Applicability of direct total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for multielement analysis of geological and environmental objects

The research aim is to demonstrate our experience in the applicability of TXRF analysis of various geological and environmental objects using minimal sample treatment. The study was focused on the evaluation of different factors affecting the TXRF results obtained for solid and liquid samples such as rock, mineral, ore, and natural water. Powdered geological samples were prepared as suspensions. Natural water samples were analyzed directly or after dilution. Testing various experimental parameters, e.g. sample amount, type of dispersant, and others was performed. For chosen conditions of the sample preparation procedure analytical figures of merit were estimated. Presented analytical results display the possibilities of TXRF applications in geological and environmental fields.