Application of a Portable Txrf Spectrometer to Determine Trace Amounts of Toxic Elements

Using a portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, a sample containing 100 pg each of 3d transition metals, 500 pg of As, and 1 ng each of Sr, Y, and Zr is measured. Although non-monochromatic X-rays from a 5 W X-ray tube (Tube voltage: 25 kV) are used, the trace amounts of these elements are detected. This portable spectrometer is applied to analysis of river water, a leaching solution of a toy, and a lipstick. Several ppb concentrations each of elements in river water are detected. Lead is detected from the leaching solution of the toy. Transition metal elements such as Ti, Mn, and Fe are detected from the lipstick. This portable spectrometer is possible to be applied to an evaluation of environmental pollution and screening for toxic elements in products for daily use.