background:
- Accurate quantification of metals in water is crucial for environmental monitoring and public health.
- Traditional methods for metal analysis can be time-consuming and require laboratory settings.
- Portable analytical systems offer potential for rapid, on-site environmental assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) system for quantifying metals in water.
- To determine the range of metal concentrations measurable with the EDXRF system.
- To assess the feasibility of using EDXRF for rapid, field-based membrane analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) system for metal analysis.
- Prepared and measured water samples using the EDXRF system.
- Analyzed 14 membranes within a 4-hour field work period.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified and quantified several metals in water, including Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb.
- Achieved quantification ranges in mg L(-1) for the specified metals (e.g., Fe: 1.66-0.035, Pb: 1.01-0.85).
- Demonstrated the ability to process, measure, and analyze 14 membranes in just 4 hours.
Conclusions:
- The portable EDXRF system is effective for the on-site quantification of metals in water.
- The EDXRF method allows for rapid analysis, significantly reducing the time required for environmental sample assessment.
- This technology facilitates efficient field-based monitoring and analysis of water quality through membrane analysis.
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