Ziel
The objective of the project is to demonstrate the use of two analytical techniques with good accuracy and sensitivity for quantifying pollutants, such as Hg, Cd, As, among others. The techniques to be used are PIXE (Porton Induced X-Ray Emission), EDXRF (Energy- Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence), and TXRF (Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence).
These techniques cover a wide range of atomic number and permit the detection of these elements in low-level concentrations in air, water, sediments, and biological samples. The techniques are to be calibrated, checked, and applied to the environmental pollution assessment in real cases.
An advanced analysis instrument for multielement analyses has been put into operation. 3 different techniques were tested: proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). The aim was to check each of these techniques for their suitability for performing multielement analyses of waters, wastewaters, biological, sediments and contaminated soil samples for research and on a commercial routine basis.
It was shown that PIXE and EDXRF were mutually complementary. Both yielded results that were also comparable to atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) measurements, but they are cheaper than AAS if more then 5 elements were to be determined in a matrix. The most efficient of the new trace element monitoring techniques, however, was shown to be TXRF: apart from having detection limits approximately 3 orders of magnitude lower than PIXE and EDXRF, its economy turned out to be far superior. Thus, a leading Portuguese institution is now equipped with one of the most advanced instruments of its kind for routine monitoring of the elements contained in the environment, enabling Portuguese authorities to perform cost efficient and yet precise monitoring of the state of environmental contamination. The analysis of waters, wastewaters, biological and soil and sediment samples have demonstrated the superior performance and reliability of the TXRF instrument.
The INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE ENGENHARIA E TECNOLOGIA INDUSTRIAL (INETI) at Lisbon has put TXRF, an advanced analysis instrument for multi-element analyses, into operation. The test of the instrument, staff training and demonstration of the instrument's performance were assisted by the European Commission within the frame of the ACE 89 programme for the demonstration projects on clean technologies and monitoring and rehabilitation of contaminated sites.
Three different techniques were tested within the project which was performed in the period of November, 1990, through December, 1993: Proton-Induced X-Ray emission (PIXE), Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), and Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF). The aim was to check each of these techniques for their suitability for performing multi-element analyses of contaminated soil samples on a commercial routine basis.
It could be shown that PIXE and EDXRF were mutually complementary. Both yielded results that were comparable to Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) measurements, being, however, cheaper than AAS if more than five elements were to be determined in a matrix. The most efficient of new trace element monitoring techniques, however, was shown to be TXRF: apart from detection limits being approximately three orders of magnitude lower than with PIXE and EDXRF, its economy turned out to be far superior to theirs.
Thus, a leading Portuguese institution is now equipped with one of the most advanced instruments of its kind for routine monitoring of the elements contained in environmental contaminants, enabling Portuguese authorities to perform cost-efficient and yet precise monitoring of the state of environmental contamination. First checks analyzing soil and sediment samples have demonstrated the superior performance and reliability of the TXRF instrument. The approval of INETI as a certified laboratory for TXRF measurements is being applied for.
Programm/Programme
Thema/Themen
Data not availableAufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung
Data not availableFinanzierungsplan
DEM - Demonstration contractsKoordinator
1600 Lisboa
Portugal